Expo 2020 officials reveal ambitious recycling plan

Organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai have started an on-site recycling project, more than a year before the world fair starts.

Organic waste from the sprawling Dubai South location will be converted into fertiliser under the plan, while building materials will be reused in roads and plastic and glass waste turned into memorabilia for visitors.

A partnership between Expo 2020 and Dulsco will ensure that 85 per cent of waste from the site will be diverted from landfill. At the last world fair, in Milan in 2015, 67 per cent was the diversion rate from landfill.

As part of the initiative, 10 composters will be placed near kitchen areas to treat food waste, which will be used as fertiliser for the 4.38 square kilometre area.

The team is also considering a plan to convert organic waste into energy on site.

“We are working to find innovative solutions to handling waste because we have ambitious targets, and our main aim is to recycle and reuse,” said Ayesha Al Marzooqi, who works with the Expo 2020 property team.

“Locally and regionally we will work with companies so the waste can be turned into new products, such as T-shirts, bags, gift boxes, cup holders and plant pots.”

Campaigns will also be run in schools and universities to highlight job opportunities in environmental sustainability.