A proposal to install an underground bins system to collect waste and recycling materials has been passed by the country’s largest municipal council.
The system, which has already been adopted in three Gulf countries, collects waste more efficiently, is more hygienic than the traditional garbage bins, is able to gather large volumes of waste, and requires minimum maintenance.
The Northern Municipal Council wants to introduce this system across the country as part of efforts to elevate municipal services and raise awareness about environmental protection.
Its chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji, who spearheaded the proposal, said such a project was necessary amid growing urban development and modernisation as well as population growth in the country.
“I first presented this proposal in the previous legislative term and I’m doing it again because it’s a crucial proposal that needs to be passed,” he said during the council’s weekly meeting yesterday.
“The urban development and population growth we are seeing necessitates the needs to elevate these services in terms of looking after human health and the environment.
“It also aims to provide a beautiful civilised front for our neighbourhoods by eliminating the need for the traditional open garbage bins and act as protection from rodents and insects normally gathering around these locations.”
His views were shared by the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairwoman Zaina Jassim, who said the underground bins will also prevent stray animals from foraging in the garbage bins and tearing open the bags.
The proposed bins have been implemented in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman and consists of containers installed underground with an opening at the top to allow for the disposal of waste.
Once the container is full, a collection truck will remove the entire container and dispose of its contents before returning it underground and sealing it.
“This proposal is great because it will utilise the land to better use and provide more above ground space as the bins will be underground,” said another councillor, Mohammed Al Dossari.
“It will also protect the environment from problems caused by open garbage bags and stray animals.”
The council unanimously approved the proposal during its meeting yesterday and referred it to Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf for review.
It also stated that the system should be used in housing projects and towns, as well as markets and shopping malls.
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