MME launches 2nd phase of sorting wastes at source in malls and financial institutions

THE Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the General Cleanliness Department, has launched the second phase of the programme of separating and sorting waste from the source.

The second phase, which was launched on Tuesday, covers banks, financial institutions, commercial complexes and shopping malls.

During this phase, the ministry will provide containers for separating and sorting two types of waste from the source: food residues (organic materials) and recyclable materials (paper, plastic, glass and metals). A total of 2,000 containers have been allocated for recyclable waste and 24 cars for transporting recyclable materials.

During an introductory meeting held in Al Rayyan municipality on Tuesday, Director of the General Cleaning Department Muqbil Madhour Al Shammari said the implementation of the programme of separating and sorting waste from the source comes within the context of the ministry’s interest in the development of its services to preserve the environment and its safety and achieve sustainable development.

Al Shammari pointed out that this initiative was prepared for a long time. A precise plan was developed, trained manpower, cars and containers were provided, in addition to the continuous field monitoring and periodic evaluation in all its stages to achieve its objectives.

The supreme goal is to reach the highest standards of preserving the environment and achieving sustainability for the present and for future generations, especially for the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he added.

HE said the programme aims to reduce the amount of waste, preserve the integrity of the environment, economically benefit from waste recycling, achieve sustainable development and preserve natural resources, in order to contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030.

The programme includes four phases that extend from 2019 to 2022. The first phase covered 590 schools and kindergartens.

The third phase, which begins next year, targets universities, government and semi-government agencies, bus stops, hotels, public parks, the Corniche area and Doha City.

The fourth phase will start in 2022, during which an electronic service will be launched to collect recyclable materials from all homes in the country, and will include all facilities, buildings and stadiums for the FIFA World Cup.