The Public Cleanliness Law No. (10) of 2019 serves as a key pillar in maintaining public cleanliness across the Kingdom of Bahrain. The law defines the procedures for handling, transporting, and disposing of waste.
Its executive regulations elaborate on various articles of the law, outlining implementation mechanisms and specifying the types of special waste and the methods for storing them at their respective source facilities, whether medical or industrial. The regulations also detail the fines associated with violations.
In terms of penalties, the law prescribes fines ranging from not less than BD 50 to BD 300 for certain violations, and from BD 500 to BD 1,000 for more severe breaches. It also allows for reconciliation between violators and the municipality without resorting to court proceedings, by paying one-third of the maximum fine before referral to the competent court, and two-thirds if the reconciliation occurs after referral but before a judgment is issued.
The law prioritizes national interest and aims to contribute to environmental preservation. It grants municipalities the authority to detect and address violations—an authority that was previously lacking. Under the law, designated municipal employees, appointed by a decision of the Minister of Justice in coordination with the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, are empowered to obtain relevant information and documents, inspect licenses, and prepare reports for referral to the competent authorities.
The executive regulations further clarify numerous provisions, including Article (2), which specifies locations designated by the relevant directorate for waste disposal as well as the procedures for handling various types of special waste. Article (7) outlines the procedures for collecting and transporting various types of special waste.
The law also addresses the issue of abandoned and scrap vehicles. Article (7) prohibits leaving such vehicles on streets or sidewalks and bans occupying public roads and spaces for the purpose of selling vehicles. It authorizes municipalities to issue a 24-hour warning to owners by marking the vehicle. Article (10) of the executive regulations details the procedures for handling these vehicles in cooperation with the General Directorate of Traffic. Municipalities may contract a specialized company to tow the vehicles to a designated impound lot, ensuring their safety, while the violator bears the cost of removal and storage.
Furthermore, individuals found dumping or leaving waste as defined by the law and its regulations, processing or sorting waste in unauthorized locations, spitting, discarding chewed substances, or littering with cigarette butts and other waste—or those who urinate or wash vehicles in public spaces causing water runoff—are subject to fines ranging from BD 50 to BD 300. Similarly, occupants of homes, business owners, and establishments who fail to use proper sealed waste containers or disregard waste disposal schedules and designated collection areas are also fined within the same range.
If a party generating special waste fails to take the necessary measures to separate it from general waste, the fine shall be no less than BD 500 and no more than BD 1,000. Additionally, in the event of a conviction, the court may order confiscation, removal, restoration to the original condition, permanent or temporary license revocation, or closure for up to 30 days, depending on the circumstances.
The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning has launched an extensive public awareness campaign, which continues to date, to educate the public on the Public Cleanliness Law and the importance of adhering to it. The campaign emphasizes the collective responsibility in upholding the law.
Effective enforcement of any legislation requires genuine community partnership. The Public Cleanliness Law in particular necessitates the active participation of citizens to enhance cleanliness standards throughout Bahrain. As cleanliness is a shared responsibility—among individuals, institutions, commercial entities, and public sectors—the campaign underscores the importance of all stakeholders fulfilling their obligations under this vital law.