New national database to make waste management simple and effective

A new national waste database has been launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

The system will compile and analyse data on waste generated across the country and track hazardous and non-hazardous waste levels.

It will create monthly and yearly reports on the amount of waste generated, treatment methods used and the percentage of treated waste in each emirate. It will also compare the output with national targets and global waste competitiveness indicators.

Hazardous waste 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.

Yousif Al Rayssi, director of the waste management department at the ministry, said: “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,” he said.

“Effective waste management can considerably improve the sustainability of the country’s environment and economy.”

For the ministry, better data management leads to better management of the country’s waste