Tadweer Group: Turning Waste into a Valuable Resource

How does Tadweer plan to achieve the goal of diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfills by 2030, and what technologies or innovations are central to this vision?

Central to achieving our goal of diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste from landfills by 2030 is the integration of advanced technologies and pioneering projects. A cornerstone of Tadweer’s efforts is Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield Material Recovery Facility (MRF), designed to enhance waste segregation and recycling at scale. With a processing capacity of 1.3 million metric tonnes per year and spanning over 90,000 square metres, this facility will be one of the largest of its kind in the region. Strategically located in the Al Mafraq Industrial area, just 36 kilometres from Abu Dhabi’s centre, it is set to play a vital role in reducing waste sent to landfills.

Another innovative initiative is Tadweer Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), which incentivise recycling by collecting plastic bottles and aluminium cans. These machines are paired with the Tadweer Rewards app, developed in collaboration with partner merchants, to encourage community participation. With 25 machines already installed in high-footfall areas such as Abu Dhabi Airport, Umm Al Emarat Park, and the Ministry of Finance, this is fostering a culture of recycling and sustainability.

In collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and a Japanese consortium, Tadweer is also developing a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy (WtE) plant near the Al Dhafra landfill. This facility, which will process up to 900,000 tonnes of waste annually, is expected to generate enough electricity to power 52,500 UAE households. Employing advanced moving grate technology, the plant will convert municipal solid waste into energy via a high-efficiency steam turbine generator, showcasing a sustainable solution to waste disposal.

We are advancing waste innovation through partnerships with organisations like Masdar to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and biofuel projects. Recognising that waste emissions contribute more greenhouse gases than the aviation industry, these initiatives aim to create renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on traditional jet fuels. By converting waste into aviation fuel, Tadweer is simultaneously addressing two significant environmental challenges.

Beyond technology, Tadweer places a strong emphasis on community engagement to ensure the success of its waste diversion goals. By promoting recycling, waste reduction, and segregation at the source, Tadweer is fostering a collective commitment to sustainability. Through educational campaigns, the organisation raises awareness about the importance of recycling, the implementation of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), and the national goals for waste reduction. Tadweer’s collaboration with the Emirates Foundation’s Ne’ma initiative to reduce food waste is a prime example of its community-focused approach. Together, they deliver campaigns and projects, particularly during key events such as Ramadan, to minimise food waste and promote sustainable consumption practices.

As Tadweer Group expands its operations internationally, what specific strategies are being implemented to ensure global impact, particularly in regions with less developed waste management infrastructure?

We are employing targeted strategies to create a global impact, with a particular focus on regions that lack developed waste management infrastructure. By leveraging advanced technologies, addressing energy security, and prioritising emerging markets, Tadweer aims to revolutionise waste management practices on a global scale.

A core element of this strategy involves harnessing cutting-edge technologies to establish robust waste management infrastructures in key international markets. A notable example is the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) signed with the Government of Uzbekistan to develop an innovative waste-to-energy plant in the Navoi and Bukhara regions. This project marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the UAE and Uzbekistan, addressing local waste management challenges and advancing sustainable waste conversion practices.

Tadweer is also committed to bringing global best practices back to the UAE, creating a continuous exchange of knowledge and innovation. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Levidian, a leading UK climate innovator, Tadweer is introducing LOOP technology to Abu Dhabi. This pioneering technology converts waste into hydrogen, a critical alternative energy resource that aligns with global efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.

Addressing energy security is another pivotal aspect of Tadweer’s international expansion. With global energy demands on the rise, particularly in developing regions, Tadweer’s projects focus on converting waste into alternative energy resources. Waste-to-energy initiatives not only provide a sustainable solution to waste management but also contribute to the growing need for secure, reliable energy supplies. By turning waste into a valuable resource, Tadweer helps support energy security while addressing environmental challenges.

Through these strategic efforts, Tadweer Group is positioning itself as a global leader in waste management innovation. By introducing advanced technologies, addressing energy security, and focusing on emerging markets, the organisation is creating scalable solutions that transcend borders and set new benchmarks for sustainability in waste management. In doing so, Tadweer not only addresses immediate challenges but also establishes a foundation for a more sustainable future worldwide.

Could you share any recent success stories or pilot projects where waste was transformed into a significant resource or economic driver?

Tadweer Group is revolutionising waste management and recycling practices locally and globally. Below are examples of how we’re unlocking the value of waste and transforming it into an alternative resource, contributing to the circular economy and driving positive change.

Enviroserve
Tadweer Group acquired 50% shares of Enviroserve, an integrated e-waste facility. The facility recycles all e-waste including phones, laptops, chargers, and car engines/ parts of airplanes. Recycled items are processed then transformed into precious materials such as aluminium.

Al Dhafra solar-powered crushing plant
Our recycling plant in the Al Dhafra region has made significant contributions to the sustainability sector. It is dedicated to recycling all construction and demolition in the Al Dhafra area. With 80%-90% of its energy operated through solar panels, this is the region’s first crushing plant powered by solar power.

Abu Dhabi’s first greenfield Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
As mentioned, this facility is designed to maximise waste diversion from landfills while promoting a circular economy.

Waste to energy with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company
We are collaborating with EWEC and a Japanese consortium to develop a world-class WtE plant, to be located near the existing Al Dhafra landfill in Abu Dhabi. This will have an expected processing capacity of 900,000 tonnes of waste per year, and will generate enough electricity to power up to 52,500 UAE households. The plant will use advanced moving grate technology to convert municipal solid waste into electricity via a high-efficiency steam turbine generator set.

What role does artificial intelligence and data analytics play in Tadweer Group’s approach to revolutionising waste management, and how are these technologies shaping the future of circular economies?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are pivotal to Tadweer Group’s mission to revolutionise waste management and drive the transition to circular economies. These technologies enable us to enhance operational efficiency, optimise waste collection systems, and significantly improve recycling rates. By integrating smart solutions into its processes, we are shaping a more sustainable and data-driven future for waste management.

One of the standout innovations in this regard is the deployment of smart bins. Unlike conventional waste receptacles, these high-tech bins are equipped with sensors that measure the volume and type of waste deposited. Residents use a barcode scanner to open the bin, deposit their waste, and close it, after which an integrated app calculates the weight of the waste. This technology incentivises responsible disposal behaviours and provides valuable data on waste generation patterns. For waste collection teams, the sensors help streamline operations by signalling when bins need to be emptied, optimising collection routes and reducing unnecessary trips. These smart bins represent an efficient solution to managing the increased waste generated by Abu Dhabi’s growing population and evolving consumption habits, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.

Our Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs),launched in partnership with Nadeera, accept empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans, rewarding users with incentives to encourage recycling. Equipped with advanced sensors and software, RVMs simplify the recycling process and generate actionable data on recycling trends and behaviours. This data is instrumental in developing targeted strategies to enhance recycling rates and optimise waste management systems.

The UAE has ambitious sustainability goals under initiatives like the UAE Net Zero 2050. How does Tadweer align its efforts with these broader national and international climate objectives?

In addition to our projects and partnerships, Tadweer Group is also a member of Waste to Zero, a global coalition for decarbonisation of the waste sector, initiated by Tadweer Group and endorsed by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), supported by Roland Berger. Originally launched at COP28, Waste to Zero has grown into a powerful coalition aiming to drive impactful, scalable solutions in waste management.

Waste to Zero aims to formalise waste management practices and engage stakeholders worldwide to decarbonize the sector, unlock economic opportunities, and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

With 3-5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions arising from waste, our waste conversion projects (waste to energy i.e hydrogen, graphene, sustainable aviation fuel, etc) help lower emissions. And by lowering emissions, we are contributing to achieving net zero and promoting the circular economy, in line with the UAE’s national agenda.

During COP29, we announced two key updates to our Waste to Zero initiative for decarbonisation. Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), will become Chair of Waste to Zero and steer the initiative’s next phase of impact.

We announced the findings of a white paper, which focuses on the waste sector’s significant role in global emissions, with methane from mismanaged organic waste alone contributing 20 percent of global methane levels.

By embracing advanced waste-to-resource technologies, such as waste-to-hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel, the sector holds immense potential for cost-effective decarbonisation.

As waste generation surges, innovative tech-driven solutions and essential infrastructure upgrades are critical to mitigating emissions.

With over 50 global institutions endorsing the initiative, Waste to Zero champions data-driven, collaborative approaches to transform waste management and support global climate goals.

Tadweer Group has continued to participate in the global platform, bringing waste to the forefront of the sustainability agenda. With the support of partners, we have continued to showcase the value of waste and share our insights on the importance of shifting perspectives to promote the circular economy.

As sole custodian of waste management in Abu Dhabi, and with its strategic focus on unlocking its value and harnessing conversion opportunities, how does Tadweer Group balance short-term operational goals with long-term sustainability commitments?

Tadweer Group achieves this balance by embedding sustainability into its operational and strategic frameworks. While meeting short-term goals such as enhancing collection and landfill diversion rates, our organisation simultaneously invests in long-term initiatives such as our greenfield Material Recovery Facility, WTE projects, and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s recycling infrastructure.

We have also introduced a third ‘pillar’ into our ESG principles, framework and business operations- the circular economy – to create ESGC. This ensures operational priorities align with sustainability ambitions, fostering economic, environmental, and net zero ambitions.

We hire strong talents and bring experts in-house to support us on our transformation journey, and have dedicated teams focused on looking into international expansion, growth opportunities, and research into our sector to promote and cultivate value creation in our operations.

What trends or advancements do you foresee defining the waste management industry in the next decade, and how is Tadweer Group preparing to stay ahead?

With the rapidly evolving industry, and advancements in our transformation journey, we harness our resources to remain ahead of the curve. From enhanced waste collection strategies, to converting waste into various types of alternative resources, we believe key trends in the future include:

Harnessing established and emerging technologies:
Advancements in AI and robotics for waste sorting and conversion are redefining the industry. We are at the forefront of this by adopting cutting-edge technologies and forming strategic partnerships with global leaders in innovation. From our RVMs to bringing international expertise to Abu Dhabi, we constantly look for new ways to innovate.

Exploring new techniques and research:
Our dedicated research team also focuses on exploring new techniques to understand how we can further enhance our recycling and waste infrastructure. From sensors in our bins to looking at alternative resources we can create from waste, our experts are experimenting and understanding how we can create a sustainable future. We are also looking into expanding the waste we can convert – and the alternative solutions we can convert this into – i.e. hydrogen, graphene and biofuels, for example.

How can the global community better collaborate to address the pressing challenges of waste management, and what role does Tadweer Group see itself playing in this global effort?

We do not believe waste is a challenge, but an opportunity to be harnessed, and when processed sustainably, it can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a net zero future.
We need to shift perspectives on how we view waste, which we are actively pursuing through our community engagement and awareness activities across schools, events and festivals.

In terms of the global community, it’s important to be open to public and private sector collaboration, as well as G2G discussions.

Our collective ambitions cannot be achieved alone, and we need to not only discuss but action our ideas for real results. Tadweer Group actively engages in international partnerships and knowledge exchange with international entities; from agreements with Japanese partners to MOUs with governments such as Egypt, we are paving the way for international collaborations.

By being part of initiatives such as Waste to Zero and participating in global platforms such as COP29, we are driving collective action, offering innovative solutions, and sharing our expertise to promote sustainable practices worldwide.