4000 kg of cans collected in the UAE's biggest public recycling campaign

Despite outdoor temperatures touching a blistering 42 degrees, the can collection drive witnessed an enthusiastic turnout. EEG mobilised hundreds of volunteers and participants from academic institutions, companies and families, from all over the country. The event was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, the Minister of Environment and Water of the UAE.

"Many people showed their pro-active concern for the environment," said EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi, "However a lot more still needs to be done," she added, "In previous years, when the UAE's population was just 2.9 million people, we have succeeded in surpassing the amount collected today. Now that the population is more than 4.2 million people, and the UAE has one of the world's highest per capita rates of domestic waste generation, we expected more people would come forward to participate in recycling."

Bus loads of students and teachers, as well as members of the public trooped to the drop-off sites. People from all backgrounds, ages and nationalities came together on the day of the drive to support EEG's mission to protect the environment. EEG made the necessary arrangements to make the event an enjoyable and a meaningful one. Ample bottles of cold water, chilled juices and light snacks were provided to participants and volunteers, as they helped in unloading, weighing and transporting bag after bag of cans. Marquees were set up to provide shade. A band of dedicated EEG volunteers worked tirelessly to make the Drive a success.

Speaking about the role of NGOs such as the EEG in raising awareness, Mrs.Al Marashi said,"NGOs are one part of the equation. The other critical components are corporations and educational institutions, who need to be active collaborators in the challenge of preserving and protecting our environment."

The UAE's growing domestic waste is an escalating issue, as the per capita waste generated today stands at one of the highest in the world. Recycling helps lighten the load on landfills, reducing contamination of groundwater and land from poisonous leachates.

The Can Collection Campaign is the first recycling programme launched by the Emirates Environmental Group in 1992. It is the first successful community waste segregation activities ever to be initiated in the UAE. Every year EEG organises an open drive to officially conclude the current cycle of the annual Can Collection Campaign.

Extended to all seven emirates in 2006, the Can Collection Drive was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Zabeel Park in Dubai, SAS Radisson Hotel in Sharjah, the Corniche near the old port in Umm Al Quwain, the ▪Fujairah Municipality in Fujairah, The Indian Public High School in Ras Al Khaimah, and ­­­­­­the new Ajman Municipallity building in Ajman.

"Our latest effort is a small step to diverting waste away from landfill sites. Recycling aluminium saves a fantastic amount of energy and natural resources, since the metal is a difficult one to extract but easy to recycle. Our special focus, as in most of our campaigns, was to involve the younger members of our community. We believe they will lead the way in fighting to protect the environment," said Habiba Al Marashi.

Winners, participants and supporting organisations of the Can Collection Campaign and Drive will be felicitated in a grand function on June 5, held to coincide with World Environment Day. The awards ceremony will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai at 11:00 am. Top winners of EEG's recycling programmes will win prizes ranging+12 from airline tickets to electronic equipments. Every supporting organisation and individuals involved in the campaign, as well as corporate members of EEG who sponsored prizes, will be recognised as well.

The main sponsor of Can Collection Drive 2007 was Al Safi Danone Friends of Environment Club. The Drive was ably supported by Dubai Municipality, Umm Al Quwain Municipality, Fujairah Municipality, and Ajman Municipality.

Collection skips and hauling trucks in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were provided by EEG's Associate member; ETA - Zeenath, In Dubai The municipality provided all the logistical support ; the skips, trucks and labour to support EEG's campaign as it does every year. EEG also used its own truck, 'Greeny', in collecting cans from the rest of the locations. Refreshments were provided by Al Safi Danone and Masafi Mineral Water in all the sites. Abela & Co joined EEG for the first time and provided delicious light snacks for the Dubai participants as did the Radisson SAS in Sharjah and the Crowne Plaza in AbuDhabi. Additional support to publicize the event was provided by the local English dailies the Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Gulf Today and Emirates today which dedicated some of their pages for the CCD adverts. Advert designs for the CCD were provided by Percept Gulf FZ and EEG member Ms. Sheeba Jethani.