ABU DHABI (WAM), 14 March 2022 — The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has issued the executive regulations for integrated waste management. They were approved by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region) and Chairman of EAD Board of Directors.
Based on Local Law No. 21 of 2005 on waste management in Abu Dhabi, to regulate the Emirate’s waste management. This will be achieved through reducing and reusing all types of generated waste and using the best techniques and methods for waste recycling, treatment, recovery, and safe disposal.
This is to protect the environment and minimize harm to the human health. It also contributes to achieving national and regional indicators related to waste and thereby supports efforts towards sustainable development.
Secretary-General of EAD Dr. Shaikha Salem al Dhaheri stated, “The regulation at the emirate level is the first of it’s kind, contributing towards overcoming difficulties in the field waste management, helping the development and sound managing of waste, and attracting investments into the waste sector. This regulation will help prevent duplicate efforts in the waste management industry by clearly defining the roles of each entity from a regulatory, operational, and legislative perspective. The EAD will work with the concerned authorities to develop and implement awareness programs to increase awareness among community members, environmental service providers, entrepreneurs, and other sectors about the regulation and its aims.
She said that the regulation covers all vital sector in the Emirate. These include residential, commercial, agricultural and craft as well as institutional sectors such as governmental and semi-governmental bodies, universities, schools, and training centers. The regulation also outlines the agency’s commitment toward developing a sustainable and effective integrated approach to waste management within the Emirate. This is a priority for the EAD to protect the environment, public health, and the economy. The EAD collaborates with relevant governmental entities to implement the regulations to create an integrated waste system that minimizes waste going to landfills and encourages circular economy. It also applies the best practices and technologies.
Faisal Al Hammadi is the Acting Executive Director for the Environmental Quality Sector. He stated that the regulation defines the fundamental principles of integrated waste management in emirate and the environmental licencing processes for waste management facilities. It also identifies the roles of concerned entities and stakeholders, as well as the obligations of waste generators, environmental service providers, and waste management facilities. The regulation simplifies the process for transferring waste between Emirates and exporting it to other countries.
Al Hammadi stated that the EAD began implementing the regulations after preparing an executive plan and sharing it to the relevant authorities in the Emirate. The executive plan contained several procedures and initiatives that will be implemented over the next years. This will positively reflect on current procedures in the Emirate to improve waste management. The EAD also prepared a plan to evaluate the regulation and measure its effectiveness in order to achieve the desired goals.
The regulation aims to encourage investment in the waste sector, attract specialised companies, stimulate innovation in the area of waste management, and support investment in the sector. These include mechanisms to collect, segregate, recycle, and treat waste using the best technologies. They also aim to eliminate illegal dumping and improve the conditions at existing landfills.
The regulation was developed by the EAD in partnership with all relevant government agencies throughout the entire development process. They are in line with federal and local strategies, as well as the environmental vision of Abu Dhabi 2030.
