One of the most overlooked—but essential—aspects of settling into life in Malta is understanding how waste collection and recycling work. Whether you’re in a flat in Sliema, a farmhouse in Gozo, or a shared apartment in Msida, you’ll need to follow local guidelines for rubbish disposal and recycling.
In this post, we break down everything you need to know about Malta’s waste system so you can avoid fines, respect local practices, and do your part for the environment.
Why It Matters
Unlike in some countries where bins are collected from your doorstep regardless of sorting, Malta has strict rules and schedules for collecting different types of waste. If you don’t follow them properly, your rubbish might not get picked up—or worse, you could face a fine.
How Waste Collection Works in Malta
Waste collection is managed by the local councils (Ħal Konsill Lokali). Each town or village has its own schedule and slightly different arrangements, but the national colour-coding system for bags is consistent throughout the islands.
Types of Waste and Their Colours:
- Organic Waste – Brown bags
- Recyclables – Grey or green bags
- General Waste – Black bags
- Glass – Transparent containers (collected monthly)
You’ll usually receive a printed collection schedule from your local council when you register your address, or you can find it online by searching for “[your locality] waste collection schedule Malta”.
Where to Get the Bags
Each locality provides free garbage bags every few months. You’ll usually get a pack with all the necessary colours, and collection details printed on each roll. They’re typically distributed from:
- Local council offices
- Community centres
- Occasionally delivered door-to-door
If you run out, you can also buy matching-colour bags from supermarkets or stationery shops, but only the approved colours will be collected.
Typical Collection Schedule (Example)
Each town has its own routine, but here’s an example from a central locality like Gżira:
- Monday – Organic Waste
- Tuesday – Recyclables
- Wednesday – General Waste
- Thursday – Organic Waste
- Friday – Recyclables
- Saturday – No collection
- Sunday – General Waste
Glass collection is usually once a month, and you need to place it outside in a hard, transparent container (not a bag).
How to Dispose of Bulky Items
If you need to get rid of furniture, large appliances, or mattresses, don’t dump them by the roadside. Instead, contact your local council to arrange a free bulky waste collection. Some councils allow you to book online, while others prefer phone or email requests.
Failing to arrange proper collection can lead to hefty fines, and leaving bulky items outside is considered illegal dumping.
Recycling in Malta: What Goes Where?
✔️ Recyclable (Grey/Green Bag)
- Plastic bottles, containers
- Cardboard and paper
- Metal cans and tins
- Clean food packaging
❌ Not for Recycling
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Plastic bags (unless marked recyclable)
- Broken glass (goes in glass collection)
Make sure recyclables are clean and dry—otherwise, the entire bag may be treated as general waste.
Food Waste and Organic Collection
Malta introduced organic waste collection to reduce landfill pressure. Brown bags should be used for:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Cooked and uncooked food
- Coffee grounds, tea bags
- Paper towels and napkins
Do not include plastic, metal, or liquids in these bags.
What About Shared Housing?
In shared accommodation, it’s important to have a system so that:
- Everyone knows the collection schedule
- Bags are taken out on the right days
- Rubbish is sorted properly
You might want to hang the collection schedule near the entrance or kitchen as a reminder. Councils don’t pick up bags left out on the wrong day—or if they’re the wrong colour.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Put bags out between 6pm and 8pm the night before collection (exact time varies by council)
- Don’t leave bags out on non-collection days—it’s a fineable offence
- Use approved bags only; plain black/white bags from abroad may be ignored
- Rinse recyclables and avoid overfilling bags
- Keep glass containers safe and secure to prevent injury
What If You Get It Wrong?
Council inspectors or collection workers may leave your bag behind with a sticker explaining the issue. Common problems include:
- Wrong bag colour
- Unsuitable items inside
- Putting bags out too early
Repeat offenders may be fined, and for rental properties, this could lead to issues with your landlord too.
Apps and Resources
Some councils are now using digital tools to help residents:
- Bin It Malta (unofficial but helpful app with general info)
- Local council websites with collection calendars
- Facebook pages for localities often post reminders and updates
Final Thoughts
Malta’s waste system might seem strict at first, especially if you come from a country with a more relaxed approach. But once you understand the colour codes, schedules, and responsibilities, it becomes second nature.
By following the rules, you’ll not only avoid fines but also help Malta manage its waste more sustainably. It’s one small way expats can show respect for their new community—and keep the islands beautiful for everyone.