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29 March 2024

Dump Dubai garden waste: Dh75,000 fine

Published
By Shuchita Kapur

Forewarned is forearmed.

Dubai residents and their private gardening service providers are being notified of hefty fines for improper dumping of their garden waste.

Master developer Emaar has initiated a campaign to inform residents of its Emirates Living communities (Springs, Lakes and Meadows) about the penalties that can be levied in case their garden’s waste isn’t disposed of in compliance with the community regulations.

In circulars/pamphlets sent to all residents, Emaar Community Management (ECM) reiterated its code of conduct for landscaping companies, which warns that if garden waste is left on pavements, sikkas or in the common areas, violators will be fined Dh5,000 by the community manager. That’s not all, as Dh75,000 may be fined by the local authorities too.

“All garbage for pickup is to be placed inside trash containers provided with each lot,” the ECM says in its Emirates Living Master Community rulebook, adding that “only small quantities of garden waste (whatever will fit in a wheelie bin) will be collected by the garbage disposal contractor if placed in the appropriate waste bag.”

Until a few months ago, big branches of trees or trimmings could be spotted in common areas or near the garbage bins for disposal. However, the garbage collection company is not liable to clear bulk garden waste, as per ECM rules.

“You will need to make your own arrangements for the disposal of large garden waste,” it says.

To rightly dispose of bulky garden waste, ECM advises gardening companies to use their vehicles or a private pickup truck.

However, there have been instances of some of the gardeners working in the community dumping dead plants and grass, and even chopped tree branches, on the sidewalks and pavements to save on the cost of hiring such a vehicle.

According to ECM guidelines, dumping of any type of refuse or other material in the common areas is strictly prohibited.

A gardener in the community told Emirates 24|7 on the condition of anonymity that one such case has already been registered.

“One of the gardeners working for another contractor was fined Dh5,000 for keeping chopped branches outside a villa. His company has foot the bill to avoid a company-wide ban in Emaar premises, but part of the amount will be deducted each month from his salary until the entire amount has been paid off. I’ve heard some residents are trying to help him in collecting the amount,” he said.

Throwing waste of trees and gardens in places not specified for the same purpose by the competent and concerned authorities is liable to be fined as per the Dubai Municipality guidelines.

Residents can take advantage of Dubai Municipality’s Waste Management Department’s free service to directly remove bulk home waste and agricultural waste from their premises and neighbourhoods.

To avail of this service, residents need to call the toll-free number 800900 to get rid of bulky waste that cannot be disposed of in normal-sized waste containers.