Malta's waste collection system is organised by local councils and the national waste management authority (WASTESERV). Collection days, times, and categories vary by locality — there is no single island-wide schedule. This guide explains how the system works, how to find your specific collection day, and the recycling system that most newcomers find confusing at first.
How to find your collection day: Contact your Local Council directly — each council publishes its collection schedule. Your landlord should know the collection days for your address. The black Bring-In Site recycling banks are the most visible part of the recycling system — they operate year-round and are not on a collection schedule you need to worry about; you bring materials to them.
How Malta's Waste System Works
Malta operates a kerbside collection system for general waste and a bring-in (drop-off) system for recyclables. The key distinction:
General waste (black/grey bags): Collected kerbside on set days determined by your locality. Usually 2–3 times per week in most areas. Bags should be placed outside by a specific time the night before or morning of collection. Check with your Local Council for exact days.
Recyclables: Malta uses the Bring-In Site (BIS) system — orange, blue, and green banks located across the island where residents drop off separated recyclables. No collection schedule to follow — you bring materials when convenient. Banks are located in car parks, village squares, and residential areas throughout Malta and Gozo.
What Goes in Each Recycling Bank
| Bank Colour | What Goes In | What to Exclude |
|---|---|---|
| 🟠 Orange | Plastic bottles, cans, metal containers, cardboard, paper | Plastic bags, foil, non-recyclable plastics |
| 🔵 Blue | Glass bottles and jars (clean, labels OK) | Window glass, mirrors, ceramics, lightbulbs |
| 🟢 Green | Clothing, shoes, textiles (clean and dry) | Wet clothing, rags, non-wearable fabric waste |
Special Collections
Bulky waste (furniture, appliances): Most councils offer periodic bulky waste collection on request — call your Local Council to schedule a pickup. Do not leave bulky items on the street without arranging collection; illegal dumping carries fines.
Electrical and electronic waste (WEEE): Free collection via WasteServ's RetailStore WEEE scheme — drop off at participating retailers (including appliance stores and electronics shops). Details at wasteserv.com.mt.
Garden waste: Some councils provide seasonal garden waste collection — check locally.
Hazardous household waste (batteries, paint, medication): Dedicated drop-off points exist at Local Council offices and WasteServ civic amenity sites (Bring-In Sites). Never put batteries or medication in general waste.
Finding Your Collection Day
The most reliable method: ask your landlord or neighbours on your street — they will know the collection days and the required bag-out time. Your Local Council (each village/town has one) publishes the schedule and can be contacted directly. The national WasteServ website (wasteserv.com.mt) provides general information. The Tallinja app and Malta council apps sometimes include waste collection reminders for specific localities.