Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) has announced that from next month, waste collection bills for atolls will be included with their electricity bills.

This billing method, first introduced in Malé last year, will now expand to other areas where WAMCO operates, including regions in Malé, Laamu Fonadhoo, Kaafu Maafushi, and Himmafushi. Until now, these areas have received WAMCO’s waste collection services free of charge.

Assistant Manager of Sales and Projects at WAMCO, Mohamed Akram, explained during an appearance on PSM News’ Raaje Miadhu programme that this change aims to simplify payment processes for households. He clarified that waste bills will be added to electricity bills sent to homes consuming 34 units of electricity or more per meter.

“Although the service will start in January, billing will commence in February after January's services are provided,” Akram said.

Ahmed Shafiu, WAMCO’s General Manager for Southern Operations, stated that the decision was made following discussions with stakeholders. He noted that, from next month, garbage collection in these areas will shift to daily service.

Beginning January 1, 2025, all households currently receiving WAMCO's services will be included in the new billing system. Households not yet registered will be incorporated through a tie-in process, while those not utilising the service will have the option to access it via gate centre facilities.

The cost for waste collection is set at MVR 150 per household. The gate fee for unregistered users is MVR 212 per tonne, and service vehicles will operate with a sales charge of 20 lorries per litre per day.