More areas to come under Dubai's recycling initiative

A recycling centre in Karama, Dubai, that was opened recently. The My City My Environment initiative aims at segregation of recyclable waste at source. - Photo used for illustrative purpose

The Dubai Municipality will launch the third phase of its 'My City My Environment' project in October, after the successful completion of the first and second phases.
The project, launched in 2012, focuses on the collection and segregation of recyclable waste at source, thus reducing waste to landfill.
The third phase will cover Muhaisina, Nadd Al Hamr and Al Mizhar areas. An agreement has also been signed with Averda, a company specialised in the field.
Daily domestic waste collection from the said areas will come to around 90 tonnes, in addition to 20 tonnes of recyclable waste. The company will deploy a team of 125 employees and a fleet of 21 specialised vehicles.
"Engaging private sector companies for executing the project is part of DM's integrated plan to privatise some services. in order to enhance the quality of services offered, especially in environment," said Eng. Salah Amiri, assistant director-general of Environment and Public Health Services Sector at DM.
Amiri said this project is considered a qualitative change in waste management in Dubai, as the waste will be segregated at source, enabling recycling in large quantities.
Promoting a sustainable environment
"Dubai is keen to follow the highest international standards in cleanliness and sustainable environment, ahead of World Expo 2020. We will be launching a host of initiatives to develop an integrated environment and health system in the city," said Amiri.
The five-year contract with Averda includes collecting recyclable domestic waste from over 6,200 villas in a 24 sq km area, in addition to electronic waste from Al Mizhar, Muhaisina and Nadd Al Hamr, which could be 200kg a month.
Eng. AbdulMajeed AbdulAziz Sifai, director of Waste Management Department, said the launch of the third phase of My City My Environment will focus on reducing the quantity of waste piling up in waste bins by segregating recyclable waste at source.
Previous phases of the project covered Jumeirah 1, 2 and 3, Al Safa 1 and 2, Umm Suqeim 1 and 2, Al Manara, Umm Sheif and Al Barsha 2 and 3.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai