The Centre of Waste Management in Abu Dhabi (Tadweer) will soon come up with a regional standards system for construction and demolition (C&D) waste reduction. The standards will be part of the Abu Dhabi waste management master plan.

According to Waste and Recycling Middle East magazine most GCC countries rank among the top 10 countries worldwide in waste generation per capita with C&D debris representing the largest proportion of waste in the Middle East. Limited C&D waste management regulations in the region compared to other countries has resulted in the accumulation of the such waste in landfills.

Experts in waste management said recycling C&D waste can conserve raw materials energy and water as well as reduce the production of greenhouse emissions and other pollutants that contribute to climate change. C&D waste recycling can preserve natural resources and support the local economy. They are much cheaper have the same quality as the raw materials and can be used in infrastructure projects.

"Construction projects are rapidly increasing in the region with Expo 2020 preparations in Dubai and the World Cup 2022 to be hosted in Qatar. With these developments municipalities across the GCC are recognising the need for robust strategies to minimise the negative impact of large amounts of C&D waste" said Eisa Saif Al Qubaisi general manager of Tadweer.

The waste management master plan being developed by Tadweer includes studies about the best practices laws and policies related to waste management and the best cost-efficient waste processing solutions. The plan's outcome will also propose methods to reduce commercial and industrial waste and raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste.

"The waste management master plan was established to help position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in waste management and sustainable resource policy development" said Dr Salem Al Ka'abi deputy general manager of Tadweer and head of the EcoWaste 2016 committee.

"As part of the master plan despite the growth in C&D waste that increasing construction projects are likely to cause we are aiming to reduce waste levels. We hope to demonstrate how efficient C&D waste recycling can have a positive impact on the region's environment society and economy during EcoWaste 2016."

The 2016 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is scheduled to run from January 16 to 23 and EcoWaste will run from January 18 to 21. The event is expected to bring together more than 50 exhibiting companies from 17 countries and more than 4500 trade visitors from the waste management industry.