Waste Management Bill in Parliament

The government submitted a bill on waste management to the parliament for approval last week. The bill, which was passed by the Cabinet in late June, focuses on the management and disposal of wastes in coastal cities and metropolises in collaboration with the private sector, Mehr News Agency reported. The alarming situation concerning waste management has prompted the government to involve the private sector and encourage investment on related technologies.  Establishing waste treatment plants and centers for plasma gasification (an eco-friendly alternative to waste incineration), providing equipment for anaerobic digestion (a recycling method) and separating wastes before treatment are among issues highlighted in the bill.  The bill offers exemption from all taxes, including value-added, to private investors in the field.