A new Material Recovery Facility has been inaugurated in Kulhudhuffushi City, enhancing waste management and recycling efforts to curb pollution in the Maldives.

The Material Recovery Facility was established on 16 September under the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project, an initiative led by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP). It was developed through collaboration between the Maldives Authentic Crafts Cooperative Society (MACCS), Kulhudhuffushi City Council and the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO).

Speaking at the inauguration, SACEP Director-General Norbu Wangchuk has said that the project represents a significant step in protecting the Maldives’ fragile marine environment, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to plastic pollution. He expressed confidence that Kulhudhuffushi could become the first Maldivian city to achieve plastic-free status.

The facility is equipped with baling machines, hydraulic pallet systems, solar-powered infrastructure and four vehicles to assist with waste collection. WAMCO staff have received training to operate the systems, which will segregate, compress and prepare recyclable materials such as plastics and aluminium for further processing.

MACCS Chairperson Aminath Abdulla said the facility will create a more sustainable framework for waste management, ensuring plastics and other recyclables are separated and contained before leaving the island. She noted that the project is part of efforts with schools and community organisations to tackle plastic waste.