A bill has been submitted to amend the Waste Management Act to allow waste generated on industrial islands to be transported to inhabited islands for disposal.

The amendment was submitted on behalf of the Government by Raa Ungoofaaru MP Ibrahim Shifaz.

The bill seeks to clarify the roles of the ministry responsible for implementing the Waste Management Act, the Utility Regulatory Authority, and the Environmental Regulatory Authority. It also proposes banning the import of waste into the Maldives, reviewing rules on the management of different types of waste, and addressing challenges faced in enforcing waste-related laws.

The bill proposes a fine of up to MVR 50,000 for parties required to prepare an economic activity waste management plan or an industrial waste management plan if they fail to prepare such a plan. It further states that the fine is imposed on an island or city council, or if the offence is committed outside the jurisdiction of an island or city council, the fine must be paid to the Maldives Green Fund.

The amendment also proposes removing the MVR 2 fee charged on wholesale bundles containing more than 50 plastic bags. With the change, the fee will not be charged at the wholesale level. However, the bill notes that the amendment will affect state revenue.

Figures show the state received MVR 5.9 million from plastic bag fees last year. So far this year, MVR 2,011,421 has been collected from the fee.

The bill also states that hazardous waste, or any item containing hazardous waste, cannot be sold, used, or distributed in the Maldives unless it complies with regulations made under the Act and is authorised by a permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hazardous waste also cannot be recycled, recovered, or processed for another purpose in the Maldives without a permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Under the law currently in force, waste can be imported into the Maldives with special permission from the ministry, in line with regulations made by the ministry.