Moldovan localities to enjoy modern waste collection, management system

The MPs today voted, in the second reading, a draft law on the establishment of the public sanitation service for settlements. The new legislation establishes a unified framework for organizing, managing, financing and controlling the public sanitation service.

Thus, local public authorities (APL) will have clear roles regarding the establishment and coordination of sanitation services, being able to delegate responsibilities to operators or manage these services directly. The law introduces the obligation of separate waste collection into five fractions: paper and cardboard, glass, plastic and metal, biodegradables and mixed waste. Collection points with colored containers or special bags will be set up for each type of waste, and biodegradables will be transported to composting facilities.

Service users will be obliged to observe the collection rules and not to introduce hazardous or prohibited waste into containers. The service will be provided on a contractual basis, with rates set by local authorities. Non-compliance by operators will result in sanctions.

The draft also includes amendments targeting the activities of economic operators and the process of waste collection and transportation.

According to the relevant authorities, at present, sanitation services cover about 75 per cent of the urban environment and only 15 per cent of the rural one.