Unlocking the value of waste: Why Tadweer Group’s strategy will have a long-term positive impact for the environment

Every year, approximately 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated worldwide, with at least one-third being mismanaged in terms of environmental safety. According to a recent report by the United Nations, developed in partnership with the International Solid Waste Association on global waste management, the world generated 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal waste in 2023 alone, with a projected increase to 3.8 billion tons by 2050. Neglecting this increase could result in over $640bn in waste management costs per annum by 2050, causing direct harm to our health, global economy and the environment.

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As part of ADQ 's Energy and Utilities portfolio, we have focused our efforts on helping address these issues, and unlocking the value of waste, guided by the belief that waste is a transformative resource. To reinforce our role as a sustainable waste champion, Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) has evolved into Tadweer Group. This transition is underscored by a refreshed strategy, outlining ambitious goals for 2024 and beyond, and is complemented by a revitalised brand identity.

Over the years, we have continued to grow and expand, tackling waste management challenges in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The strategy creates a roadmap to achieving our landfill diversion targets. This holds special significance following the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on extending the Year of Sustainability to 2024. We are doubling down on our commitment to revolutionising sustainable waste management practices, and promoting the circular economy as we shift perspectives to showcase that waste is a valuable resource to be harnessed. This also directly contributes to mitigating the global impact of waste disposal, as noted by the UN report, with management measures potentially limiting net annual costs by 2050 to USD 270.2 billion. Furthermore, by adopting a circular economy model focused on sustainable business practices and full waste management, globally we can potentially achieve a full net gain of USD 108.5 billion per year.

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Our organisation is also achieving its ambitions by accelerating technology, propelling us to new levels as we transform waste into valuable resources such as energy, compost, hydrogen and graphene. Through these renewed recycling technologies, we can unlock the full potential of a circular economy. This, in turn, allows us to reduce emissions from the entire chain, from pre-collection to recycling.

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To collectively drive progress locally, regionally, and globally on this ambition, we are building strong partnerships across the waste sector. Our Waste to Zero global initiative in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment that was announced in #COP28 allows us to drive global climate action by reducing the carbon emissions of the waste management sector. This endeavour follows the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement targets – and we are already on the path to progressing this.

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Understanding the nature and power of emerging technologies is vital in viewing the potential of waste. We’re exploring the concept of converting waste to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is considered the future of aviation. SAF will play a key role in substituting petroleum-based jet fuel to lower carbon emissions released with conventional jet fuels.

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We remain steadfast in our commitment to unlocking the potential in every discarded item, and we’re forging partnerships across the public and private sectors to bring this to life. We’re looking at target markets, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, and expanding our global portfolio to have a wider impact on the waste management sector, in line with our objective of diverting 80% of waste from landfill by 2030. But we can’t achieve this alone, and it's important that we come together to gain a stronger understanding of not only how, but why the way we treat waste disposal is imperative to a sustainable future for generations to come.