Initial findings from The Emirate of Abu Dhabi Waste Master Plan 2040’s Waste Characterisation Study indicates that a significant amount of Municipal Solid Waste is food. Estimations of food waste range from 35% to roughly 50% in some waste collection areas in the Emirate. The fieldwork for the Waste Characterisation Study was carried out in a three-month timeframe across nine waste collection lots at six different locations across Abu Dhabi.
Once completed, the study will provide key information for use in the development of the Abu Dhabi Waste Master Plan.
Commenting on the Waste Master Plan’s development, Eissa Saif Al Qubaisi General Manager of Tadweer, Emirate of Abu Dhabi Waste Master Plan 2040 said: “We are at a significant point in the plan’s development. The findings and analysis from this study will enable the Waste Master Plan team to develop scenarios that we can review with our Steering Committee members. We have highlighted the initial findings during the Steering Committee meeting and look forward to continued engagement as we begin the preparatory work for the scenario development phase of this project.”
The study involved hand sorting Municipal Solid Waste materials from over 60 source samples into 26 different categories, such as: garden waste, food waste, cardboard, textiles, batteries, metal, etc. Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Deputy General Manager at Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi) revealed the initial findings of the study: “Studying waste allows the team to create a waste profile across Abu Dhabi’s different regions and social and economic sector. While the analysis is ongoing, the technical consultant has initially reported on the Sub categorization of Municipal Solid Waste. This is an important finding because we know that food waste has the potential to biodegrade without oxygen in landfills producing Methane gas, which has 21 times greater GHG (greenhouse gas) polluting capacity than Carbon Dioxide.”
The study also indicated that 20% of waste is paper or cardboard, and approximately 2.5% of Municipal Solid Waste generated across Abu Dhabi is primarily drink bottles and containers that are easily recyclable. Extensive laboratory testing on waste samples was undertaken to assess the potential of waste for Waste to Energy and other applications.
To read the full story, visit http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/most-of-your-waste-is-food-2016-05-29-1.631435.