How to Recycle Plastic free: Comprehensive Guide

Plastic is a versatile and convenient material that is used in a variety of products, from food packaging to household items. However, plastics waste has become a major environmental concern, as it takes hundreds of years to break down in landfills and can harm wildlife. Recycling plastics is an effective way to reduce the amount of plastics waste and its negative impact on the environment.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recycling plastics is becoming increasingly important as the country works to reduce its carbon footprint and protect its natural resources. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to recycle plastics in the UAE.

How to get started Plastic Recycling

The best place to start is at home. Ensuring all your household waste is properly recycled is the first step in the right direction.

Here’s a guide to an easy three-step process of Home Recycling:

Step 1 – Identify the types of plastic that can be recycled

Not all types of plastics can be recycled, so it’s important to know which ones are accepted by recycling facilities. In the UAE, the following types of plastic can typically be recycled:

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This type of plastics is commonly used for water bottles, juice bottles, and food containers. It is identified by the number “1” inside the recycling symbol.
  
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This type of plastics is commonly used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles. It is identified by the number “2” inside the recycling symbol.
  
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): This type of plastics is commonly used for pipes, window frames, and flooring. It is identified by the number “3” inside the recycling symbol.
  
• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): This type of plastics is commonly used for bags, cling wrap, and film. It is identified by the number “4” inside the recycling symbol.

If you are unsure about what you can recycle, let’s make sure you know the right answers.  

What CAN be recycled

• Plastics water bottles
• Plastics bags
• Shampoo and conditioner bottles
• Yoghurt & butter tubs
• Juice & milk cartons
• Children’s toys
• Laundry detergent containers
• Cleaning product containers

What CANNOT be recycled

• Trash Bags
• Ziplock bags
• Inside cereal box plastic
• Bubble wrap
• Potato chip bags
• Coffee cups
• Cheese wrappers

Make sure you wash your plastics after every use in order to recycle them because any plastics with food residue on (or in) it CANNOT be recycled.

Next, installing your recycle bins. The ideal location is wherever your trash can be found to make it easier to implement. Definitely, it will take a little time to practice sorting out the trash, but over time it will become a habit.

Step 2 – Find a recycling facility near you

Once you have identified the types of Waste that can be recycled, the next step is to find a recycling facility that accepts those materials. There are several recycling facilities located throughout the UAE, and many of them accept a wide range of Raw materials. You can find a list of recycling facilities in your area by contacting your local municipality or searching online.

In the UAE, each emirate has multiple recycling centers, and according to the Dubai Municipal Council, there will be more Plastic Recycling points across the city. These are few locations where you can currently drop-off your collections.

Dubai

• Dubai Marina promenade
• The Greens Village Shops
• Emirates Hills Meadows Village

• Rashidiya Shopping Centre
• Al Quoz Oasis Centre Mall
• Arabian Ranches Retail Centre
• Safa Park
• Nad Al Sheba
• Several Spinneys locations
• The Beach, The Walk, JBR

Sharjah

• Al Nahda, near Lulu, Sharjah
• King Faisal Mosque, Sharjah
• National Park, near Sharjah Airport
• American University of Sharjah, Sharjah

Abu Dhabi

• Al Musawah St – Zone 1
• Zone 1E5
• Park Residences – Zone 1
• Arabian Gulf
• Al-Aryam Island

Ras Al Khaimah

• Al Rams
• RAK Mall
• Al Dhaith (My City Center)
• Al Khuzzam
• Al Hamra Mall
• Food composting Hubs
• Al Nakheel
• RAK (Fruits and Vegetables) Market
• Al Khuzzam

If these areas are far from your place, you can check out these other options:

• Green Truck Recycling is a private collection service that’ll pick-up your bins every week for Dhs100 per month subscription.
• Recycling Mobile App (RECAPP) is the first mobile app in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to collect your recyclables at your door for free.

Step 3 – Prepare your plastic for recycling

Before taking your plastic to a recycling facility, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure that it can be effectively recycled. Here are some tips for preparing your plastic:

• Rinse out any food or liquid residue from containers, as this can contaminate other materials and make them difficult to recycle.
• Remove any caps, lids, or labels from containers, as these may not be accepted by the recycling facility.
• Crush larger items, such as milk jugs or detergent bottles, to save space and make them easier to transport.

Step 4 :Transport your plastic to the recycling facility

Once your plastic is prepared and ready for recycling, it’s time to transport it to the recycling facility. You can do this by taking it to the facility in person or contacting a local recycling company to pick it up. Some recycling facilities may offer drop-off bins where you can leave your plastic, while others may require you to bring it to the facility during certain hours.

Step 5 :Dispose of non-recyclable plastic properly

If you have plastic that is not accepted by recycling facilities, it’s important to dispose of it properly to prevent it from ending up in landfills or causing harm to the environment. Some options for disposing of non-recyclable plastic include:

Now, you’re one step closer towards a more sustainable and green future! Share this with your friends and family and educate them on the little things they can do to make the planet a better place.     

Time to take a stand and make a pledge!