Dubai, UAE: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) proudly announces the successful completion of the 28th cycle of the national campaign known as the ‘Can Collection Drive’, it was held on 9th November and covered all the Emirates. This is the 1st action programme that the EEG rolled out in 1997 to engage all the sectors of the society in hands on activity. It is part of its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable practices amongst the different sectors of the society in the UAE.
Under the theme “With a ‘Can do’ attitude, the future is in our hands”, this programme aims first and foremost to raise awareness about the importance of segregating waste at source and the value of recycling aluminium cans and to be able to engage businesses and the community at large to adopt sustainable habits.
The drive garnered enthusiastic participation from all, particularly from the hospitality sector as well as from catering companies and labour accommodations and camps, highlighting the community’s readiness and commitment to environmental conservation efforts.
The results were impressive, as EEG managed to collect 13,988 kg of aluminium cans, marking the highest quantity gathered on a single day since the programme’s inception. This milestone reflects the community’s commitment and their collective response to the call for environmental action. The collection has resulted in the mitigation of 210 MT CO2e, saving 340 m³ of landfill space, and conserving 3,183 million BTU of energy. Each ton of aluminium recycled saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new cans, emphasising the significant impact of the community’s collective efforts. With the conclusion of the drive EEG has managed to collect a total of 29,453 kg since the beginning of the year and achieving 92.6% of the 2024 target of collecting 31,800 kg.
EEG co-founder and Chairperson expressed her delight on the success of this drive and said: “This initiative aligns with global sustainability goals and builds on the momentum generated at COP28. In light of the urgency to address climate change and promote environmental stewardship, this campaign seeks to educate the community on the importance of recycling beverage cans, which can be recycled indefinitely. Through this collection drive, we are working to raise awareness, enhance community participation, and contribute significantly to the circular economy. To close the recycling loop, we must work as one – individuals, communities, and industries”.
She further added that “Research shows that aluminium industry is projecting a significant increase in Aluminium Can production; therefore, transforming our recycling practices has never been more critical. The impact of the “Can Collection Campaign” will lead to significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Thus, we need to collectively succeed in recycling a much higher percentage of Aluminium Cans produced in the UAE to help achieve the Net-Zero by 2050. Each beverage can that ends up in a landfill represents a missed opportunity for sustainability”.
The Can Collection Drive has a structured plan encouraging local communities, academic institutions, and government & private sector bodies to participate by collecting and depositing aluminium beverage cans at designated collection points throughout the UAE. EEG partnered with local authorities and recycling companies to ensure that the collected cans are processed efficiently, reinforcing that every can recycled contributes to a healthier environment. As part of the initiative, EEG also provides educational workshops and resources to highlight the benefits of recycling, the importance of reducing waste and the practical steps everyone can take to support a greener planet.
“This drive is not just about recycling; it is about setting a precedent for future generations,” Mrs. Habiba continued. “By taking action today, we contribute to a more resilient ecosystem and demonstrate our commitment to environmental conservation. We are thrilled with the outcome of this Can Collection Drive. The dedication shown by community members demonstrates a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship. Each Aluminium Can that is being recycled is actually helping preserve our resources and foster a culture of sustainability within our society.”
The increase and enthusiasm shown by participants highlighted an increased awareness and understanding of sustainable practices, further emphasising the drive’s success in promoting environmental literacy.
EEG extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, supporting entities and sponsors who made the Can Collection Drive 2024 a resounding success. Special thanks goes to the various government organisations including Dubai Municipality; Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, Ajman Tourism and private sector entities whose logistical support was invaluable in organising and executing this event; the American International School Abu Dhabi (AISA), Abela & Co, McDonald’s UAE, RAK Ceramics, Berkeley Services, Labotel Worker’s Village, ISS Relocations, Globelink West Star Shipping L.L.C, Sharjah National Lube Oil Co. L.L.C. and Tristar Group and Lucky Recycling who came on board as the recycling partner for this cycle as well. Our appreciation is also extended to Arabia CSR Network as the CSR Partner.
Looking ahead, EEG invites everyone to join future initiatives and continue their efforts to foster a sustainable community. The UAE community is encouraged to support this vital cause and participate in this annual action programme the “Can Collection Campaign”.
About EEG:
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), is a professional working group established in 1991. It is devoted to protecting the environment through education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD), the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food System (SFS), the Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme’s Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML).