One of the pivotal moments for the waste and recycling industry during COP28 was the launch of the 'Waste to Zero' initiative by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company). This global endeavour aims to champion efforts in decarbonising waste management and establishing a circular economy platform, further solidifying the UAE's commitment to sustainability. Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment assumed chairmanship to drive this ambitious goals forward.

Waste to Zero is a voluntary coalition that strives for sector emission reduction in line with the Paris Agreement and supports circular economy implementation. Through this, the team aims to address all possible solutions from waste minimisation to waste-to-energy infrastructure, and to pivot to a circular economy model.

Under the leadership of MOCCAE and Tadweer, the 'Waste to Zero' initiative will host discussions, workshops, and awareness programmes globally. These activities will focus on circular economy objectives, sustainable resource management, and the latest innovations in waste management and carbon emission reduction.

The initiative addresses challenges faced by the waste management sector, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate change objectives. 'Waste to Zero' will promote solutions for global decarbonisation by attracting investments in infrastructure projects, creating employment, reducing dependence on natural resources, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.

This collaboration aims to underscore the pivotal role of the waste management sector in addressing climate change, inviting the entire ecosystem to raise ambition and work towards tangible results. 'Waste to Zero' aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, demonstrating concrete action to mitigate climate change and usher in a sustainable future.

Tadweer signed a slew of MOUs during COP28 including a $2.5m pilot project with Aquagrain to harness organic waste to deploy the UAE’s first ever organic waste to soil enhancing technology; with the Bureau of Environment, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan, and another with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change to collaborate on sustainable waste management in the country; with Levidian to decarbonise methane emissions in Abu Dhabi and with The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Masdar City, and GGT for implementing zero landfill in UAE and green circular economy.

Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri spoke to Waste & Recycling magazine on the sidelines of one of these signings. 

What is the purpose behind your recent initiatives and collaborations in waste management?

Tadweer has set ambitious targets to revolutionise waste management not just in the UAE, but also in GCC and beyond it. Our aim is to achieve over 80 per cent waste diversion from landfills by 2030. To fulfill this ambition, partnerships with expertise and modern technology are essential, and that's what we've been actively seeking. 

Could you elaborate on your recent collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and how it contributes to waste management?

Our recent collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure focusing on the implementation of a Zero-Landfill initiative and Green Circular Economy with Graphene based GIM Concrete. By utilising graphene, we aim to create more sustainable alternatives to traditional materials like cement. This project is one of several aimed at reducing waste sent to landfills and promoting sustainability.

How did your participation in the waste management conference contribute to addressing climate crisis issues?

Our key ambition at the waste management conference was to put waste on the main stage and discuss its impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. We successfully launched the Waste Zero Initiative, gaining support from over 45 organizations worldwide to decarbonize the waste industry and address environmental challenges.

Waste-to-energy is mentioned as a potential solution. How does this technology fit into your overall waste management strategy?

Waste-to-energy is a technology we are actively adopting to divert waste from landfills and create sustainable energy sources. Tadweer also has a plant coming up in Abu Dhabi soon. While it plays a significant role, we recognise it is not the sole solution. We are exploring various projects and technologies to drive systemic change in waste management and promote sustainability.

We aim to expand our waste management efforts globally, collaborating with other countries and partners. Our goal is to continue driving change and promoting sustainable waste management practices on a global scale.