EEG collects 7,357 kg of aluminium cans for recycling in "Say: Yes to Can Recycling, No to Carbon Emissions" campaign

The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), in its first major recycling campaign for 2023, collected 7,357 kg of aluminium cans. This year, the campaign “Can Collection Day” was held on Sunday, February 26, under the theme “Say: Yes to Can Recycling, No to Carbon Emissions”.

Mrs Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, explained the theme was chosen to establish that even simple sustainability actions like segregation and recycling could dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. According to her, the best way to save the planet is to organise action-oriented, inclusive programmes that engage the communities at large.

Since 1997 (when the Can Collection Campaign was first rolled out) until now, EEG has collected 386,366 kg of aluminium cans for recycling. In 2022, the non-governmental group collected 25,474 kg of cans, exceeding its pre-set target. This year, the ambitious goal is to collect 27,500 kg.

Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi commented, “This is the year of sustainability, therefore it is up to every entity and individual across the country to ensure that the year continues ahead with collaborative efforts that accelerates sustainable progress. Last year, EEG crossed the set target for the year; and this year we have set the ambitious target to collect 27,500kg of Aluminium Cans for recycling. If all sectors of the society join us and work together with us, this target will definitely be accomplished before the end of the year.”

Mrs. Mar’ashi further appreciated strong participation in the EEG’s recycling pragrammes over the past 27 years. Since 1997, the group has reached and crossed many milestones. Now, participation comes from different sectors of the society, including government organisations, private entities, academic institutions, hospitality industry, families and individuals of all ages and from all positions in life.

EEG's total collection of cans from 1997 mitigated carbon emissions of 5,799 MTCO2e, saved 9,379 m3 of landfill space, and conserved 87,931 million BTU of energy.

The “Can Collection Day” is an annual nationwide campaign which should be undertaken by all entities across the world. As a member of UNGC, GPML and with accreditation from UNEP and UNCCD, EEG works on the ground to deliver relevant, sustainable development goals that align with the organisations’ strategies. The campaign’s success is not a result of a singular approach from EEG but a collective one with the active collaboration and commitment of a number of government, corporate and academic institutions.

Besides aluminium cans, EEG facilitates the collection of paper, plastic, glass bottles, toners, mobile phones, E-waste, and metal scrap for recycling. It will soon launch tin recycling.