Bin it right: New laws make waste disposal accountable

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

GPS and Individual Licences: Waste Disposal is Now Accountable

All waste-hauling movements in the Kingdom will now be tracked and recorded.

Non-compliance will attract strict penalties, including the permanent revocation of licences.

What’s New?

Under the new rule, waste transporters in the Kingdom are required to equip every vehicle with GPS tracking systems.

In addition, they must obtain individual licences for their operations.

Officials say this move aims to improve oversight and protect the environment.

How It Works

To obtain a licence, transporters must submit proof of vehicle ownership, details of their waste transport activities, and a contingency plan for managing spills or accidents.

The GPS tracking systems and sensors installed on vehicles will be connected to an electronic monitoring system managed by the Supreme Council for Environment.

These rules are outlined in Decision No. (7) of 2024, issued by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Environment.

Applicants must also fulfil all conditions and pay fees specified in previous government decisions.

Requirements

Transporters must dispose of waste only at approved sites and ensure all tracking and monitoring systems are fully operational.

Vehicles that fail to meet these requirements will be prohibited from transporting waste.

Maintenance and Equipment

The Supreme Council for Environment may appoint an external company to supply and maintain the necessary equipment. However, all data must be shared with the relevant authorities.

Vehicles must also meet specific standards based on the type of waste being transported, as detailed in the regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations will lead to penalties, including licence suspensions of up to three months for offences such as providing false information or using unsuitable vehicles.

Repeated offences or a failure to address violations could result in the permanent revocation of the licence.