11 Issue 19 – January 2018

Smart and Sustainable Waste Management in Dubai

Eng. Abdulmajeed Abdulaziz Saifaie

I. Introduction

Rapid growth of industry, trade and urbanization, a result of a booming prosperous economy. Dubai a city like
no other, has now challenged the consequences of its prosperity which are mainly cleanliness and safety. In an
attempt to steer the city to a zero-waste scenario, Dubai Municipality has developed from its simple cleaning
cadre, to today a fully integrated and sustainable waste management system.

Faced with unique challenges such as the transitory population, tourists and a multinational resident population,
Dubai Municipality implemented and enforced innovative legislations, policies and strategies. Thru a unified
approach and putting emphasis on sustainability, Dubai Municipality continues to meet and exceed the
demands of the society for a high quality, efficient and effective waste management services.

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II. Current Initiatives

1. Smart Sustainability Oasis 2. Smart Gate System (Nafith)

A solar powered self-efficient recycling center with Smart Gate System (Nafith) is a fully automated
built in sensors and CCTV cameras that directly entry management system at Dubai Municipality
connect to headquarters, the smart sustainability landfill sites. Radio Frequency Identification
oasis is Dubai’s innovative recycling bring centers. technology (RFID), Automatic Number Plate
These centers shall be the places where the public Recognition (ANPR) and integrated software are
can dispose their unwanted but recyclable materials utilized to control entry of vehicles at sites, gather
which may not normally be included in the curbside weight information and automatic credit deduction.
collection service. With (13) centers strategically The initiative will reduce the time spent for vehicle
placed in the city, Dubai Municipality intends to entry therefore curbing emissions and increasing
encourage the public to use these facilities to recycle efficiency. The new system will also eliminate the use
and not to dispose unwanted recyclables. With of paper in entry transactions and reporting as well
the implementation of this new system which also as eliminate human induced errors as all information
serves as an educational hub due to smart screens will be automated.
that encourage users through displayed messages,
the government aims to create a mindset of recycling
as opposed to disposal. This initiative is projected to
increase recycling in the Emirate and in turn reduce
the quantity of waste going to landfills.

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3. Bigbelly Waste Containers

Bigbelly is a waste container (bin) that uses solar power for 100% of its energy needs making it carbon neutral.
Bigbelly is fitted with a compaction capability, which thus it can hold six to eight times more waste than the
average street bin. The volume sensors installed in the bin triggers compaction when the waste reaches a certain
level. Each of the Bigbelly stations are geotagged in CLEAN (Management Software) allowing headquarters to
monitor the efficiency of the bins based on their location. The sensor also notifies headquarters when the bins
are almost full, allowing for logistics efficiency. Overall the bigbelly enhances the Dubai Municipality fleet’s
efficiency due to significant increase in collection at one time, less fuel consumption due to reduced trips, as
well as minimization of exploiting manpower and equipment.

4. Vehicle Tracking System (Rasid)

Is a GPS based technology that provides real time management and tracking system of the Dubai Municipality
fleet as well as private waste management companies registered in the Emirate. The system is also integrated
with efficiency and security applications to enhance the productivity of the vehicle and manpower. RASID’s
flexibility, strength, stability and continuous uninterrupted performance is a tool that has enhanced the Dubai
Municipality’s Waste Management to monitor, report and eliminate trespassers, thereby allowing better use of
the landfill. Incorporated in the design are wide range of functionalities such as vehicle maintenance, vehicle
tracking and diagnostics, driver management, speed management, fuel management and health and safety
management. Waste Management Department has the system installed and operational in its fleet, and private
companies that are licensed to use the landfills in the Emirate of Dubai.

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5. My City My Environment

Dubai Municipality is keen on applying international best practices to provide top class services to its residents
and in turn proactively promote individual environmental responsibility and sustainability. Door to door waste
collection is an “at source” waste segregation program aimed to increase the collection rate of recyclables at
the residential sector while at the same time providing also disposal option for unrecyclable waste. The system
provides two bins, one for recyclables and the other one for general waste. Various areas in the Emirate are
currently covered by this initiative, and in there are future plans to implement this all over Dubai.

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6. Underground Waste Compactors

The underground waste collection system is an innovative solution to address the waste disposal needs in busy
and heavily populated public areas. With only one large bin under the ground, the system retrieves valuable
space which is otherwise occupied by communal bins. Having a compacting mechanism, the system has more
storage capacity which in turn reduces collection frequency to empty the container improving our fleet’s
logistics. The system also eliminates odors, protects the machinery from vandalism, and provides a better
aesthetic look in the area. The underground waste compactors were installed in various strategic locations all
around Dubai.

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