Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has suspended issuing licences for exporting used tyres in order to support the circular economy. The authority is also working on issuing a decision to prevent export of waste cartons.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Mohammad Majid al Kasbi, Director of Department of Chemical Materials at EA, said that the authority has suspended issuing licences for exporting waste tyres of both large and small vehicles, starting April 9, for a period of six months, which is extendable.

According to Kasbi, EA, in cooperation with relevant authorities, is endeavouring to manage this type of waste and support local industrial establishments.

“The decision aims to benefit from waste and recycle it to support the national economy and create job opportunities. It will also encourage factories to engage in the circular economy and find markets for export.”

He informed that Oman generates 40,000 to 45,000 tonnes of used tyres annually. “This decision will help tackle shortfall of waste tyres currently faced by three waste tyre recycling units operational in Oman.”

Kasbi added that this type of waste is of great importance in achieving industrial and economic development and supporting the local industry. “It is also an important component of many other industries, including rubber used in making artificial grass for playgrounds.”

About the authority’s efforts to regulate the export of waste, he informed that in 2021 EA banned the export of all types of hazardous and non-hazardous waste without its approval. Companies and businesses that produce and deal in hazardous and non-hazardous waste must register with the authority, specifying what is sold and discarded.