EEG collects 11,963 kg of aluminium cans, strengthening UAE climate action push

Under the theme “Turn Your Can into Climate Action,” as initiated by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the 30th edition of its flagship Can Collection Day was celebrated. The main aim of this event is to turn recycling into a powerful nationwide movement, encouraging everyone to take responsibility for the climate.

Theme of Can Collection Day this year

Celebrated on the same day as Valentine’s Day, UAE communities came together to show their dedication to the environment by participating in collective recycling initiatives. This effort is based on the idea that taking action against climate change starts with the small and everyday choices people as a community make.

This initiative, marking its 30th year in 2026, has transformed from a small UAE campaign into one of the most enduring environmental movements within the region. It perfectly aligns with the UN SDG #12, i.e., Responsible Consumption & Production, UN SDG #13, i.e., Climate Action and UN SDG #17, i.e., Partnerships for the Goals. This links with the power of collaboration across different sectors.

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Aluminium: The highlight of the event

Can Collection Day 2026 showed the collection of 11,963 kg of aluminium cans. Since the program began, which is about 30 years ago, a total of 490,962 kg has been gathered and this was possible due to the participation of 138 different entities. This effort has also helped prevent around 180 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions.

What difference can be made upon the environment by collecting aluminium cans? This is because recycling aluminium can save as much as 95 per cent of the energy needed to create new materials. This not only helps to lessen the environmental footprint but also plays a crucial role in supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.

The environmental firm is on a mission to collect 42 thousand kg of aluminium cans this year and has already reached 29.5 per cent of that goal. The firm is actively working on encouraging both businesses and individuals to weave responsible consumption into their everyday lives.

Owing to this, Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, said, "For 30 years, the Can Collection Day has demonstrated that environmental responsibility is strongest when shared. This year's theme, Turn Your Can into Climate Action, reflects a simple but powerful truth, meaningful climate solutions begin with everyday choices. This campaign is not just about collecting cans, it is about transforming awareness into measurable climate impact."

Also read: Is the aluminium coffee capsule recycling racing to gain the same traction as the aluminium cans? Everything you need to know…

People who graced the event

To raise the bar of the event even higher this year, a diverse crowd of thousands came together at six collection sites across the nation. This crowd mainly belonged to schools, universities, businesses, hotels, government organisations and families from all seven emirates.

The environmental firm has also expressed its gratitude to its government partners, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sustainable Tourism, the Department of Tourism and Culture of Ajman Municipality and the Fujairah Environment Authority.

The event was also adorned by the corporate logistics partners, including the American International School Abu Dhabi, Abela and Co, Bartawi General Contracting L.L.C., Berkeley Services, Design Infinity, Dutco Construction Co. L.L.C., McDonald's UAE, RAK Ceramics, Labotel Workers' Village, ISS Relocations, Globelink West Star Shipping L.L.C., Sharjah National Lube Oil Co. L.L.C. and Two Seasons Hotel and Apartments.

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On the media side, the event was attended by partners like Al Murad Group, Biz Today, Climate Control Middle East, Pan Asian Media and WeTel TV. Additionally, Arabia CSR Network joined us as our CSR partner, while Lucky Recycling took charge of responsibly processing the collected aluminium to bolster the circular economy.

Shared values of the event this year

Participation from the private sector, working to align their operational practices with the country’s sustainability goals, was the core part of this event. Other participants, like students and families, also actively engaged with the event to foster long-term behavioural changes and promote a sense of environmental responsibility across generations.

Moreover, the event is also superlatively aligned with the region’s Year of Family theme, which is "Growing in Unity", which focuses on developing shared responsibilities across the generations. 

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