EEG successfully completes 25th Cycle of Can Collection Drive

On Saturday, November 6, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) successfully concluded the 25th Cycle of the ‘Can Collection Drive (CCD)’. Hundreds of individuals of all ages gathered to deposit aluminium cans for recycling, including academic and government institutions, hospitality, business, private organisations, and families. EEG was able to collect 5,629kg of aluminium cans and send them to local industries for recycling, diverting this easily recyclable commodity from landfills.

The campaign's chairman, Habiba Al Mar'ashi, extended her thanks to everyone who took time out of their weekend to join in the campaign's 25th Jubilee celebration.

“I am always overjoyed to see the residents of UAE coming together to contribute to the grass-roots movements of environmental sustainability. When we started the campaign 25 years ago, not many people in the country were aware of terms such as ‘recycling’ or ‘sustainability’. Less than 100 individuals participated in the campaign, but now quarter of a century later, the Can Collection Campaign witnessed participation of more than 200 companies, more than 50 Schools and over 100 families. When we calculate the number of employees, students and family members, one can easily deduce that thousands of individuals from all backgrounds of the society are educated on the importance of environmental sustainability through such campaigns,” said Habiba Al Mar'ashi.

EEG has collected a total of 351,150kg of aluminium cans for recycling since the Can Collection Campaign began in 1997, which was EEG's first community-based annual recycling programme. This has directly helped to mitigate 5,271 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, save 8,524 cubic metres of landfill space, and conserve 79,917 million BTU of energy.

The Can Collection Campaign is an excellent illustration of how small communities can effectively engage in and contribute to national and worldwide sustainability goals.

Only with the aid of dedicated volunteers and sponsors was the 25th CCD executed successfully. Al Mar'ashi expressed gratitude to Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) for returning as co-sponsors for the year 2021. Abela and Co, Al Futtaim Constructions L.L.C, McDonald's UAE, and Tristar were among the other support businesses participating, including logistical supports.

EEG expressed its gratitude to Lucky Recycling for continuing to support the initiative as the official recycling partner. Gulf News, Al Murad Group, Al Rabia 107.8 FM, Channel 4, Gold 4, and Radio 4 were among the media partners that helped disseminate the message across the nation, according to EEG.

EEG also thanked Dubai Municipality, Dubai Tourism, and RAK Ceramics for providing the ideal settings for all participants to come together and unite around the objective of sustainable development.