Abu Dhabi's EAD Takes Over Waste Management Licensing From Tadweer

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the transfer of waste management licensing services from Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) to EAD. This transition includes licensing and permitting services, tracking and monitoring registered waste vehicles, tariff systems, and inspection and compliance activities for waste traders, transporters, and collectors.

This shift aligns with Tadweer’s new mandate. Faisal Ali Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, stated that Abu Dhabi remains committed to providing a healthy, clean, and safe environment for all residents. The Agency aims to enhance the waste management sector by developing regulatory instruments and a general framework to achieve local and national targets.

Al Hammadi added that EAD is now responsible for issuing licences and permits for waste management operations. This includes evaluating and licensing waste transportation, trade, treatment activities, and issuing permits for waste export operations outside the emirate and small construction projects. Additionally, EAD will act as the Sector Regulatory Authority for the waste sector to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health management systems.

The transfer of services from Tadweer to EAD occurred smoothly without affecting customers or environmental service providers in Abu Dhabi. The process is visible to customers only through the interface used to access waste management services, such as "TAMM & Meps," the government digital services platforms. Al Hammadi emphasized that EAD will work closely with strategic partners to ensure best practices in the waste management sector while prioritising customer needs.

EAD will issue licences for Environmental Service Providers (ESPs) involved in Waste Collection and Transportation, Waste Trading, and Waste Treatment. Permit categories shifted to EAD include Waste Export outside the Emirate and Construction and Demolition NOCs. EAD will also manage inspection and violation tasks for ESPs, waste generators, and any illegal activities or practices.

Monitoring and Control

For monitoring and control, EAD will oversee waste transportation activities through continuous monitoring of waste routes from start to final destination. This includes installing GPS devices on waste vehicles to monitor illegal dumping locations, track vehicle movements at facilities and disposal sites, and identify non-compliance practices by facility operators.

EAD will also track the movement of waste outside Abu Dhabi and monitor hazardous waste transport. Legal actions will be implemented against any illegal activities. Additionally, EAD will handle customer inquiries and respond to complaints related to waste licensing through approved channels to provide excellent customer service.

Operational Activities

Operational activities for waste management will remain with Tadweer. This includes permitting for landfill access, food disposal, and NOI for large development projects.

With inputs from WAM