The United Arab Emirates is pioneering a new approach to electronic waste management by piloting a scheme that incentivises mobile phone and laptop recycling. Launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based waste management company Tadweer Group, the trial project introduces a model where manufacturers of electronic devices pay a fee intended to make them accountable for the disposal of their products. This fee, likely passed on to consumers, is reimbursed when devices are handed in at designated recycling centres, encouraging the public to participate in reducing landfill waste.
This initiative represents a strategic step under the UAE’s Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023–2026, which targets electrical and electronic equipment among other waste streams. The scheme is designed to shift towards a circular economy—a system that emphasises reuse, repair, and recycling rather than discarding products. If successful, it could become a blueprint for nationwide adoption, aligning the country more closely with global best practices in sustainable waste management.
Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, described the agreement at the launch as a significant move towards “sustainable environmental solutions”—one that ensures safe and long-term waste disposal while protecting future generations’ right to a clean environment. Tadweer’s Chief Executive, Ali Al Dhaheri, highlighted the pilot as a departure from traditional linear waste models where responsibility ends at the point of sale. Instead, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model promotes accountability throughout a product’s lifecycle, harmonising environmental, business, and community interests.
Recycling rates in the UAE remain modest; statistics from 2021 show only about 15 per cent of households actively engage in recycling. Sara Jackson, Secretary General of the Circular Packaging Association, pointed to this as a critical opportunity for consumer education and engagement. She noted that while the pilot will begin on a limited scale, the UAE could build momentum to achieve recycling rates seen in Europe, where up to 90 per cent of some materials are diverted from landfills.
The EPR approach is not new globally and has been enacted in countries such as the UK, Germany, and South Korea, resulting in improvements in recycling rates and reductions in environmental harm. Under this model, producers cover the financial responsibility for collecting, recycling, or safely disposing of their products post-consumer use. While the specific fee for electronic products in the UAE pilot will be determined by the end of the six-month trial, it is expected to be consistent with international standards.
This pilot forms part of a broader strategic ambition to decarbonise the waste management sector, connecting to the UAE’s ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative. This global effort, jointly launched by MOCCAE and Tadweer, as officially announced during COP28 UAE, aims to establish circular economy platforms to cut emissions and enhance sustainability. The initiative supports the country’s climate targets, including reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030, through technology-driven waste solutions and reinforcing the UAE’s active role in global climate action.
The signing of the EPR agreement with Tadweer is a promising advancement for the UAE’s comprehensive National Agenda for Integrated Waste Management. This agenda encompasses strategies for environmentally sound waste collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, further underpinning the country’s commitment to sustainable development and circular economic principles.
Moreover, the engagement of the private sector in these efforts is expected to increase, with the EPR framework encouraging manufacturers to take ownership of their products throughout their lifecycle. This model not only aims to alleviate pressure on landfills but also drives innovation in recycling infrastructure and consumer participation.
As global waste projections indicate that waste generation could reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050—outpacing global population growth—the UAE’s proactive pilot project and its comprehensive strategies stand out as significant contributions to tackling a mounting environmental challenge. The success of this scheme could inspire similar initiatives across the Middle East and beyond, setting a precedent for responsible consumption and production in the electronics sector and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in climate and environmental stewardship.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/climate/2025/07/03/uae-pilots-new-waste-scheme-to-reduce-amount-of-phones-and-laptops-in-landfills/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/climate/2025/07/03/uae-pilots-new-waste-scheme-to-reduce-amount-of-phones-and-laptops-in-landfills/ – The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has initiated a pilot project with Tadweer Group to encourage recycling of mobile phones and laptops. Manufacturers will pay a fee, which is refunded when consumers recycle their devices at designated centres. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023–2026, aiming to transition towards a circular economy by reusing, repairing, and recycling products. The scheme also seeks to address the low recycling rates in the region, with only 15% of UAE households practising recycling as of 2021.
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-and-tadweer-abu-dhabi-waste-management-company-launch-waste-to-zero-global-decarbonisation-initiative/ – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) have launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative. This global effort aims to decarbonise the waste management sector and establish a circular economy platform, contributing to the UAE’s goal of reducing emissions by 43% by 2030. The initiative focuses on promoting advanced technology-based solutions and strengthening the UAE’s role in global climate action.
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/infrastructure/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-and-tadweer-abu-dhabi-waste-management-company-launch-the-waste-to-zero-initiative-at-cop28-uae/ – During COP28 UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) officially launched the ‘Waste to Zero’ initiative. This initiative aims to decarbonise waste management and establish a circular economy platform, further solidifying the UAE’s commitment to sustainability. The announcement symbolises the UAE’s dedication to fostering global collaboration and showcasing innovative solutions to combat climate change.
- https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b6yazel-national-agenda-for-integrated-waste-management – The UAE’s National Agenda for Integrated Waste Management, launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in collaboration with local authorities, aims to support the circular economy and advance sustainable development. The agenda reflects the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding the environment from the adverse impacts of waste management activities and associated services, including collection, transportation, and treatment. The agenda’s goals will be realised through an integrated system of strategies, enablers, and projects, serving as its core priorities and pillars.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/environment/uae-unveils-pilot-project-to-boost-role-of-private-sector-in-waste-management – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has unveiled a pilot project based on the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This framework is part of the UAE’s efforts to address environmental challenges, promote integrated waste management, and advance the circular economy for sustainable economic growth. The EPR framework focuses on strengthening private sector involvement in the waste management system and promotes the optimal utilisation of products, contributing to higher rates of waste treatment and reduced landfill dependency.
- https://gulftime.ae/ministry-prepares-to-launch-epr-framework-in-uae/ – The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is preparing to launch a framework for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the UAE. The EPR framework assigns manufacturers the responsibility for managing the entire life cycle of their products, including post-consumer waste management through recovery programmes, waste treatment, and final disposal. This approach aims to ensure that producers take ownership of the environmental impacts of their products and cover the associated costs, promoting a more sustainable waste management system.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on July 3, 2025. The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has previously announced plans for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework in December 2024 ([wasterecyclingmag.com](https://www.wasterecyclingmag.com/ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-prepares-to-launch-epr-framework-in-the-uae?utm_source=openai)). However, this specific pilot project, focusing on mobile phone and laptop recycling, appears to be a new development. No evidence suggests that this content has been recycled from older sources. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and introduces new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Dr Amna Al Dahak and Ali Al Dhaheri are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from The National, a reputable news outlet in the UAE. The report is based on a press release from MOCCAE and Tadweer Group, which adds credibility. However, the reliance on a single source for the primary information introduces some uncertainty.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the UAE’s new waste management scheme align with the country’s ongoing efforts to improve recycling rates and environmental sustainability. The introduction of an EPR model is consistent with global best practices. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The language and tone are consistent with official communications. No excessive or off-topic details are present. The tone is formal and appropriate for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and appears to be original, with unique quotes and no evidence of recycled content. The source is reputable, and the claims are plausible and consistent with the UAE’s environmental initiatives. However, the reliance on a single source and lack of supporting details from other reputable outlets introduce some uncertainty. Overall, the narrative passes the fact-check with high confidence.
