The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched a new national waste database.

Yousif Al Rayssi is director of the waste management department at the ministry says, “The bilingual system will compile and analyze data on waste generated across the country and track hazardous and non-hazardous waste levels. It will also create monthly and yearly reports on the amount of waste generated, treatment methods used and the percentage of treated waste in each emirate. It also will compare the output with national targets and global waste competitiveness indicators.”

He also mentioned that, “The success of any integrated waste management programme depends on the availability of valid waste data. Previously, the ministry faced the challenge of timely collection and accuracy of such data, and therefore suggested establishing a database for waste produced in the country. Effective waste management can considerably improve the sustainability of the country’s environment and economy.”

Majority of the hazardous wastes includes dangerous industrial, medical and animal waste, while non-hazardous waste includes that from construction, industrial operations, agriculture and sewage water treatment as well as solid municipal and animal waste. The non-hazardous wastes are not considered to be dangerous and does not spoil the ecosystem, however, they have to be better managed.