An annual event to promote recycling in the UAE is targeting a record return for can collections this year.
Organised by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the ‘Can Collection Day’ is looking to beat last year’s total of 25,426 kilogrammes of discarded cans, as the organisation looks to promote proper waste management as well as saving vital landfill space in the country.
Initiated in 1997, this year’s instalment aims to collect 27 thousand kilogrammes of cans across the country, according to Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of EEG.
An estimated 500 million canned drinks are sold each year in the UAE. The majority of these live out the rest of their 200-year lifespan in a landfill. In stark contrast to the 63 per cent of cans that are recycled around the world, only five per cent of the UAE’s cans are recycled.
In an attempt to create awareness about proper waste management and salvaging materials in the UAE, the EEG created the ‘Can Collection Day’ as part of its broader Can Collection Campaign. Since the launch of the campaign 17 years ago, nearly 200,000 kg have been collected thanks to the collaborative efforts of government and private entities, academic institutes and individuals.
The grand total is said to have saved 4,843 m3 in landfill space, which is equivalent to the size of nearly two Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The 17th annual ‘Can Collection Day’ will be held on 27th February. Residents are encouraged to recycle their cans at the designated collection points. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/EmiratesEnvironmentalGroup
