Participants from 340 educational institutions help EEG collect 20.5 tons of aluminum cans

On the 7^th of May 2011, the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) organized its Annual Can Collection Drive, which ended in a collection of 20.5 tons of Aluminum Cans. The Drive was organized simultaneously in each of the seven Emirates and saw the active participation of government departments, educational institutions, private organizations as well as individuals and families. The collected Cans were sent for recycling and were prevented from being dumped in a landfill.

Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, EEG, Board Member of the UN Global Compact said, “I am delighted to say that this Cycle of the Can Collection Campaign has recorded the highest number of participants since the inception of the program in 1997. This is evident of the strong spirit of environmentalism and volunteerism in the people of the country. It has always been one of EEG’s goals to capacitate the community on the value of waste management and waste segregation.”

Mrs. Al Marashi emphasized that the success of this Campaign is important as it provides students across the country with a platform to do their bit for the environment by collecting Aluminum Cans. These students collect the Cans from their homes, neighbourhoods and some even visit restaurants and hotels. This brings about a sense of awareness in the society about the detriments of throwing Aluminum Cans away. She explained that this program is the oldest of all programs of the EEG under the banner of Waste Management.

As the EEG believes that awareness is the foremost in bringing about change, the Can Collection Drive does just that – inculcates in society a sense of responsibility and belongingness to save Mother Nature’s natural resources. It is also said that the UAE is one of the highest waste-producing nations in the world and this is a fact that needs to be changed as soon as possible.

Mrs. Al Marashi thanked the support of Dubai Municipality, Municipality of Fujairah, the Free Zone Authority and the Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman Free Zones whose contribution to the Drive has been invaluable. She mentioned that Dubai Municipality, represented by the Waste Management Department, has been supporting the Campaign since its inception in 1997 through the provision of logistical support such as providing transport vehicles, skips and workers.

The 7^th of May saw participants throng to their sites as early as eight in the morning as per the schedules provided to them prior to the event by EEG. As it was a hot day, EEG was supported by Nestle Waters and Al Safi who provided water and juices, respectively. Volunteers and EEG staff helped participants by unloading the bags filled with cans, weighing them and providing a record of each collection. This went on in a coordinated and well-timed manner as each of the participants stuck to their schedule.

At the end of the day, the collected Cans, 20.5 tons, was transported to Lucky Recycling and Sharif International Metals respectively for recycling.

The main sponsors of the Can Collection Drive are Al Safi Club for Friends of the Environment and Coca Cola. The venue supporters of the Drive include Dubai Municipality, Ajman Free Trade Zone, Fujairah Municipality, Rak Free Trade Zone, Radisson Blu - Sharjah, Al Ain English Speaking School, American International School – Abu Dhabi, Branches of Sharjah Ladies Club and Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services. Logistics supporters include Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, DHL, ETA Zenath, Fedex, Lucky Recycling, Nestle Waters and Sharif Metals. EEG is thankful to its volunteers who were from Sai Group, Serco Middle East, McDonalds, Abela & Co., Al Futtaim Carillion, Dubal, Ernst & Young and Khadamat Facilities Management. 

The winners of the Can Collection Campaign, along with sponsors, supporters and volunteers, will be awarded during EEG’s Annual Prize Giving Ceremony on the 5^th of June, in honour of World Environment Day.