Abu Dhabi, UAE: 15 April, 2013 - The Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi has announced that owners of farms and haciendas are exempt from the installation of tracking devices in pick-ups carrying plant and animal waste. The owners will also be waived coupon fees at the entry point to landfills. The decision was recently issued by the Board of Directors of the Center.

According to the announcement, pick-up vehicles of farm and hacienda owners will require to gain permits at the gates of landfills that document the number of trips and type of waste that such vehicles carry, as well as the location of the site at which the waste was produced. This exemption does not include the transportation of hazardous farm waste such as pesticides, asbestos, oil and lubricant containers.

However, the decision stipulates that hacienda and farm owners must meet the Center's rules regarding appropriate handling and transportation of waste, which must be disposed in sites approved by the Center. In the eventuality of violation, a farm owner is liable to face sanctions while the exemptions could also be cancelled.

Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Deputy Director General of the Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi, said: "In line with the directives of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, the new decision seeks to support hacienda and farm owners, encourage agriculture and livestock production, in addition to restricting random waste disposal in Abu Dhabi.

"We will host awareness campaigns for hacienda and farm owners to additionally motivate them to separate waste and composite fertilizers in farms. The campaign will also educate them about the negative impact of irresponsible waste management on the environment, besides highlighting sustainability efforts and Abu Dhabi's image as a conducive city."

The Center's decision is part of a strategic vision to create a healthy environment and provide best-in-class lifestyle to residents in the emirate.

Established in 2008, the Center of Waste Management is the leading authority responsible for developing sustainable and integrated waste management practices that conform to global standards. The center coordinates the policy, strategy and contractual systems of waste management across Abu Dhabi.

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© Press Release 2013