Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and ADNOC Distribution have inaugurated a cutting-edge Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) initiative, marking the beginning of the deployment of innovative recycling facilities across ADNOC Distribution retail service stations. The launch of the RVMs coincides with World Environment Day and aligns with the UAE’s sustainability objectives.
This collaborative effort also supports the implementation of Abu Dhabi’s Single Use Plastic Policy, introduced by EAD in 2020. Major retailers, including Carrefour, Lulu, Abu Dhabi Coops, Choithrams, Spinneys, Waitrose, and Spar, have joined forces to support this policy, resulting in a significant reduction of up to 95 percent in plastic bag consumption.
In addition to the elimination of single-use plastic bags, the policy aims to recover 50 percent of single-use plastic water bottles consumed in Abu Dhabi, amounting to 7,500 tonnes. To achieve this target, an incentive-based plastic bottle recovery scheme will be implemented, along with the installation of smart recovery infrastructure such as Return Vending Machines (RVMs), smart bins, and door-to-door collection applications throughout Abu Dhabi.
EAD has engaged key stakeholders, including large retailers, major attractions, real estate developers, and private sector packaging entities, to ensure the success of the bottle recovery initiative. The agency has also partnered with Veolia through its RECAPP initiative to deploy RVMs in high-footfall areas like malls, academic institutions, Abu Dhabi Corniche, and other visitor attraction sites.
As part of the ‘Mission to Zero’ outreach campaign, which strives for zero plastic, zero waste, zero emissions, and zero harm to biodiversity, ADNOC Distribution customers can now conveniently deposit their used plastic bottles and aluminium cans into the RVMs. The machines provide real-time updates to customers, enabling them to track their recycling efforts. The rollout of RVMs across ADNOC Distribution’s retail station network will be completed by the end of July 2023.
CEO of ADNOC Distribution Mr. Bader Saeed Al Lamki stated that, “By offering recycling opportunities at our ADNOC service stations, we are capturing a unique opportunity to involve our customers in our sustainability journey. In addition to minimising waste and recycling plastic and aluminium, the presence of RVMs will also raise awareness of important environmental issues with our customers.”
These RVMs serve as a simple yet effective solution to tackle the increasing issue of plastic bottle pollution. By incentivizing individuals to recycle their used bottles, the machines promote responsible behavior and contribute to reducing plastic waste in ecosystems and landfills. Once a machine is full, it automatically sends an electronic alert to a dedicated recycling collection agent, ensuring efficient collection and transportation of bottles and cans to a local recycling centre.
The introduction of RVMs demonstrates a significant step forward in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the circular economy. It encourages individuals to actively participate in recycling efforts, promoting a cleaner and greener future for the emirate.