The municipality is developing an Integrated Waste Management Master Plan for Dubai for the next 20 years, which is expected to be out by the third quarter of this year, said Saifaie.

“We hope to achieve ‘zero land filling’ of waste by the end of 20 years through this waste minimisation strategy,” he added.

“An integrated and innovative approach to waste management will help us attain this target. Currently, almost 80-90 per cent of the waste being generated goes to landfills. By recycling, generating awareness among people about it, we will be able to attain this target,” said Saifaie.

High waste generation

In 2011, an average of 8,000 tonnes of general municipal waste was generated daily. Each person in the emirate contributes about 2.7kg of waste every day.

Several waste minimising measures have helped the emirate combat the issue of high waste generation. “As we had lower tariff rates to dump waste, the quantity was quite high.

“But now only a Dubai registered vehicle can enter our landfills. Also, they need a separate permit now,” Saifaie told Gulf News earlier.

The municipality also launched a campaign last year urging people to ‘think twice when you shop’ and involving schools and women organisations in its initial stages.

Separating rubbish

“Efforts are needed at all stages. You can help minimise waste generation by being careful about your consumption along with the way you dispose of the waste. [Separating our rubbish] will have a significant impact in reducing the quantity that goes to disposal sites,” he said.

“Dubai Municipality is not only responding to the current demand for efficient and effective waste management but also safeguarding economic growth and social development as well through its integrated approach to a sustainable and innovative waste management system,” said Salah Abdul Rahman Amiri, assistant director general for Environment and Public Health Services Sector.