Perceptions and compliance of Pembroke residents to the separation scheme

Abstract

Waste Management is one of the problems faced by Small Island Developing States, including Malta. This study was conducted in Pembroke to a random sample of 131 households. The objectives of this study were to determine the current number of drop-off site users, to understand residents' perceptions regarding the strengths, weaknesses and characteristics of drop off sites and their awareness of current environmental issues. Moreover, this study looks into participants' willingness to pay for unseparated mixed waste and/or the management of waste. A questionnaire was designed to meet the purpose of this study; these questionnaires were answered by Pembroke residents in one to one interviews. This study shows that 81 % of respondents in this sample, separate waste at source and then dispose of it at drop off sites. The younger age generation are more likely to make use of drop off sites (p = 0.001 ). The bins installed at the sites cater for separated inorganic waste streams - plastic, cans, glass and paper. Around 43% of participants separate all 4 waste streams. Organic waste is collected daily by refuse collectors through the door to door collection method. People residing within 200m from drop off sites, participate fully in the drop off site scheme; beyond 200m, the use of bins declines. Conveniently located bins were identified by respondents to be the ones falling within a 300m buffer zone; however, for a few, the drop off site located in Trig Alamein is most conveniently located. Very likely, this is due to its strategic nature in a well frequented area and close to several schools. Strengths identified by participants as regards to the bin design include location, accessibility, labelling and height. On the other hand, participants feel that cleaning around bins and collection rates should be stepped up. In general, the density of bins is enough to cater for the residents' waste disposal needs, but, there is a great need to introduce an additional set-up for residents living in the Luxol area. The most commonly encountered difficulty was in the inability to distinguish between organic and inorganic waste. Participants strongly recommend the need to educate the locals of Pembroke about environmental issues, the need to separate waste at source and the benefits associated to source separation. Education must be of a continuous nature and must target all key players to ascertain the success of a waste management plan. In fact, this study shows that people with a stronger educational background tend to be more environmentally conscious, disagree with incineration and reuse goods. Few paiiicipants, (14%), are willing to pay for the collection of mixed waste rather than separate their waste at source. Tenants living in social housing are against this idea (p = 0.045). This study has shown that the drop off site scheme is working in Pembroke; residents are indeed participating and cooperating with their Local Council. Other Local Councils around Malta should emulate this initiative. Source separation is a sustainable and long-term solution to our present waste management problems. A fully integrated approach is a must, and all stakeholders must be involved and participate actively.