EAD targets 20mln reduction in single-use plastic bottles in 2023

EAD targets 20mln reduction in single-use plastic bottles in 2023

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has set the ambitious target of collecting 20 million single-use plastic bottles a year for recycling. This will be achieved, in part, by installing 70 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and 26 Smart Bins in areas with high footfall in the emirate of Abu Dhabi such as the Corniche, Abu Dhabi Airport, sports venues, and malls, as well as academic institutions. The new bottle return scheme is under the umbrella of EAD’s Mission to Zero public outreach campaign that aspires for the target of zero plastic, zero waste, zero emissions and zero harm to biodiversity, which was launched last year as part of the Single-Use Plastic Policy. EAD organised a launch event hosted by Al Dar Group in the presence of Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General and a number of EAD key stakeholders in this ambitious initiative. EAD's main partners in this initiative are ADNOC Distribution Company, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, Aldar, Carrefour, Choithrams, Dgrade Lulu, Nadeera, RECAPP BY VEOLIA and UAE Circular Packaging Association. During the event, Dr. Shaikha, stated that, “Over the years we have discovered the harm of single-use plastics on land and marine