A proposal to place clear instructional stickers on all public rubbish bins has been unanimously approved by the Northern Municipal Council, in a move aimed at curbing litter caused by garbage divers and improving overall cleanliness in residential areas.
Council members said the proposal addresses a persistent problem affecting many neighbourhoods and reflects the municipality’s efforts to combine awareness, regulation and practical solutions to improve public hygiene.
If implemented, the stickers are expected to appear on bins across the Northern Governorate, serving as constant reminders to residents and passers-by to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid actions that contribute to street litter and health hazards.
The proposal was submitted by councillor Abdulla Ashoor alongside three other councillors.
Mr Ashoor said the idea was prompted by repeated complaints from residents about rubbish being scattered on roads and pavements after individuals search through bins looking for recyclable materials.
Mr Ashoor
“The problem is not the bins themselves, but what happens after they are opened and left in a mess,” he said. “Simple, clear stickers carrying guidance and warnings can make a big difference in reducing this behaviour and protecting the cleanliness of our neighbourhoods.”
According to the proposal, the stickers aim to reduce random waste scattering, limit the spread of stray animals and rodents attracted by exposed garbage, preserve the general appearance of streets and support municipal efforts in organising waste management.
Public relations and information committee chairman councillor Abdulla Al Thawadi said the committee fully supported the move due to its low cost and ease of implementation.
“This is a practical and inexpensive solution that can have a real impact,” he said. “Many areas are being left in an unacceptable state after bins are tampered with, mainly by expatriate garbage divers who pull items out and leave the rest on the ground.”
He added that beyond enforcement, the stickers would play an educational role by raising public awareness and encouraging positive behaviour when dealing with waste.
Councillor Mohammed Al Dossary pointed out that better organisation of waste could also create long-term environmental and economic benefits.
“In the UK, recyclable waste is separated into different bins and later sold,” he said. “If we start by organising how people deal with rubbish here, we can gradually move towards better recycling practices in the future.”
The council’s recommendation will now be forwarded to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review, supported by documentation from both the committee and the councillor outlining the need for the initiative.
Northern Municipality director-general Mohammed Al Sehli welcomed the proposal and confirmed that its implementation would be co-ordinated with Urbaser Bahrain, the company responsible for waste collection services.
“The proposal is a good one and we will work with Urbaser Bahrain on how best to design and place the stickers,” he said. “From our perspective, this is a positive and practical approach.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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