Reverse vending machines (RVMs) are now offering discounts on air tickets, restaurant bills, and shopping vouchers in Abu Dhabi through the recycling of plastic bottles. To encourage sustainable waste practices, Tadweer Group has set up 25 locally made RVMs in popular locations such as parks, ministry buildings, and airports. The goal is to divert 80 percent of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfill by 2030. Ollie Lawson, a media and communications adviser, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in achieving Tadweer’s targets.
The RVMs are equipped with AI technology and offer incentives for recycling plastic bottles and aluminium cans. For every item recycled, individuals earn credits that can be redeemed for rewards from partner merchants such as Noon.com, Amazon, Lufthansa, Gourmet Lab, and more. The process involves downloading the Tadweer Rewards app, disposing of items in the RVMs, scanning QR codes displayed on the screen, and redeeming credit points for vouchers or discounts. Advanced machines only accept plastic bottles and cans, rejecting other items like shampoo bottles.
Community members who recycle through the RVMs can track their impact on the environment through the app. Data on landfill space saved, waste diversion, reduction in carbon emissions, and energy conserved are displayed to showcase the positive contribution individuals are making towards maintaining a clean environment. Ali Al Dhaheri, managing director and CEO of Tadweer Group, stresses the importance of partnerships and expertise in promoting the circular economy and contributing to the UAE’s sustainability agenda.
Strategic locations for the RVMs include shopping malls, hospitals, ministries, and educational institutions in Abu Dhabi. The machines have been placed in key areas such as Tadweer Group headquarters, Zayed International Airport, the Ministry of Finance, and various parks. By analyzing data on the usage of RVMs, Tadweer Group aims to improve recycling infrastructure across Abu Dhabi. The initiative not only promotes sustainable waste practices but also fosters a sense of community involvement in maintaining a clean and eco-friendly environment.
