A new first-of-its-kind Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is set to be developed in Abu Dhabi by Tadweer Group. The facility will have a capacity of 1.3 million metric tonnes per year and will be located in the Al Mafraq industrial area, covering an area of over 90,000 square meters. The main purpose of the facility is to collect municipal waste and recover recyclable materials such as metals, plastics, and other materials. This initiative aims to divert waste from landfills through recycling and prepare feedstock for the Abu Dhabi Waste to Energy facility. The ultimate goal is to divert 80 percent of Abu Dhabi’s waste away from landfills by 2030, promoting a circular economy and sustainability.
The MRF is part of Tadweer Group’s circular cluster, a series of facilities contributing to the circular economy and minimizing waste ending up in landfills. The long-term plans for the facility include providing feedstock for other waste conversion processes like waste to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Ali Al Dhaheri, the managing director and CEO of Tadweer Group, stated that the facility aligns with the strategic vision of extending the lifetime of recyclable materials for a sustainable future and contributes to the UAE’s net zero agenda. Additionally, the facility will promote local and foreign private sector investments and create employment and training opportunities for UAE nationals.
The development of the MRF will involve a closed tender process for bidding, with the contract award and engineering, procurement, and construction works expected to begin at the end of 2024. Operations commissioning is targeted for the end of 2026. This initiative is crucial in advancing Abu Dhabi’s waste management infrastructure and moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste disposal. By utilizing advanced technology and recycling processes, the facility will play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal while promoting a circular economy model.
As the MRF is expected to be one of the largest in the region, it will play a crucial role in expanding Abu Dhabi’s recycling capabilities and reducing its dependency on landfills. By maximizing the recovery of recyclable materials from municipal waste, the facility will contribute towards Abu Dhabi’s waste diversion targets and promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and aligns with global efforts to reduce waste generation and promote recycling and resource efficiency.
Overall, the development of the Material Recovery Facility in Abu Dhabi represents a significant step towards achieving the emirate’s waste management goals and supporting the transition towards a circular economy. By promoting recycling, reducing waste generation, and creating opportunities for waste conversion processes, the facility will contribute to the long-term sustainability and environmental conservation efforts of the region. With its potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and attract private sector investments, the MRF is set to play a key role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in sustainable waste management practices.
