Starting 1st January 2026, major construction projects in Malta must comply with new obligations under Legal Notice 311 of 2023 – the Construction and Demolition Waste Framework Regulations (S.L. 549.16).

This regulation aims to ensure the sustainable management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It introduces mandatory source separation of excavation, demolition, and construction waste, and sets clear recycling and reuse targets for major developments:

By 2026: A Pre-Demolition Audit must be submitted beforethe Planning Authority’s commencement notice is issued.

By 2028:

• At least 40% of excavated material must be reused or recycled;
• At least 40% of non-hazardous demolition waste must be prepared for reuse, recycling, or recovery;
• At least 15% of construction materials (including finishes) must consist of reused or recycled content;
• At least 25% of the granular material used in construction must be made from recycled aggregates.

Developers will also be required to declare compliance within three months of receiving the Planning Authority’s compliance certificate, and these declarations may be audited.

What does the Pre-Demolition Audit include?

The audit must:

• Identify all anticipated waste streams;
• Estimate the quantities of each waste type;
• Indicate which materials can be separated at source and which cannot be reused or recycled;
• Provide details on the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste;
• Explore recycling possibilities for excavation, demolition, and construction materials;
• Estimate the overall reuse and recycling potential (%);
• Justify the need for demolition of the existing structures.

How can we help? We offer full support to prepare the Pre-Demolition Audit, helping developers and contractors navigate these new requirements and achieve compliance with confidence.

Our services ensure that your project not only meets the new legal obligations but also supports better resource efficiency and sustainable construction practices.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can assist you in your upcoming projects!

info@ensure.com.mt