There is a long and troubled history surrounding the disposal of clinical and other waste in Malta. With repeated suggestions of corruption, of dubious ‘experts’ basing their advice more on hospitality received that objective criteria, and of administrative and regulatory incompetence, all set against a heavily polluting hospital incinerator that failed to come even close to the emission standards required by Europe.

Despite persistent EU pressure to improve, it seems that Malta played a shaky game of brinkmanship to receive EU funding for a bright and shiny new, and compliant, incinerator facility. See the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum archive files for various news items, and links to detailed local and national reports on this longstanding stain on Malta’s reputation.

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The EU-funded incinerator that received among other waste streams clinical wastes and animal carcasses is now operational and the old and polluting installations have been shut down.

Now, to sweep away the old and build new friends where previously there were only enemies, Malta and its Incinerator operator has opened the plant to visitors.

It’s a great idea. Few incinerator installations are welcome among communities. Their purpose and operation is largely unknown.Though there should be a route for liaison with neighbours and others, that too is often flawed and an occasional open day such as this can do nothing but good. It must surely be a good move for all waste installations.