Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tadweer Group to implement a pilot project for managing targeted product waste under the UAE's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative. The EPR is one of the key initiatives within the UAE Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023-2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing took place during an event in Dubai, attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Engineer Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group. Several senior officials from both entities were also present.
The MoU is part of the UAE's broader efforts to advance environmental sustainability, strengthen integrated waste management, address environmental challenges, and support the transition towards a circular economy and sustainable economic growth. MOCCAE and Tadweer Group are collaborating on this pilot project to manage targeted product waste, specifically electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and packaging, to be temporarily implemented in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with Tadweer Group as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak emphasized the UAE's partnership-driven approach to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflected in the implementation of strategic initiatives for sustainable environmental solutions. Dr. Al Dahak expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration with Tadweer Group to support integrated waste management goals within the UAE's circular economy framework, highlighting the EPR initiative as a key pillar engaging all stakeholders in the waste management process in line with international best practices.
Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group, remarked on the significance of the initiative, stating that it would play a key role in the waste journey by holding manufacturers accountable for their role in waste creation. By piloting an EPR model, Tadweer Group aims to establish a more accountable and resource-efficient waste management system, with insights from the pilot to inform future EPR strategies.
The MoU includes measures to boost regulatory readiness by improving understanding of EPR monitoring requirements, its influencing factors, and documenting lessons learned and challenges encountered during the pilot phase. The MoU also supports circular economy objectives by promoting private sector participation and investment in sustainable waste management, developing policy development roadmaps, and assessing the effectiveness of the EPR initiative.
The MoU stipulates that both parties will jointly manage and operate the project on a pilot basis in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in coordination with producers of the targeted products and signatories of the EPR Pilot Project Pledge. Efforts will also be made to raise public awareness and promote community engagement for active participation in the pilot project.
The roles and responsibilities of producers and suppliers are outlined in Cabinet Resolution No.39 of 2021 regarding the executive regulations of Federal Law No.12 of 2018 concerning integrated waste management. At the event, 26 companies from sectors like retail, production, and waste management services formally signed the EPR Pledge, marking a significant milestone for the pilot EPR project and demonstrating the UAE private sector's commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.