News Desk
DUBAI: The Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Task Forces on Waste Management and Supply Chain recently organised a webinar joined by member companies and industry experts shared recommendations for helping businesses improve waste management practices.
The virtual event, attended by 44 participants representing 35 companies in the UAE, identified practical solutions addressing various challenges related to the process of waste management in the workplace, including segregation, collection, storage, transportation and recycling of waste, as well as best practices for identifying and engaging with waste service providers.
Guest speakers includedS. Madhumohan Chief Innovation Officer Environment Solutions -Dulsco, Habinder Singh Founder & Chairman – YES Full Circle and Sivakumar Shanmugavel Regional Safety Health Environment Manager & Security Delegate – Nestle, who delivered informative presentations on the topic.
The presentations revealed that 11 million tons of waste is generated in the UAE every year, 33% of which is municipal solid waste produced by households, offices and workplaces.
Around 80% of recyclable materials are going to landfill due to lack of segregation, of which 25% comes from businesses and communities. One ton of recycled paper saves 24 trees, 1,600kg CO2 and 6,500kWh of energy, according to statistics shared by expert speakers.
Separating mixed recycling from general waste is crucial in diverting it from going to landfill, according to industry experts. Other recommendations for enhancing waste management efforts included ensuring that mixed recycling is not contaminated, following the ‘two bin method’ approach to separate general waste from mixed recycling, adopting communication campaigns that engage employees in the process, and partnering with established waste service providers that can support waste management and recycling strategies.
Ahead of the presentations, a survey found that 59% of the participating businesses face challenges with waste segregation, 30% with recycling and 11% with collection.
Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, noted that the webinar was organised in response to growing interest among Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network member companies in adopting practical waste management solutions and collaborating with waste management service providers and recycling companies.
The recent webinar achieved its objectives of raising awareness about key challenges businesses are facing in the areas of waste segregation, transportation and collection, adding that the participants benefited from the valuable insights and useful tips that they can take incorporate into their own strategies, he added.
The Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network is an essential platform for the business community to exchange information and experiences on matters related to corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
