Dubai Municipality has launched the Recyclable Materials Collection Center project using cargo shipping containers, which is considered one of the smartest and most environmentally sustainable centers.
The Center aims to reduce waste production in the Emirate of Dubai, promote a culture of waste separation, and raise recycling rates, thus enhancing the quality of life of individuals in general.
The project comes in line with the Municipality’s corporate social responsibility towards all segments of society, and in support of its efforts in implementing sustainable projects in the field of separating waste from the source and diverting it from the landfill path.
Dubai Municipality emphasised that the launch of this project represents a significant move in advancing integrated solutions that seek to lower Dubai’s waste, adopting safe and healthy disposal methods and waste treatment process, as well as raising recycling rates.
The facility will produce a number of beneficial outcomes in line with Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021–2041. The most significant among these will be promoting the culture of separating waste at the source and reducing waste that ends up in landfills, which will in turn help improve the recycling industry in Dubai.
The Municipality further stated that the Center will be open 24/7 to serve customers, including People of Determination, highlighting how it is designed to enable customers to utilise it without leaving their vehicles, through the designated entry and exit points.
Specifications
In designing the Center, the Municipality relied on old and unused 40 cubic meter-capacity cargo shipping containers, by reconfiguring and manufacturing them according to the best approved environmental standards.
The capacity of the recycling Center is one tonne and uses multicoloured containers to gather as many recyclable items as it can, including paper, carton, plastic, metals, discarded electronic devices, used mobile phones, and dry batteries. To track the quantity of materials collected and measure its size, remote sensors are connected to every container in the Center.
Furthermore, the Center makes use of solar energy to meet its electricity demands. It also features a Makani number – 3345601198 – for smart geographic addressing of locations. This helps individuals to plan their routes and reach the facility quickly, easily, and accurately.
Development
Dubai Municipality has effectively coordinated with organisations in charge of providing care for People of Determination, such as Dubai Club for People of Determination and the Community Development Authority to implement the project and encourage direct visit and use of the Center. In keeping with its objectives to preserve the environment and Dubai’s pristine appearance, this project supports the Municipality’s efforts to create sustainable projects and environment-friendly initiatives that meet the needs of People of Determination.
Currently, the Municipality is strengthening its strategic partnerships with several organisations and partners as part of the project’s development plan, to explore ways to set up such centers in multiple locations including education centres for People of Determination as well as large public parks.
Dubai Municipality constantly strives to implement sustainable projects and programs that aim to maximise the use of waste, utilise those in various recycling programs, and divert them from landfills. Additionally, it ensures that societal segments and organisations adhere to the best international practices in the fields of waste separation and sustainable disposal, as well as creating recycling techniques that cater to the core principles of circular economy.