March 30 marks International Day of Zero Waste. Facilitated jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme and UN Human Settlements Programme, it is observed to promote waste minimization at all levels. Zero waste best practices encompass the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle, recovery, and disposal, thereby diverting waste away from landfills and other environments.  The goal is to shift from a linear economy to a circular one, where materials are kept in the loop until they have reached the end of their usable life or can no longer be repurposed.  

The statistics on the global waste crisis throws up stark numbers. The world generates about 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually. Without urgent action, the annual waste generation will hit 3.8 billion tons by 2050, as per the United Nations figure. At least 33% of this waste is mismanaged through open dumping or burning, it further adds.

The increasing demand to tackle the waste crisis and mitigate climate change has driven several countries to take decisive action. Sustainable waste management has become a top priority for governments worldwide, with many adopting the Zero Waste approach. The UAE is among those countries that are leading efforts to foster a zero-waste society through a range of sustainable initiatives and circular economy policies. It has brought local authorities, businesses, institutions and communities together to implement sustainable practices through proactive measures. 

Currently, the Middle East generates 150 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being the largest contributors. According to a report by AESG, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment states that per capita municipal solid waste generation was about 2.1 kg/day. But thanks to the efforts of relevant authorities, this has now fallen to 1.8 kg/day. 

What does a Zero Waste journey entail? 

Mark Siddorn, Strategic Planning and Business Performance Director, Strategy & Business Performance, Tadweer Group, explains that a Zero Waste journey is an approach for reducing waste generation, maximising resource efficiency, and ensuring that materials are continuously reused, repurposed, or recycled in a circular economy. “The aim is to prevent waste from being sent to landfill, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” 

He highlights that effective measures should begin with the assessment of waste sources and streams, followed by implementation of strategies to promote waste reduction, and the establishment of incentives for reuse and extending the lifecycle of the material. “We also need to focus on investment in waste conversion technologies, shifting public behaviour and perception to view waste as a valuable resource, and embed circular economy principles for a zero waste future,” he adds.  

In 2024, Tadweer Group announced its target of diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfill by 2030. “The organization has been pioneering advanced technologies, leveraging diverse perspectives, and cultivating valuable partnerships to achieve this goal,” adds Siddorn, highlighting some of its initiatives. “It drives recycling incentives through Reverse Vending Machines, the Tadweer Rewards app, and community engagement initiatives.” Other key projects underway include Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield Material Recovery Facility, a waste-to-energy plant with EWEC, and expanded e-waste recycling. 

Hani Tohme, Senior Partner & MEA Head of Sustainability, Kearney, states that UAE’s zero-waste journey stands apart from other countries, driven by ambitious targets and strong collaboration across the value chain. 

The nation has implemented a range of strategic measures to bring its Zero Waste vision to life. “The Dubai Municipality created the Master Waste Management Plan 2021-2041 to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills to zero within 20 years. The plan emphasizes an integrated and innovative approach to waste management.” Tohme points out. The budget to implement this strategy is AED 74.5 billion with AED 70.5 billion as direct contribution from the private sector. 

Composting and anaerobic digestion are promoted widely to manage organic waste, reducing methane emissions and turning waste into valuable resources like compost and biogas, he adds. 

The UAE Circular Economy Policy further serves as a roadmap for embedding circular practices across multiple sectors. It emphasizes sustainable infrastructure, manufacturing, transportation, and food systems while encouraging innovation and cross-sector collaboration. 

During COP28, the UAE hosted the entire waste management community during a dedicated day in the official program. The summit also witnessed the first ever Waste Pavilion led by the International Solid Waste Association and its members. 

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment  and Tadweer Group launched the 'Waste to Zero' initiative during the climate summit. This global endeavor aims to champion efforts in decarbonizing waste management and establishing a circular economy platform. 

Siddorn underlines that key challenges in any Zero Waste journey include the need for additional investment in technology to accelerate the waste sector, educating the community on the importance of waste reduction, and demonstrating the power of recycling and the impact of waste segregation. Tohme observes that the scarcity of recycling and composting infrastructure means that a significant amount of waste still ends up in landfills across the Emirates. However, he recognizes the advancements in waste-to-energy solutions in Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi as positive steps forward.

The experts draw our attention to the opportunities that lie within this endeavor. Investing in the circular economy not only drives sustainability but also fuels job creation and economic growth, they note. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can optimize waste sorting, enhance material recovery, and ensure that waste is not just diverted from landfills but transformed into valuable resources.”

Tohme remarks that the UAE's initiatives encourage innovation in waste management technologies and sustainable product design. This can lead to the development of advanced solutions that can be adopted globally. “By taking a leading role in waste decarbonization,” he says, “the country can inspire others to follow suit. This aligns with the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in sustainability and environmental conservation.” 

Both emphasize that reducing consumption and promoting the continuous reuse of materials requires a collaborative effort. Strong partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to building the infrastructure needed to achieve a zero waste future. 

Giving an overview of the global scenario, Tohme remarks that many nations lack adequate waste management infrastructure, leading to inefficient waste collection and disposal. This includes insufficient recycling facilities and composting sites, which are crucial for diverting waste from landfills. 

The absence of clear and consistent governance, policy, regulatory, institutional frameworks and lack of public involvement can hinder zero waste initiatives. “The high costs associated with implementing sustainable waste management practices can be a deterrent for businesses and individuals. Investment in waste management infrastructure and daily operational costs is necessary to achieve zero waste goals,” he concludes.