The Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO) has reversed its decision to integrate waste collection fees with electricity bills in the atolls, following a recommendation from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
In a public announcement, WAMCO confirmed that it has withdrawn the plan to combine household waste collection charges with utility service bills. Instead, fees for waste collection services will now be billed separately.
The corporation stated that only customers registered for its services will receive waste collection bills, which can be paid through local WAMCO offices or via the AvasPay mobile payment platform.
In Malé, waste collection fees have been integrated into STELCO electricity bills since April 2023—a system that WAMCO says has improved payment consistency and eased its financial pressures. Prior to this arrangement, WAMCO was serving around 53,000 households in the Malé region, but only 20,000 of those households were making regular payments for registered services.
Despite the improved payment system in Malé, WAMCO highlighted that it continues to face financial challenges in maintaining affordable waste management services. The corporation reiterated its commitment to providing essential services at accessible rates while balancing the operational costs of waste collection across the country.
The cancellation of the plan to tie fees to electricity bills in the atolls comes amid efforts by the new administration to address public concerns and ensure transparent service delivery.
