Al Dhafra Recycling Industries is responsible for the processing of construction and demolition materials across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the facility is to reduce the level of construction and demolition material being disposed in Abu Dhabi's landfills. In partnership with Tadweer, the facility processes material that produces recycled products to be used as road base aggregates, and structured & non-structured backfill projects.

Al Dhafra Recycling Industries’ recycling facility can process between 5,000 – 7,000 tons of material per shift. The product performs well, if not better than, virgin natural materials. Use of recycled construction and demolition materials also yields a number of commercial benefits, including: 

• Lower cost per ton compared to delivered quarried products from outside Abu Dhabi.
• Locally manufactured, with minimal transportation fees as a result.
• The recycled material is of a lower density, allowing for cost saving per cubic meter.

Q1. Please share more about Al Dhafra Recycling Industries’ story - how it has evolved in the past year? 

Al Dhafra Recycling Industries has had an incredible year, remaining ahead of the curve and transforming challenges into opportunities, exemplified by the following actions:

• Overcoming shortages in construction waste materials:

By implementing strategic sourcing strategies and fostering collaboration within the construction sector,  Al Dhafra Recycling Industries has successfully mitigated the challenges associated with a shortage of incoming construction waste materials. We harnessed proactive measures to secure a consistent and reliable supply, ensuring operational continuity.

• Addressing contamination in construction waste:

Recognizing the significance of contamination issues, particularly the presence of hazardous or non-recyclable materials in construction waste,  Al Dhafra Recycling Industries implemented robust sorting and screening processes. We developed strict quality control measures, successfully addressing this challenge and elevating the quality of recycled aggregates across market benchmarks.

• Achieving compliance in line with waste management regulations:

Al Dhafra Recycling Industries navigated the intricate landscape of waste management regulations and environmental standards with precision and commitment to excellence. By establishing rigorous compliance protocols and fostering a culture of adherence, the organization exceeded expectations for regulatory requirement. This proactive approach ensures legal compliance and underscores the organization's dedication to environmental stewardship.

Q2. What new sustainable products/services are being developed and when will they be ready for market?

Al Dhafra Recycling Industries is constantly evolving and introducing new, innovative ways to recycle. This includes mobile construction waste management services that involve providing on-site solutions for the collection, processing, and responsible disposal or recycling of construction waste. This concept addresses the challenges associated with transporting large amounts of waste to centralized facilities and promotes a more efficient and sustainable approach to construction waste management. This service is readily accessible, offering comprehensive solutions that necessitate client site evaluations and assessments, with a fully dedicated team that designs the optimal layouts for equipment placement, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards before initiating mobilization. This commitment to world-class services, in line with international standards for compliance, underscores Al Dhafra Recycling Industries’ support for Tadweer’s vision of delivering tailored waste management solutions in line with national sustainability ambitions.

Q3: What are your circular economy initiatives in the last 12 months and what have you planned for the future? 

The Al Dhafra Recycling Industries circular economy initiatives from the last 12 months focus on maximizing the recovery of valuable materials, minimizing waste generation, and promoting the reuse or recycling of materials:

1. Material recovery and sorting - This ensures that valuable materials such as metals, wood, concrete, and aggregates can be recovered and reused.
2. Recycling facilities - establishing recycling facilities for construction waste allows for the processing of materials like concrete and asphalt into recycled aggregates. These materials can then be used in new construction projects, reducing the demand for virgin resources.
3. Life cycle assessment (LCA) - Conducting life cycle assessments helps evaluate the environmental impact of construction materials and processes. This approach considers the entire life cycle of materials, from extraction to production, use, and disposal, encouraging the selection of materials with lower environmental footprints.
4. Collaborative partnership - Collaboration among stakeholders in the construction and waste management sectors is crucial. This involves coordination between construction companies, waste management firms, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to create integrated and efficient systems.

Our future plans for Al Dhafra Recycling Industries for the circular economy include:

1. Advanced sorting technology - Innovations in sorting technologies could enhance the efficiency of separating different materials from construction waste. This could include advanced sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence to automate the sorting process, allowing for better recovery of valuable materials.
2. Material reuse and upcycling - Future initiatives may focus on finding innovative ways to reuse crushed construction waste. This could involve developing new construction materials or products from recycled materials, promoting a circular approach in the industry.
3. Investment in research and development - Continued investment in research and development can lead to the discovery of new technologies and processes that make the crushing and recycling of construction waste more efficient and economically viable.

Statement from Tadweer’s Managing Director and CEO, Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri:

“We’re proud of the Al Dhafra Recycling Industries, an important partner to Tadweer, for their outstanding recycling facilities recognized as the Best Recycling Product by the Middle East Waste & Recycling Awards. As the sole custodian for waste management in Abu Dhabi, Tadweer constantly seeks new ways to grow and expand for a green future, including managing waste generated through construction as a unique challenge we are addressing. With the power of partnerships and innovation, we can establish further initiatives to increase awareness for reducing waste in the construction industry. This will supplement our efforts to promote the value of the circular economy as part of our wider vision for sustainable waste management, locally and internationally.”

Statement from ADRI CEO, Ramy Elkhawaja

We are delighted to announce that we have recently been honored with the prestigious award for the Best Recycling Product at the Middle East Waste & Recycling Awards. This recognition serves as a testament to our ongoing commitment in promoting sustainable products and implementing green energy-saving operations.

These accolades add to our growing list of milestones, underscoring our dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of sustainable practices, aligning our efforts with the mission and goals set forth by TADWEER.

We appreciate Tadweer's trust in us and look forward to achieving more projects in the future

As we move forward, rest assured that our commitment to excellence and sustainability will remain unwavering. We are dedicated to creating a better future for the next generation, fostering a world where they can enjoy the benefits of a cleaner and greener environment.