'It's a way of life': Meet UAE residents who sort waste, achieve lowest carbon footprint

A neighbourhood in Dubai has achieved significant progress in waste management, boasting the lowest emissions footprint in the UAE, with a 78 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the national average.

This success is attributed to the residents of 'The Sustainable City', who adhere to an efficient waste management system that emphasises recycling and composting.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, British expat Sally Maddison explained how the city promotes waste reduction and encourages residents to separate their waste at the source.

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“Previously, I lived in Arabian Ranches, where we had some recycling options, but they weren’t as comprehensive as what we have here in The Sustainable City. Inside our home, each recycling bin is labelled—so even the kids know exactly where to put different types of waste. We sort everything: paper and cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic.”

“Additionally, the landscaping here is impressive, and the gardeners understand where to dispose of green waste, which is picked up by an electric truck. There’s even a composting service that collects organic waste, making it easier to recycle and compost responsibly.”

‘It’s a way of life’

The former Amsterdam resident said that recycling and reusing were also a part of her daily life there.

She emphasised that it is crucial to understand that accessibility to sustainability is seen as a social as well as an economic issue around the world now.

“It’s not hard at all, it’s a way of life. We have a general waste bin as well, but sorting has become second nature. With five different bins in our home, everyone knows where things go, and it doesn’t take any extra effort. Even my four-year-old picks up the paper and I tell him put in the cardboard bin. So, everyone is involved, and it feels good to contribute to a more sustainable environment.”

“The Sustainable City also has designated bins for electronic waste and clothing. Old clothes or toys go to the charity bin, while broken electronics like vacuums or printers can be dropped off in the electronics container,” added the resident who has lived in The Sustainable City for five years now.

Similarly, Alex Morriss follows a similar process at home with dedicated bins to dispose of different types of trash.

“In our community, we have designated bins for cardboard, paper, metals, and glass. Residents sort their recyclables at home and then place them into the corresponding garbage bins provided throughout the city for each specific item. Additionally, some households have food disposal systems.”

“The developer provides sorting boxes, and most of us have them at home. I’d say people generally make a good effort to sort their waste. The community bins are emptied regularly, I believe twice a day, so Tadbeer collects the recyclables consistently.”

Shedding light on areas of improvement, he explained that during the summer, it can be challenging for people to find the patience to sort out trash, particularly when bins become overfilled, as the community is well-populated.

“It would likely be more convenient for residents if larger-capacity bins were available. Although this community does more than others, there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to managing food waste,” added Morriss.

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