Khaleej Times cited Mr Saif Al Shamsi director of Excellence and Quality Department as saying that the CWM in Abu Dhabi targets to divert 90% of waste from landfills to the recycling industry by 2018.
Mr Al Shamsi said that the Centre of Waste Management in Abu Dhabi targets to divert 90% of waste from landfills to the recycling industry by 2018. The emirate annually generates over 10 million tonnes of waste which has already occupied about 1,800 hectares of land for landfills. Abu Dhabi generates 33,000 tonnes of waste per day and the per capita waste generation is 1.8 to 2 kilograms per day.
According to the centre, the dump and landfill sites which are located throughout the emirate have received a mix of waste streams, including municipal, construction and demolition, clinical, hazardous, industrial and commercial wastes, for more than 20 years.
The centre is introducing new controlled management processes at existing dump and landfill sites throughout the emirate. The investigation and characterization of these sites are the first stage in producing definitive recommendations for the closure of the sites. More than 30 old dump and landfill sites have been identified for which rehabilitation services may be required.
Some geological surveys were previously conducted but more relevant investigation and analysis is in process. This includes surveys, photographic records, soil and water data and waste analysis.
In a bid to enhance the communication with all stakeholders, the Centre of Waste Management has opened up the front for new investments in green industry and recycling of waste in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Mr Saif Al Shamsi said that the new investment opportunities in green industry field and recycling are currently available for investors. These sectors include e waste recycling and processing, used cooking oils recycling and processing and establishing certified waste management consultants to support various waste management efforts undertaken by different entities in the emirate.
He said that all stakeholders in waste management in general and the Environmental Service Providers in particular are CWM's strategic partners towards achieving the vision for a sustainable Abu Dhabi 2030.
The CWM has registered and licensed 2,000 companies and establishments during the last 18 months which include 760 establishments practicing waste collection and transportation. Some 820 establishments are practicing cleaning services such as streets, beaches and building cleaning.
The CWM has also registered and classified almost 100 establishments to work in the field of pest control and rodent fumigation. In addition, 215 facilities are registered for waste trading and 34 facilities for waste treatment and reprocessing in the emirate.
Mr Al Shamsi stressed that the centre will continue to support the ESPs registered and licensed in the emirate, in line with its strategy to provide integrated waste management.
He said that the center in coordination with relevant authorities is currently reviewing all the regulations in order to assure proper handling of waste transportation, noting that the centre has already registered and is monitoring 98% of the waste transportation vehicles in the emirate.
(Sourced from Khaleej Times)
