The government has submitted amendments to the Waste Management Act that include easing the levy charged on plastic bags.
The bill, submitted on behalf of the government by Parliamentarian for Ungoofaaru Constituency, Ibrahim Shifaz, was introduced for its first reading in parliament on Tuesday.
The proposed amendments include a complete ban on the import of waste into the Maldives and introduce a range of measures aimed at strengthening waste management regulations. They also propose scrapping the USD 0.13 levy currently charged per bag on bundles containing more than 50 plastic bags. As a result, government revenue generated from the plastic bag levy is expected to decline.
According to the bill, the amendments are intended to more clearly define the roles of institutions responsible for implementing the Waste Management Act and facilitate more sustainable waste management practices. The bill also seeks to formally prohibit the import of waste, improve the planning and implementation of waste management activities, and address challenges encountered in enforcing the law.
Other proposed amendments require businesses engaged in economic and industrial activities to develop waste management policies. The bill also stipulates that waste management activities must be aligned with the national master plan and city waste management plans.
In addition, the amendments provide for the establishment and implementation of waste management systems, the setting of waste management standards, reforms relating to waste management facilities, and the introduction of standards for equipment used in waste management.
According to the bill, the proposed changes are expected to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for addressing waste management challenges in the Maldives.