The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the region’s first formal extended producer responsibility (EPR) pilot, holding manufacturers and brand owners accountable for post-consumer waste management.
Gulf News reported that the initiative, spearheaded by the country’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tadweer Group, appointed as the scheme’s producer responsibility organisation.
UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak was quoted by the news agency as saying: “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Tadweer Group to support our goals for integrated management and safe disposal of waste, while also ensuring waste is reused optimally within the UAE’s advanced circular economy framework.”
Focusing on waste from electrical equipment, batteries, and packaging, the pilot is being rolled out in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The move forms a cornerstone of the UAE’s Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023-2026, aiming to create a circular waste management framework.
The MoU outlines collaboration to enhance public awareness, strengthen regulatory preparedness, and track key performance indicators during the pilot phase.
It also promotes private-sector engagement and investment in sustainable waste solutions.
A key moment at the launch was the signing of the ‘EPR Pledge’ by 26 companies from industries such as retail, manufacturing, and waste management.
These companies committed to supporting the pilot by raising awareness, encouraging consumers to segregate waste and use designated collection points, as well as providing data to monitor collection rates and other performance metrics.
Additionally, they pledged to dedicate resources to efficient waste management, adopt environmentally sound practices in logistics and financial planning, and ensure all collected waste is processed in line with approved procedures.
Tadweer Group CEO Ali Al Dhaheri was quoted by the news agency as saying: “This will play a key role in the [UAE’s] waste journey, by holding manufacturers accountable for their role in waste creation.
“By piloting an EPR model, we are laying the foundation for a more accountable and resource-efficient waste management system.”
