H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has issued Ministerial Decree No. (714) of 2015 on the proper disposal of obsolete pesticides and empty pesticide containers in line with the Ministry of Environment and Water’s mandate to control and record all imported and exported hazardous chemicals and wastes operations. The decree complements the Ministry’s strategic goals for the country’s improved environmental performance through environment preservation and sustainability efforts.
The resolution aims to minimize the environmental damage caused by unsafe disposal of hazardous waste containers in a bid to promote environmental sustainability in the country.
Pesticide manufacturers are now required to maintain all records containing information on the quantity and duration of storage of their products, implement proper labelling, list down all safety measures, cite the names of the companies contracted for delivery, and enumerate proper disposal methods. The decree also directs pesticide firms to take all necessary precautions to prevent any damage to the environment during storage as it seeks their commitment to the Council of Ministers Resolution No. (37) for 2001 in response to Federal Law No. (24) for 1999 on environment protection and development.
On the collection and transfer of obsolete pesticides and hazardous waste, the resolution stipulates adherence to the requirements and procedures stated in the Council of Ministers Resolution No. (37) for 2001 in coordination with local authorities. It further calls for strict observance of relevant laws and decisions on proper disposal of containers through burning with or without an energy byproduct being produced in the process. Shipment of waste to other countries must be done in coordination with the Ministry. In addition, obsolete pesticides smuggled into the UAE either for treatment or disposal must be returned to the country of origin within 30 days per the ministerial decision issued on November 15, 2015.
The Ministry of Environment and Water has implemented numerous actions and measures aimed at improving the country’s environmental performance and promoting environmental sustainability, including regular updates on the importation procedures for pesticides.