Investigating extended producer responsibility for construction and demolition waste in Malta

Abstract

The construction industry significantly contributes to waste generation, with Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste comprising a substantial portion of total waste in the European Union and the Maltese Islands. Malta heavily relies on landfilling for waste disposal, leading to environmental problems and visual impacts. The rapid growth of construction projects in Malta exerts pressure on existing landfills, potentially necessitating the creation of new disposal sites, which exacerbates the issue due to limited space availability. This study proposed the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for C&D waste management in Malta. EPR mandates that producers of waste are held accountable for the environmental impact of their products, encouraging them to minimize end-of-life costs through recycling, reduced material usage, and product disassembly. The study aimed to explore the possibility of implementing EPR for C&D waste management in Malta. The research design for this study was qualitative, utilizing semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the construction industry, including developers, regulators, and quarry operators. An examination of both national and international literature, as well as legal frameworks, was conducted to achieve the research objectives. The study’s conclusions indicate several barriers to the introduction of an EPR scheme for C&D waste, including the need for enhancement of the regulatory framework, improved enforcement and monitoring, better collaboration between stakeholders, and increased awareness of sustainable practices. By addressing these barriers, Malta could effectively implement an EPR scheme, potentially transforming its C&D waste management practices and reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry.