Understanding waste management in Abu Dhabi
Managing waste is an integral part of city planning, as it’s one of the basic necessities accessed by almost everyone. Each human being, be it a baby or an elderly individual, is adding to the waste produced on the planet – currently averaging 2.12 billion tons each year! In Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, there are quite a few initiatives to ensure the waste management process is efficient and effective. If you’re curious, keep reading to learn how this city has managed to get it right.
Tadweer and Abu Dhabi Waste Management
Waste in landfills is a serious environmental threat, as it can increase the amount of harmful methane in the atmosphere. Burning waste, which is done in several countries, can be even more detrimental. This is why the UAE has been looking at recycling, a practice friendlier to the ecosystem.
ADQ (also known as Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company) established Tadweer in 2008 to take care of all policies and strategies related to waste management in the capital. They leverage advanced technology to work towards the UAE’s 2030 sustainability goal, i.e., diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfills by 2030. Tadweer Group has several projects covering various aspects of waste management.
Recycling in Abu Dhabi
Tadweer has set up 20 Recyclable Material Collection Centers (RMCC) across the city to help recycle 16 streams and avoid landfills. They plan to add 100 more units in 2025 and host various initiatives to encourage residents to recycle.
Reverse Vending Machines (RVM)
Reverse Vending Machines accept empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans, encouraging recycling. Tadweer has set up 25 RVMs in Abu Dhabi and plans to add more in the coming years.
Green Bins
As the name suggests, Green Bins are for collecting general recyclables such as paper, glass, plastics and metal. One reason to quickly separate these materials is to help prevent pollution and landfills.
Smart Bins
Smart bins are a slightly upgraded version of green bins. They have a barcode scanner to open the bin, deposit waste and close it. An app that shares the bin’s weight can help waste collectors know when to empty it. This is definitely a smart direction for waste collection and management.
Waste to energy initiatives
Waste-to-energy initiatives generate energy from waste treatment, such as electricity or heat. Since waste accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, converting it to energy is ideal for the future.
Tadweer Group and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) are collaborating with a Japan-based consortium to develop a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Independent Power Plant Project (IPP) in Abu Dhabi. The plant will process 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, reducing 1.1 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. It will ideally reduce reliance on fast-depleting fossil fuel reserves and create a clean source of energy.
Wastewater treatment
Wastewater and sewage treatment is a basic necessity for a city to run efficiently. In Abu Dhabi, TAQA collects and treats all wastewater discharged from residential and commercial properties.
They have completed several innovative projects to streamline wastewater management, including the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) in 2014, a 41 km deep sewer tunnel. The treated water can be reused for farming and park irrigation, which is a way better alternative to dumping wastewater into oceans.
Additionally, there are plans for waste management in Dubai by 2030 for a sustainable, energy-efficient way to recycle waste water.
Exporting hazardous wastes in the UAE
Hazardous or toxic wastes are harmful to humans and require careful disposal. Examples include medical waste, battery acids, metal finishing waste, and aerosols. The UN has a mandate on hazardous wastes and recommendations for countries to deal with them. This mandate is called the Basel Convention, which was signed by 199 countries, including the UAE.
Exporting hazardous wastes in the UAE requires a Ministry of Climate Change and Environment permit. You can apply for one through their website, submitting your trade licence, environmental permit, insurance and relevant documents and paying the AED 500 fee.
FAQs
Who is the waste management authority in Abu Dhabi?
Tadweer Group takes care of water management in Abu Dhabi.
Several private waste management companies in the UAE offer waste disposal and recycling services. One major player is Take My Junk UAE, which is known for its prompt waste collection and recycling.
Where is the Abu Dhabi waste-to-energy project?
The ambitious waste-to-energy project in Abu Dhabi is located in the Al Dhafra region.
How does the UAE prevent sea dumping and pollution?
The UAE has several initiatives and laws in place to prevent the destruction of marine ecosystems and keep the sea pollution-free. For example, some laws ban tankers from throwing waste and oil sludge into the sea. These are also applicable to ships, aircraft and industrial installations.
Learn about effective waste management practices in the UAE with MyBayut, the region’s biggest property portal.
Featured Image Credits: Tadweer Group
