Perishable waste records 50 percent decrease during Ramadan

MALE, Dec 13 (HNS) – Perishable waste recorded a 50 percent decrease during this Ramadan, the public works ministry said. In Ramadan months of earlier years, two to three lorries of food waste has to be disposed according to the waste management section of the public works ministry. The bulk of food waste include perishable items such as vegetables and fruits. "We have seen a great drop in disposal of perishable items," deputy director Mohamed Latheef said. "On some days there is no disposal at all. Even on those days when there is, there is little to dispose of." Latheef said that the reduction during this Ramadan in the import of vegetables and fruits especially watermelons may have contributed to the reduction of perishable items waste. Food items make up about 33 percent of all garbage disposed monthly from Male in months other than Ramadan. In Ramadan, food items make up about 50 percent of all garbage. As the amount of garbage disposed from Male has reduced this Ramadan, it consequently saw a drop in garbage disposed at nearby Thilafushi which is being reclaimed by dumping waste.