MUSCAT, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Oman's Environmental Services Holding Company, also known as Be'ah, is close to complete the transfer of waste management operations in the country to international operators, said Oman Economic Report released by Oxford Business Group (OBG) here on Saturday.
"The move is part of a waste management plan that aims to modernize and restructure the handling, treatment and disposal of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and expand the country's capacity for recycling and waste-based energy generation," the report said.
The transfer of MSW management to the private sector is a key step in Oman's strategy to transform the country's waste into an economic and environmental benefit, it added.
"Be'ah aims to divert 60 percent of waste away from landfills as part of its diversion strategy, which includes converting waste to water energy, biogas and other sustainable alternatives by 2022, and 80 percent by 2040. Currently, 100 percent goes directly to landfills," according to the report.
As part of the move, Be'ah will permanently close all of the country's 317 dumpsites, which have been deemed environmentally and hygienically unsuitable.
