Dubai Plans 75% Waste Diversion from Landfills by 2021

Waste management is one of the biggest challenges that Middle East’s cleaning sector will have to deal with as the region is to host events like EXPO 2020 and FIFA 2022. Governments in the region, particularly Dubai, are implementing strategies to achieve the goal of ‘zero waste to landfill’. In line with the emirate’s goal under Waste Management Master Plan 2030, Dubai Municipality has introduced innovative initiatives including the new recycling stations, and GPS tracking system, Smart Gate and RFID to divert most of the waste reaching its landfills.

The emirate is planning to attain 75% waste diversion from landfills by 2021. There are 3 recycling stations installed across Dubai, and the Municipality is planning to install a total of 13 before year end.

According to Eng. Abdulmajeed Saifaie, Director, Waste Management Department, Dubai Municipality, “At present, an average 7500 tonnes of solid waste is dumped in landfill in the emirate per day. The municipality aims to reduce waste dumped at landfills with GPS tracking system, Smart Gate and RFID. Our efforts have brought the amount of waste dumped at landfills from 11,500 tonnes per day in 2010 to 7,500 tonnes today. Once the system is fully equipped with smart technologies, we will reduce waste arriving at the landfill by another 20% in the coming years.

Eng. Abdulmajeed Saifaie further said, “Dubai is working on to become one of the world’s most sustainable cities by 2020, which presents the cleaning sector with the challenge of maintaining this for the future. The industry plays an important role in the sustainability of the country and influences other sectors to embrace sustainable technologies and practices.”

He added that MECTW with its focus on innovation is a right platform to showcase Dubai Municipality’s initiatives. “Our partnership with MECTW has grown stronger over the years, as it has evolved to be the best show to view latest technologies and share knowledge in the cleaning sector.” 

“MECTW’s reach has grown to incorporate companies from different parts of the world, with over 130 exhibitors displaying their solutions in 2016. Over the years, MECTW has evolved as a perfect platform for brands to promote themselves in this competitive and growing region. It also brings together all industry players to exchange ideas and showcase innovative solutions,” said Jayaraman Nair, Chairman, VIS Exhibitions and Conferences – organiser of MECTW.

A footfall of over 4000 attendees is expected over the 3-day event. Visitors to the exhibition can also attend conferences, which will focus on the theme ‘Innovation’. Three dedicated conferences including, International Cleaning and Hygiene Conference (ICHC), Gulf Laundrex – Linen Care conference and Gulf Carwash – Car Care conference will be will expounding on latest innovations, IoT applications and industry best practices.

Prominent exhibitors at the event include Intercare, Chemex, Daitona, Dhofar Global, Albariq Equipments, Natronic Laundry Equipments and Protek Gulf, as well as international brands like Sealed Air Diversey Care, Karcher, Hydro Systems, Jenson and Alliance Laundry Systems.

MECTW is region’s largest event that brings together cleaning service providers, equipment, and chemicals suppliers to discuss trends and showcase green cleaning products and innovations. The event will feature new pavilions dedicated to waste management, sewerage, and sanitation, and specialised cleaning for the year 2016.  MECTW features three platforms such as Gulf Laundrex-Linen Care Expo, Gulf Car Wash and Car Care Expo as well as the Clean Middle East Pulire. The event will be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13 – 15 November this year.