Mobile phone and laptop owners in the UAE will soon earn money when they recycle their devices. This is thanks to a new Extended Producer Responsibility initiative launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in partnership with Tadweer Group.
Under this initiative, manufacturers and producers of electronic devices must pay fees. These fees will make companies more accountable for device disposal. Initially, consumers may pay this fee when purchasing devices. However, they will get a refund when they return their used devices to designated recycling centers.
Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the importance of this move. Specifically, she described it as a key step toward sustainable environmental solutions. The initiative supports safe waste disposal and protects future generations’ right to a clean environment.
Moreover, the pilot program is part of the UAE’s Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023–2026. It targets electronic waste, batteries, and packaging. If successful, the Extended Producer Responsibility model could expand nationwide. This shift aims to support a circular economy where products get reused, repaired, and recycled rather than discarded.
Sara Jackson, secretary general of the Circular Packaging Association, said this pilot could set a regional example. In fact, she pointed out that only 15 percent of UAE households currently recycle. There is a huge opportunity to raise consumer awareness, she said. Jackson hopes the program will grow to match Europe’s 90 percent recycling rates.
Tadweer, Abu Dhabi’s waste management leader, plans to divert 80 percent of waste from landfills by 2030. Its CEO, Ali Al Dhaheri, explained that the pilot moves away from linear waste models. Ultimately, this Extended Producer Responsibility pilot will create a more resource-efficient system, he said. Tadweer will use insights from this program to design future strategies.
Notably, countries like the UK, Germany, and South Korea have successfully implemented Extended Producer Responsibility. Their programs increased recycling rates and cut environmental damage.
The pilot will last six months. After that, officials will finalize the fee structure, expected to align with global standards. This approach promises a cleaner UAE and a stronger commitment to sustainability.
