Muscat, May 19
The Environment Authority (EA) has issued an important notice to institutions and companies involved in the collection and transport of waste. This aims to ensure compliance with the best international standards in hazardous waste management and to enhance environmental protection from its risks.
This step comes as part of the EA’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and enforce the relevant laws and regulations.
In a statement, EA said obtaining the necessary licenses from the authority and adhering to its conditions is necessary, as no institution or company will be allowed to transport or process waste without prior authorisation.
Additionally, the transfer or sale of waste by unlicensed recycling institutions and companies is prohibited to ensure that hazardous waste does not spread randomly and to prevent environmental pollution risks. 'Proper storage of this waste is also mandated to avoid any environmental contamination,' EA stated.
Institutions and companies dealing with hazardous waste must obtain hazardous waste management licenses (for transport and collection) to ensure that all entities comply with environmental safety standards when handling hazardous waste.
All waste transportation and collection companies must register in the national waste management registry and disclose the quantities collected and transported every quarter through the system.
This system aims to facilitate the tracking of hazardous waste from its source to its final destination. Disclosure of the recipient of the waste and directing them to register the produced waste in the system as per Article (7) of Decision No. (2021/15).
Waste disposal or export must only be done in accordance with the procedures outlined in Decision No. (15/2021). EA must be provided with the quantities transported and the receiving institutions and companies during January, February, March, and April of 2024.
The notice is a significant step towards raising awareness about the importance of proper hazardous waste management and ensuring environmental protection from its risks.
EA plays a crucial role in regulating and managing hazardous waste in the Sultanate of Oman. It works on establishing the relevant laws and regulations, providing transportation and collection licenses, overseeing waste transport and storage operations, and ensuring that institutions and companies comply with environmental safety standards.
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