Maldives to ban all waste imports under new bill

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has introduced legislation to ban all waste imports, marking a significant step in the island nation’s efforts to strengthen environmental protection and improve waste management as it confronts mounting ecological pressures.

The bill, submitted to parliament by the government, proposes a blanket prohibition on the import of all types of waste, replacing the current system that allows waste imports under permits issued by the environment ministry.

Officials said the measure is intended to strengthen the country’s waste management framework by preventing foreign waste from entering the Maldives and improving the sustainability of its domestic waste disposal system. The proposed legislation also includes revisions aimed at addressing challenges in implementing the existing Waste Management Act.

The move comes as many small island developing states face growing pressure to manage rising volumes of domestic waste while protecting fragile marine ecosystems that underpin tourism, fisheries and local livelihoods.

Alongside the import ban, the bill proposes changes to the country’s plastic bag levy. Under current law, both wholesale buyers and retail consumers pay a government fee of 2 Maldivian rufiyaa ($0.13) per plastic bag.

The amendment would remove the levy on wholesale purchases of plastic bags while retaining the charge for individual consumers, a change the government says is intended to simplify implementation of the policy despite reducing state revenue.

Government figures show the plastic bag charge generated approximately 2.01 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($130,000) during the first half of this year, following collections of 5.9 million Maldivian rufiyaa ($381,000) last year.

The proposed legislation will now be debated by parliament before lawmakers decide whether to approve the amendments.