Special dumpsters for cooking and fuel oils could be placed at sites across the country, if councillors have their way.
The Muharraq Municipal Council yesterday unanimously approved the proposal presented by Dalal Al Meghawi, who claimed that improper disposal of oils, especially by businesses and restaurants, has become a significant environmental concern, with ‘fatbergs’ blocking the country’s sewage systems.
“Cooking and fuel oils can contaminate water, soil and local ecosystems,” Ms Al Meghawi said at the council session yesterday.
“Fuel oils, like diesel, kerosene and industrial oils, in particular, can lead to hazardous spills, affecting the health of both humans and wildlife.
“One effective measure to mitigate the impact of spills or disposal issues is the use of specialised dumpsters for containing and disposing of oil waste.”
Ms Al Meghawi said cooking oils, when poured down the drain, can solidify in sewage systems, causing blockages and clogging which could eventually need to be cleared.
“The oil can combine with other debris and create what is commonly referred to as a ‘fatberg’,” she explained.
“Oil waste, especially fuel oils, can be highly flammable, presenting a significant fire risk if improperly discarded.”
She added special dumpsters designed for oil waste are built to prevent leaks, spills and environmental contamination.
“These dumpsters are built with reinforced, leak-proof linings to contain oil securely,” explained Ms Al Meghawi.
“This is crucial for preventing hazardous spills that could seep into the ground or local water systems.
“The materials used in the construction of these dumpsters are resistant to the corrosive nature of oils. For example, fuel oils can degrade certain plastics or metals and so the dumpsters are often made of specialised, oil-resistant composites.”
She further explained that dumpsters for industrial oils are often designed with fire-resistant coatings or materials, reducing the risk of combustion due to the flammable nature of the contents.
“To prevent oil fumes and minimise the risk of fire or explosion, these dumpsters are equipped with tightly sealed lids,” she pointed out.
“This helps control odours emanating from used cooking oils.
“Many dumpsters come with regulated valve systems for safe and controlled drainage. This ensures that oil can be properly removed and recycled without causing additional contamination.”
Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, who praised the proposal, said businesses that generate cooking or industrial oil waste must store and collect it after use, separately, in appropriate containers.
“This minimises the risk of accidental spills during handling,” he said.
“Once collected, the oil must be transferred to the special dumpsters designed for handling these types of waste. Proper safety gear and procedures are typically required during the transfer process to avoid exposure and spills.”
Mr Al Naar added that once the special dumpsters are filled, they would be collected by certified waste disposal companies.
“These companies specialise in processing and recycling oils,” he said.
“Cooking oils are often recycled for biodiesel production. For fuel oils, the waste is handled through safe disposal or recycling, depending on the type and quality of the oil.”
Mr Al Naar said businesses, such as restaurants, that generate large quantities of cooking oil should invest in grease traps and oil collection systems.
“Collaborating with oil recycling services ensures that oil waste is not only safely disposed of, but also repurposed for other industries such as biodiesel production.”
Council vice-chairman Saleh Buhazaa said special dumpsters designed for oil waste were a critical component in managing the environment.
“By utilising leak-proof, fire-resistant and oil-resistant materials, these dumpsters can help contain and safely dispose of hazardous waste,” he said.
“In combination with proper disposal practices and public education, they play a key role in preventing oil contamination and promoting sustainability.”
The proposal has been forwarded to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review with other concerned ministers.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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