Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has stated that bin liners will be made available for purchase from April 27.
All businesses operating in the Maldives will be required to charge a fee of USD0.13 for each plastic bag on point of sale beginning from April 18. However, WAMCO stated that bin liners sold or supplied free of charge specifically for the purpose of waste disposal, by either a person who provides waste management services or another relevant authority will be exempt from the fee. Therefore, WAMCO arranged for the availability of bin liners for the convenience of the public.
WAMCO stated that it is selling three sizes of bin liners in black and green. The state-owned company has requested individuals to seal biodegradable waste in green bags and other waste in black bags. Bin liners will be made available for purchase at the company's customer front offices in Male', Hulhumale', and Villimale'. The company also urged the public to use the bags introduced by WAMCO only for waste disposal. The prices of the bags will be announced soon.
The government is committed to phasing out single-use plastics in the Maldives by 2023, as per the Parliament Resolution of 2019. The amendment to the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act has prohibited the import, manufacture, and marketing of single-use plastics as determined by President Solih.