Waste reduction initiatives and sustainable practices took centre stage on 22 April, as  WasteServ hosted the 13th edition of Malta Waste Reduction Awards. 

Held annually as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction, the initiative brings together  public administrations, schools, businesses, NGOs and individuals that implement inspiring  initiatives that transform awareness into real change. This year’s edition focused on electronic  waste, highlighting how collective effort can help address one of the fastest-growing problems in Europe. 

This year’s awards received 160 actions submitted by 68 participants, with winners selected  by an independent panel of experts. 

Speaking during the awards ceremony, Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli commended  this year’s participants for their innovative actions. “Today, we are not only celebrating actions  that reduce waste, but also the importance that places sustainability at the heart of our  decision-making. Through substantial investments, new policies and the active participation  of the public, we are seeing tangible results in waste management. We are investing not only  in the environment for future generations, but also in a better quality of life today by creating  more green and open spaces within our communities,” said Minister Dalli. 

WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca highlighted the importance of recognising practical actions  that go beyond awareness. “The European Week for Waste Reduction is an important  opportunity to celebrate the public’s commitment to reducing waste. Initiatives such as these  continue to show how much the younger generation truly cares about the environment. For  this reason, at WasteServ we will continue to work towards creating a better environment for  future generations by driving the country further towards a more circular economy,” said Mr Bilocca. 

During the same ceremony, WasteServ also recognised the efforts of Malta’s Regional  Councils through the Waste Management Awards, which acknowledge consistent  commitment to improved waste management practices within localities. Awards were  presented to the Port Regional Council, the Gozo Regional Council and the Eastern Regional  Council, which ranked among the top three regions for their performance in waste  management. 

A total of €22,000 in prizes was awarded across the seven established categories, as well as  the Waste Management Awards, recognising initiatives that demonstrated strong environmental impact and community engagement. 

The European Week for Waste Reduction remains the largest awareness campaign of its kind  in Europe, engaging thousands of participants across Member States each year. This year’s campaign will take place from 21 to 29 November and will focus on Material Sufficiency, an  approach that goes beyond recycling and waste separation. Material sufficiency encourages  individuals and organisations to reflect on how much they consume, understand what they truly need, and rethink production and consumption systems, with the aim of reducing waste at source. 

Winners – Malta Waste Reduction Awards 2026 

Public Administration Category
Kunsill Lokali Is-Siġġiewi in collaboration with the Siġġiewi Scout Group

Schools Category
1st place: St Augustine College Primary School
2nd place: Sacred Heart Junior School

3rd place: St Benedict College Kirkop Secondary

School Citizens Category

Margaret F Cutajar

Business Category

Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd 

Associations Category

Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honeybee 

Clean-up Category
Vikings Sailing Club 

Most Innovative Category

MSPCA Charity Shops

In addition to winning the Citizens Category, Margaret F Cutajar was also selected as a finalist  for the European Waste Reduction Awards, where she will go on to represent Malta at a European level.