Government Proposes Waste Management Law Changes, Including Plastic Bag Levy Reform

The government has submitted amendments to the Waste Management Act to parliament, proposing a series of reforms aimed at strengthening waste management, including changes to the levy imposed on plastic bags.

The bill, submitted by Ungoofaaru MP Ibrahim Shifaz on behalf of the government, was presented for its first reading in parliament on Tuesday.

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One of the key proposals is a complete ban on the import of waste into the Maldives. The amendments also seek to strengthen the country’s waste management framework by introducing measures to improve planning, implementation and enforcement.

The bill proposes removing the current levy of USD 0.13 charged per bag on bundles containing more than 50 plastic bags. The change is expected to reduce government revenue generated through the plastic bag levy.

According to the proposed amendments, the changes are intended to clarify the responsibilities of institutions tasked with implementing the Waste Management Act and support more sustainable waste management practices. The bill also aims to address challenges faced in enforcing the existing law.

The amendments would require businesses involved in economic and industrial activities to establish waste management policies. They also stipulate that waste management activities must be carried out in line with the national waste management master plan and city waste management plans.

The proposed legislation further provides for the establishment and implementation of waste management systems, the introduction of waste management standards, reforms to waste management facilities, and standards governing equipment used in waste management.

According to the bill, the amendments are intended to provide a more comprehensive legal framework to address the Maldives’ long-standing waste management challenges.