Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI, MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Old and unused electronic devices, if improperly discarded, pose risks not only to the environment but to personal data security. On World Environment Day, experts urged the public to ensure these gadgets are sent to trusted recyclers, emphasising the importance of responsible e-waste management.
To advance recycling efforts and boost the UAE's circular economy, Abu Dhabi's waste management entity Tadweer Group has acquired a 50% stake in Enviroserve - one of the world's largest e-waste recycling facilities - in 2024.
Calling on the public to pay close attention to e-waste in their households, Shashidhar Y S, Board Member and Managing Director at Enviroserve, spoke to Aletihad about the proper disposal of electronics.
"One of the most damaging myths is that old electronics are harmless if stored or discarded," Shashidhar said. But the truth is, improperly handled e-waste can pollute the environment and put data security at stake, he stressed.
"[This is why] they should use only certified recyclers like Enviroserve for proper disposal (which is traceable and safe)," Shashidhar said.
Recycling is not just about disposal, he stressed, "it is about doing it right".
"By choosing certified recyclers and taking responsibility for how we manage old devices, we can all help build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future."As technology advances, so does the complexity of e-waste, Shashidhar said.
To keep up with these shifts, Enviroserve is innovating its waste management by incorporating new technologies, including recycling EV batteries and smart devices, as well as recovering silicon from used solar panels-addressing the emerging waste challenges of the renewable energy sector, he added.
Waste Management as Shared Responsibility
This World Environment Day, Tadweer Group urges the public to prioritise recycling and the proper disposal not only of e-waste but all other types of waste.
"World Environment Day is a moment for all of us to pause and reflect on the role we play in protecting our planet. For us at Tadweer Group, it is a chance to remind the community that small changes can make a big difference, and show how working together leads to real environmental impact," Dr. Reem Al Kindi, Head of Public Awareness at Tadweer Group, told Aletihad.
"The message we would like to convey is that waste is a valuable resource and we need to be more responsible with how we manage it – including incorporating the 3Rs in everything we do (reduce, reuse, recycle)."
Lifestyle Shift
Changes in daily routines, such as segregating waste and reducing plastic use, have become necessary, considering the climate challenges the planet faces today, she said.
Tadweer Group's Community Engagement Team has been raising awareness about these waste issues all year round, be it through school visits and events, as well as digital campaigns and partnerships.
"We believe awareness should be accessible and engaging. This is led by our Community Engagement team, which directly engages with the public to encourage the 3Rs, showcase the impact we can make if we segregate our waste, and that each individual is responsible for their actions," Al Kindi said.
Waste management is becoming more fundamental amid a rapidly growing population, urban development, and industrial activity - which could all contribute to an increasing volume of trash - Dr. Al Kindi said.
"Proper waste management in the UAE is a cornerstone of national sustainability and public wellbeing," she said. However, reaching sustainability targets requires shared responsibility.
"Our objective is to divert 80% of waste from Abu Dhabi landfill by 2030, but we cannot do this alone-this relies in part on how the community segregates and sorts its waste."
