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Smart recycling center to teach lesson to Dubai students

Dubai - The smart center will operate using solar power and LED screens to teach students

A portable smart recycling center will tour around Dubai schools to encourage students to adopt the culture of recycling, a Dubai Municipality official said.
As part of the 'Smart and Sustainable Oasis Recycling Centre', introduced by the Waste Management Department in May, the Dh500,000 portable center will allow public schools students to recycle and segregate 25 types of waste, starting from the first quarter of 2017.
Now in its final design phase, the smart center will operate using solar power and LED screens to teach students the value of recycling different types of waste including aluminum, glass, bulbs, electronics, paper and plastic.
Abdul Majeed Abdul Aziz Al Saifaie, director of the Waste Management department, told Khaleej Times the center will be composed of two big containers separated by a pathway where students can enter and watch educational films through smart LED screens. On the sides of the containers, slots will be installed allowing students apply their learning experiences.
"The young generation is the future, and it is highly important that we instill the habit of recycling in them from a young age. They will grow up to teach their children to protect their environment," said Al Saifaie.
He said the first phase will cover government schools before moving to private schools, allowing the center to be used in each school for three weeks.
While Averda is the manufacturing company working on the Sustainable Oasis Recycling Center, Al Saifaie noted the department will also be looking to cooperate with private companies to produce more than one portable center.
"It is a very expensive project as it demands the use of higher technologies, so we are looking for volunteering companies to contribute to its costs," said Al Saifaie.
The municipality has been working on installing smart recyclable centers throughout the emirate. Out of 13 centers, four have been installed in Karama Park, Al Manara Center on Shaikh Zayed road, Hatta and Al Rashidiya. The next one will be installed in Al Muhaisnah park, with four more in the pipeline.
"We are currently focusing on municipality centers and public parks, but in future phases we will introduce more near the big hypermarkets," said Al Saifaie. He added that the centers address the gaps needed in the community.
"While we encourage people to recycle, the centers provide them with the place to do so," he said.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com