Abu Dhabi is showing the region how it’s done when it comes to recycling. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, through its Bottle Return Scheme, has collected an impressive 23 million plastic and aluminium items in 2024, preventing more than 3.5 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in the process.
Launched in 2023 as part of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy, the scheme aims to change everyday habits and promote environmental responsibility among residents. Over 2,000 tonnes of bottles have been recovered to date, helping reduce waste and support a circular economy.
Key to the scheme’s success are more than 100 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), called Sparklomats, installed across the emirate by clean-tech partner Sparklo, offering easy and accessible return points for plastic bottles and cans.
In one remarkable instance, a single Sparklomat processed over 8,500 bottles in a day, setting a record for individual machine performance.
If you live in Abu Dhabi, this initiative makes it easier than ever to recycle and make a real difference. With Sparklomats placed across malls, supermarkets, and public spaces, you can now drop off bottles and cans while going about your day. It’s a small action with a big impact. Recently, Sparklo and Mai Dubai had announced a partnership to install Sparklomats across the UAE. Read Connector's full story HERE.