We have the benefit of living in places that are mostly tax-free, but taxes do serve a purpose when it comes to harmful externalities in the society, according to Dustin Cherniawski, Director of EnviroServe UAE.

Earlier this year, Mr. Cherniawski said at the Future of Sustainability Conference in Dubai: "Incentives are vital when we are dealing with waste. There should be a financial incentive to minimise waste, and a disincentive if there is an increase in waste and disposal."

Mr. Cherniawski discussed the best practises that can be used to enhance the modes of waste disposal in the UAE during a discussion with Mr. Karl W. Feilder, Host and Moderator at the conference, organised by Sustainability Middle East (SME).

He used European nations as an example, where there are penalties for not recycling, saying, "There is a gate fee when you buy gadgets, tyres, or batteries. When you buy these things, you pay up front, creating a fund that is essentially a tax.

Although it doesn't exist here, Mr. Cherniawski continued, "It appears that we are moving in that direction, and we, the people in the industry, certainly welcome it."

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