Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has announced that from January, waste collection service fees for households in the islands will be included in electricity bills.

A WAMCO official confirmed to One that preparations for the integration are already underway.

Ahmed Shafiu, Managing Director of Southern Operations at WAMCO, explained during a PSM programme that the change aligns with the system implemented in Malé. He noted that households consuming less than 34 electricity units in a month would not be billed for waste collection during that period.

Shafiu also stated that WAMCO plans to expand waste collection services in the islands next year, working in partnership with island councils to assess and support necessary investments.

The integration of waste fees with electricity bills aims to address financial losses caused by non-payment of standalone waste bills. A similar system was introduced in Malé following an agreement between WAMCO and STELCO on 28th May 2023, supported by new government regulations.

This initiative is expected to streamline payments and improve waste management services across the country.