GCC municipalities advised to reduce waste amid increasing construction projects
According to Waste and Recycling Middle East magazine, most GCC countries rank among the top ten countries worldwide in waste generation per capita, with Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris representing the largest proportion of waste in the Middle East. Limited C&D waste management regulations in the region, compared to other countries, has resulted in the accumulation of the C&D waste in landfills.
Experts in waste management say that recycling C&D waste can conserve raw material, energy, and water, as well as reduce the production of greenhouse emissions and other pollutants that can contribute to climate change. C&D waste recycling can preserve natural resources and support the local economy through the marketing of recycled C&D material which is much cheaper and has the same quality as the raw material and can be used in infrastructure projects.
“Construction projects are rapidly increasing in the region with Expo 2020 preparations in Dubai, and the World Cup 2022 to be hosted in Qatar. With these developments, municipalities across the GCC are recognising the need for robust strategies to minimise the negative impact of large amounts of C&D waste,” said H.E Eisa Saif Al Qubaisi, General Manager of Tadweer.
“EcoWASTE 2016 is the ideal platform to bring together waste management experts and innovators from around the world, to share best practices and latest developments with key decision makers in the region,” H.E said.
The Waste Management Master Plan, being developed by Tadweer for Abu Dhabi, includes studies about best practices, laws and policies related to waste management and the most cost efficient waste processing solutions. The Plan’s outcome will also propose methods to reduce commercial and industrial waste and raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste – especially that of C&D.
“The Waste Management Master Plan was established to help position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in waste management and sustainable resource policy development,” said Dr. Salem Al Ka’abi, Deputy General Manager of Tadweer, and Head of EcoWaste 2016 Committee.
“As part of the master plan, despite the growth in C&D waste that increasing construction projects are likely to cause, we are aiming to reduce C&D waste levels. We hope to demonstrate how efficient C&D waste recycling can have a positive impact on the region’s environment, society, and economy during EcoWaste 2016.”
The 2016 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is scheduled to run from 16-23 January, and EcoWaste will run from 18-21 January 2016, co-located with the World Future Energy, and the International Water Summit (IWS), at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event is expected to bring together more than 50 exhibiting companies from 17 countries, and more than 4500 trade visitors from the waste industry.
About Tadweer
Tadweer was established by the Government of Abu Dhabi in 2008 in an effort to become recognised as a global leader in sustainable and integrated solid waste management. The Centre is the lead agency responsible for controlling and coordinating waste management activities throughout the Emirate. This includes implementing a comprehensive waste management strategy set to be fully implemented by 2030, and all aspects of service delivery required to establish a fully integrated waste management system in the emirate.
About EcoWASTE
EcoWASTE is a leading international platform for advancing sustainable waste management and recycling across MENA and beyond. Seeing waste as a valuable economic resource, EcoWASTE brings together leading local and international experts and providers with key buyers and decision makers. Held annually at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, EcoWaste is hosted by Masdar, and held in partnership with Tadweer.
