Waste Collection Business Activities in Meydan Free Zone
Start your waste collection business in Dubai from AED 12,500
Set up your business in Meydan Free Zone under the approved waste collection business activities, covering the collection of non-hazardous and hazardous waste from households and businesses, construction and demolition waste removal, and the transport of garbage. Start from AED 12,500 with a setup designed for founders who want to launch lean, stay compliant, and build a credible waste management operation in the UAE.
Set up your business in Meydan Free Zone under the approved waste collection business activities, covering the collection of non-hazardous and hazardous waste from households and businesses, construction and demolition waste removal, and the transport of garbage. Start from AED 12,500 with a setup designed for founders who want to launch lean, stay compliant, and build a credible waste management operation in the UAE.
What is Covered Under Waste Collection in Meydan Free Zone?
This group covers the collection of waste from households and businesses by means of refuse bins, wheeled bins, and containers. It includes the collection of non-hazardous and hazardous waste, such as waste from households, used batteries, used cooking oils and fats, waste oil from ships and used oil from garages, as well as construction and demolition waste.
Transport of
Garbage Trucks
This activity covers the collection of non-hazardous solid waste within a local area, including waste from households and businesses by means of refuse bins, wheeled bins, and containers. It also covers the collection of recyclable materials, used cooking oils and fats, and refuse from litter-bins in public places. The collection and removal of debris such as brush and rubble, and the operation of waste transfer stations for non-hazardous waste, are also included. This activity does not cover the collection of hazardous waste or the operation of landfills for the disposal of non-hazardous waste.
Construction and Demolition Waste Collection and Transportation Services
This activity covers the collection of construction and demolition waste and the collection and removal of debris such as brush and rubble. It also covers the operation of waste transfer stations for non-hazardous waste. This activity does not cover the collection of hazardous waste or the operation of landfills for the disposal of non-hazardous waste.
Hazardous Waste
Collection & Transport
This activity covers the collection of solid and non-solid hazardous waste, including explosive, oxidizing, flammable, toxic, irritant, carcinogenic, corrosive, infectious, and other substances harmful to human health and the environment. It includes the collection of used oil from shipments or garages, bio-hazardous waste, and used batteries, as well as the operation of waste transfer stations for hazardous waste. It may also include the identification, treatment, packaging, and labelling of waste for the purposes of transport. This activity does not cover remediation and clean-up of contaminated buildings, mine sites, soil, or groundwater.
What Will You Pay for a Waste Collection Business License at Meydan Free Zone?
No hidden fees. No extras bundled in. This is what you are paying for.
*(Only applicable if you are currently in the UAE, so your visa can be processed locally without the need to exit and re-enter)
Easy Payment Plan
for UAE-based Clients
Easy Payment Plan
for UAE-based clients

Why choose Meydan Free Zone over other free zones?
Meydan Free Zone is designed for businesses that want to move quickly and stay flexible.
What waste collection activities can I register under Meydan Free Zone?
Meydan Free Zone covers a range of waste collection business activities, each with its own activity code for precise business classification.
Activity group | Scope | Right fit for |
|---|---|---|
Transport of Garbage Trucks | Collection of non-hazardous solid waste from households and businesses; recyclable materials, used cooking oils and fats, and litter-bin refuse; debris removal; operation of non-hazardous waste transfer stations. Does not cover hazardous waste collection or landfill operation. | Municipal waste contractors, recycling collection companies, facilities management firms, businesses operating residential or commercial refuse collection in the UAE |
Construction and Demolition Waste Collection and Transportation Services | Collection of construction and demolition waste, debris, and rubble; operation of non-hazardous waste transfer stations. Does not cover hazardous waste collection or landfill operation. | Construction waste contractors, demolition companies, site clearance operators, fit-out and renovation businesses generating or managing C&D waste in the UAE |
Hazardous Waste Collection & Transport | Collection and transport of solid and non-solid hazardous waste (explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, infectious, carcinogenic, and other harmful substances); used oil, bio-hazardous waste, and used batteries; hazardous waste transfer stations; identification, treatment, packaging, and labelling for transport. Does not cover remediation of contaminated sites, soil, or groundwater. | Licensed hazardous waste operators, industrial waste management companies, oil and gas waste handlers, healthcare waste contractors, environmental compliance service providers |
Further Reading
Everything you need to know about waste collection business activities in Dubai.
Questions? Answers.
What is a waste collection license in Meydan Free Zone?
A waste collection license from Meydan Free Zone legally permits you to collect, transport, and manage non-hazardous and hazardous waste in the UAE. Your chosen business activity defines exactly what your business is authorised to do.
What waste collection activities can I license in Meydan Free Zone?
Meydan Free Zone offers three approved waste collection activities: Transport of Garbage Trucks, Construction and Demolition Waste Collection and Transportation Services, and Hazardous Waste Collection & Transport.
What is the difference between the three waste collection activities?
Transport of Garbage Trucks covers the collection of non-hazardous solid waste from households and businesses. Construction and Demolition Waste Collection and Transportation Services covers the collection and removal of construction and demolition waste and debris. Hazardous Waste Collection & Transport covers the collection of solid and non-solid hazardous waste, including explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, infectious, and other substances harmful to human health and the environment.
Can I hold more than one waste collection activity on my license?
Yes. You can include multiple activities (up to 3 groups) under a single license. If your business covers both non-hazardous and hazardous waste collection, you can include both from the start.
How much does a waste collection license cost in Dubai?
You can start from AED 12,500 when you get a waste collection license from Meydan Free Zone.
What does the AED 12,500 setup include?
The starting setup includes the trade license fee, flexi-desk fee, 0 visa allocation, up to 3 business activity groups, and lease agreement.
Can a foreigner own a waste collection business in Dubai?
Yes. Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a UAE local sponsor or partner.
Can I set up a hazardous waste collection company in Dubai?
Yes. The Hazardous Waste Collection & Transport activity covers the collection of solid and non-solid hazardous waste, including used oil, bio-hazardous waste, and used batteries, as well as the identification, treatment, packaging, and labelling of waste for transport.
Does waste collection include construction and demolition debris removal?
Yes. The Construction and Demolition Waste Collection and Transportation Services activity specifically covers the collection of construction and demolition waste and the removal of debris such as brush and rubble.
Do I need to pay for visa allocation upfront?
No. You can start with 0 visa allocation and add visas later if and when your business needs them.
Can I add visa allocation and residency later?
Yes. You can start with the essentials first and add visa allocation, establishment card, and Dubai residency visa later as your business grows.
How long does it take to set up a waste collection business in Meydan Free Zone?
You can get licensed in under 60 minutes with a Meydan Free Zone Fawri license, or within 1 business day with a standard license, provided all your documents are in order.
What documents do I need to apply for a waste collection license?
All you need is your passport copy and a completed application form. A Meydan Free Zone business setup advisor can provide a full checklist based on your chosen activity.
Can I pay in instalments?
Eligible UAE-based clients may be able to convert the payment through the Easy Payment Plan using a participating bank’s credit card.
































