Abu Dhabi likes to tell the whole world how green it is – but how green is it really? In the absence of a proper waste management system I’ve spent the last few years diligently separating my paper, plastic, tins, cans and recently glass – for recycling. No there are no door to door collections, so I’ve risked stinking out my car and taking my separated waste to the Spinneys car park recycling cage.
But now the only recycling place in Abu Dhabi where households could take their waste is no more! so where did it go? My husband asked and apparently something happened to the old one (?! yes, I know!) and they’re going to replace it. But we went again this weekend and no sign of any activity.
So with our kitchen overflowing, my husband took the paper/ cardboard (which he is now also collecting from his work) to a recycling ‘centre’ of sorts behind the Millennium Hotel on Khalifa St. Don’t know what actually happens to it from there, or even if we can use it.
So anyone out there know of alternatives in Abu Dhabi and anyone in the ‘know’ as to why the Spinneys recycling cage disappeared?
Apparently it was not aesthetic according to an article in the National Newspaper (cut and paste link into your browser to see whole article):
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100202/NATIONAL/702019860&SearchID=73383171354894
No mention of when the recylcing facilities will return. However at Al-Khubairat they have recycling so if you know a parent or someone who works there maybe they can take it for you.
I called Spinneys a few days ago, and they said the new and improved recycling facilities should be back in 10 days.
I also contacted EEG and they said they collect recyclables at American Community School and The Club. I haven’t gotten in touch with people at The Club yet.
Abu Dhabi Week mentioned Al Diar Capital as a place to take paper and plastic, but there are no containers there.
There is a recycling centre by Jones the Grocer.
At 4th and 15th
Help! For the past 15 months I’ve been carrying old mobile phones, video cameras and other nonfunctioning electronic equipment in the back of my car looking for a recycling bin in AD for these items. Any ideas where I can find one? I’ll even go to Dubai if I have to. Thanks – Peter
Hi Peter,
There is a company called Enviroserve (http://www.enviroserve.ae/electronic-waste/) that I have used for electronic waste recycling. Give them a call.
Good luck.
Elham
Hi Peter – Nokia Care has a “TAKE BACK” programme for old mobile phones (ALL phones – not just Nokia). http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/campaign-to-save-endangered-gulf-turtles-2011-11-30-1.430926 You can find a Nokia recycle point at http://www.nokia.com/global/about-nokia/people-and-planet/sustainable-devices/recycling/recycling/