UAE launches EPR pilot to boost circular economy and tackle e-waste and packaging pollution

UAE – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the region’s first formal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) pilot program, marking a significant stride toward sustainable waste management and circular economy goals.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in partnership with Tadweer Group, appointed as the scheme’s Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), the initiative places responsibility for post-consumer waste squarely on manufacturers and brand owners.

The pilot focuses primarily on waste streams from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), batteries, and packaging.

Currently being rolled out in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the program will operate under the broader framework of the UAE’s Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023–2026, which envisions a comprehensive circular waste economy.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, emphasized the program’s alignment with national sustainability goals.

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Tadweer Group to support our goals for integrated management and safe disposal of waste, while also ensuring waste is reused optimally within the UAE’s advanced circular economy framework,” she said.

The program includes the signing of an ‘EPR Pledge’ by 26 companies from key sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and waste management.

These companies committed to active participation by promoting consumer awareness, encouraging proper waste segregation, and investing in data collection and performance tracking.

Their efforts will support logistics improvements, financial planning for waste recovery, and environmentally sound waste processing.

Tadweer Group CEO Ali Al Dhaheri noted, “This will play a key role in the [UAE’s] waste journey, by holding manufacturers accountable for their role in waste creation.

“By piloting an EPR model, we are laying the foundation for a more accountable and resource-efficient waste management system.”

This initiative follows similar global trends. For example, Saudi Arabia is developing its own EPR regulations under the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN), while Egypt is working with international partners to implement EPR for plastic packaging.

Meanwhile, in Europe, EPR has long been institutionalized, with recent tightening of packaging waste rules under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The UAE’s pilot reflects the MENA region’s growing momentum toward integrated policy instruments that promote producer responsibility, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

If successful, the UAE’s model could serve as a benchmark for wider regional adoption and help standardize waste governance in line with global best practices.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE