Over 334,000 Tonnes Of Municipal Waste Generated In 2023

Dec 3 2024

In 2023, municipal waste generation in Malta rose by 2.0% compared to 2022, totalling 334,911 tonnes.

Key increases were observed in bio-waste from kitchens and canteens (7,881 tonnes), glass (5,526 tonnes), and paper/cardboard (4,947 tonnes). Meanwhile, mixed municipal waste (-15,781 tonnes) and bulky waste (-8,248 tonnes) saw notable declines.

Separate waste collection rose to 34.7% of total municipal waste, up from 27.9% in 2022.

Per capita waste generation dropped to 606 kg, a 2.0% decrease. Factoring in the net tourist equivalent population, the figure further reduced to 565 kg, marking a 2.8% decline.

Total treated municipal waste decreased by 1.5%, reaching 313,873 tonnes. Of this, 78.7% was landfilled, down from 85.8% in 2022. Landfilled waste reduced by 26,298 tonnes, with significant drops in mechanical treatment rejects and bulky waste.

However, landfilling increased for garden bio-waste (+3,884 tonnes).

Recycling saw significant growth, up 40.1% to 56,402 tonnes. Paper and cardboard dominated, accounting for nearly half of recycled waste.

Sharp increases were recorded for metals (165.1%), plastic (146.2%), and glass (66.0%). Energy recovery treatment also surged by 121.4%, reaching 9,074 tonnes, while preparation for re-use rose 26.3%, totalling 1,303 tonnes.

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Source: NSO

Police Continues Ongoing Effort Against Drug Trafficking

Dec 3 2024

The Malta Police Force have released a statement where they again highlighted their commitment to continue their ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

The Force confirmed that over the past weekend 4 individuals were arrested due to drug related crimes.

A 28-year-old Somali man residing in Gżira was arrested by the Police after he approached them near an entertainment venue in Paceville and attempted to sell them drugs.

A search revealed that he was in possession of packets containing a substance suspected to be cannabis. He was brought to court, charged with drug trafficking, aggravated possession, and being a repeat offender, as he had previously been found guilty of similar charges. He admitted to the accusations and was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a fine.

The Police also arrested a 23-year-old Somali man residing in Birżebbuġa and a 24-year-old Algerian man living in Birkirkara. They were stopped in St. Julian’s, where a search found them in possession of a substance suspected to be cannabis.

During another patrol in Paola, a 19-year-old Maltese man from Mqabba was stopped. A search of his vehicle uncovered a packet containing a substance suspected to be cocaine.

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57% Of Gen-Zers Aspire To Be Influencers

Dec 3 2024

A 2023 Morning Consult survey reveals that 57% of Gen Zers and 41% of U.S. adults aspire to be influencers.

Their motivations range from seeking fame and fortune to fostering community and expressing creativity through social media, according to Victoria Bachan, president of talent at influencer agency Whalar.

However, the path to becoming a successful creator is more demanding than it may appear.

Taylor Lorenz, tech and culture expert, likens the role to running an independent media company, emphasising the misconception of its ease. “Most startups fail, and most media startups fail too,” she notes.

Globally, there are 4.2 billion social media users, but only 4.7%—around 200 million—monetise their content, according to Linktree’s 2022 Creator Report. For those who do earn, many struggle to make a living.

A 2023 NeoReach survey of over 2,000 creators found that nearly half earn $15,000 or less annually, while fewer than 29% make more than $50,000.

Despite these challenges, the influencer dream remains strong, appealing to those drawn by the potential for creativity, connection, and financial success. For many, however, the reality involves hard work, persistence, and navigating a competitive and uncertain industry.

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Local Baker Makes Spectacular Christmas Castle Out Of Cake

Dec 3 2024

Local baker and photographer Joseph Galea has amazed many with his stunning traditional Maltese Christmas Castle, crafted entirely from cake and frosting.

In a video, Joseph is seen carefully assembling the intricate creation, complete with details like a Maltese flag and a Westin Hotel flag adorning the top of the castle.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joseph Galea (@galea_j)

The masterpiece features traditional Maltese crosses incorporated throughout the design, adding a distinctly local touch.

To complement the festive theme, the castle is decorated with Christmas trees and wreaths, enhancing its magical holiday charm.

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