Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) today opened an environmentally friendly waste treatment complex named ‘Eco Park’ as part of its continued efforts to promote sustainable waste management in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Located about 70 km from Abu Dhabi city on Hamim Road, the complex is spread over an area of 1.8 million square meters and will be a turning point in Tadweers plans to contribute to building an integrated ecosystem that supports Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030. Comprising 27 plots, the complex is easily accessible from all directions through an internal road network.
The opening ceremony drew the participation of His Excellency Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Tadweer,Raul Dua, General Manager of AlAhlia Waste Treatment, Dr. Khalid Khouri, CEO of Cleanco Waste Treatment as well as senior officials from Tadweer and representatives of Tadweer’s strategic partners from both the government and private sectors.
Following the opening ceremony, Tadweer gave a detailed presentation on the complex’s operational model, its objectives, adjacent facilities and the companies that run the plants. The Center also outlined its existing and future recycling projects, and highlighted efforts to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of medical and hazardous waste and animal carcass.
The complex features dedicated facilities for the treatment of medical and hazardous waste. Set up with an investment of AED100 million, these facilities are operated under the supervision of Al AhliaWaste Treatment and Cleanco Waste Treatment, and have a capacity of 7,500 tons per year, equivalent to 1560 kg per hour.
Furthermore, an incinerator to treat animal carcass with a capacity of 2,000 kg per hour is also operational under the supervision of Averda Waste Management. Set up with at an investment of 10.5 million dirhams, and costing AED 0.5 million per year for its operation, the facility caters to the growing needs of farm and ranch waste treatment in Abu Dhabi. Designed to burn farm waste at the temperature of 1200°C,the facility meets the highest standards stipulated by the emirate’s environmental laws and legislations.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Tadweer revealed its plans to set up a wastewater treatment plant to cater to the needs of the complex in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In addition, a facility to recycle various types of electronic waste in line with the latest international standards is also in the pipeline.
The incinerators and medical and hazardous waste treatment plants are key investment projects that support Tadweer’s continued efforts to promote effective solutions in the treatment of solid, hazardous, medical, liquid wastes. Compliant with European standards, these facilities use rotary kiln incinerators and have a treatment capacity of 7,500 tons per annum (TPA). Furthermore, the incinerators will help divert 14,000 TPA of waste in various forms, reducing the pressure on the existing incinerators in Al Ain which currently handle the bulk of hazardous and medical waste produced in the Emirate.
The Eco Park Complex and its facilities support Abu Dhabi’s drive to create a well-organized waste management sector backed by a solid legislative framework without incurring any capital expenditure for the government. Considered as investment projects, these projects are jointly implemented by leading national companies and entities.
His Excellency Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Tadweer, said: “The opening of Eco Park is a key milestone in Tadweer strategic plan aligned with Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030. It will go a long way in achieving our objective of developing an integrated waste management sector in Abu Dhabi through promoting proper waste management practices, and protecting the environment, and health and safety of community.
“In setting up this complex, Tadweer seeks to support the sustainable development of Abu Dhabi through reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. In addition to positively reflecting on the government’s financial performance, such efforts will help attract more private sector investment to waste management sector and ensure active private sector participation in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to develop a sustainable and integrated waste management system.
“In comprising several key facilities under its roof, the complex articulates Tadweer’s strategic vision of continually enhancing the efficiency of waste management services provided to the community. It also demonstrates our commitment to building fruitful partnerships with the private sector to improve the experience of our customers through multi-channel service delivery,” Al Kaabi added.
Tadweer is the key government entity responsible for all activities related to the development of waste management services in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including the collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste in a safe, efficient and economical manner. The Center is also tasked with carrying out pest control, educating communities about the significance of protecting the environment, and encouraging them to adopt sound environmental habits to drive sustainable development.