The Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has stated households in Male' City have no justification for leaving waste on the streets under the current laws. The change stems from the regulatory shift that integrates the waste collection bill with the utility bill. Despite this, WAMCO has observed instances of waste being improperly discarded, prompting the implementation of a specific packing standard for waste collection.
WAMCO stated that it will not collect waste that fails to meet the packing standards, consistently notifying homeowners about non-compliance. The company said that waste must be segregated, with the corporation retaining the right to decline collection if this criterion is not met. The company encourages the public to separate biodegradable waste, plastic bottles, and other materials for proper disposal.
Additionally, WAMCO advised against throwing waste on streets and has initiated awareness campaigns to address the issue, particularly during periods of heightened street waste. The company said that specialised vehicles will be dispatched for collection of waste that cannot be easily managed.
The Male' City Council has decided to impose fines on those littering streets this year. The council can penalise individuals found guilty of street littering under the law for community monitoring security services in the city.
WAMCO has reiterated its call for public cooperation, urging citizens to refrain from discarding waste on the streets and adhere to established laws and regulations. The waste issue remains a significant challenge in the Maldives.
WAMCO established in 2017 and continues its efforts to address and improve waste management services in the country. The corporation has already made strides in enhancing and expanding its services.