RAK to implement new hotel waste management codes

Ras Al Khaimah authorities are working to develop a new set of waste management standards for the emirate's hospitality sector.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is collaborating with Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management Authority (WMA) on the formulation of a new set of waste management standards for the emirate's hospitality sector, according to Construction Week.

The new standards, which are expected to be based on international best practices, aim to increase waste recycling within the emirate's hospitality sector from its current rate of 4% to 75% by 2021.

Hotels and tourism establishments in the emirate are expected to recycle 15% of their waste by the end of 2017.

In a press statement, RAKTDA said it has "already begun guiding hotels and tourism establishments through the updated mandatory standards across the emirate".

"The standards cover areas such as waste collection processes, minimum separation guidelines, implementing segregation across all departments of the establishment, as well as the [appointment] of a Green Ambassador within all tourism stakeholders," the statement continued.

"Assigned Green Ambassadors will be responsible for coordinating waste management activities, educating colleagues and will serve as the principal point of contact between RAKTDA and WMA.

"Green Ambassadors will also be tasked with developing annual roadmaps covering the individual waste management goals their specific establishment aims to achieve, setting waste prevention targets, and establishing reduction and recycling quantities, and percentages."

RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar said: "This move will engage all our hospitality providers to go green and keep our emirate clean.

"The aim is to significantly cut waste being sent to landfill, and this is a great initiative towards sustainable tourism and greener practices among the emirate's hospitality and tourism sectors.

"By implementing these new standards, Ras Al Khaimah is taking a firm step in reaffirming the emirate's position as a sustainable destination.

"There are already great examples being exercised by individual entities, and by aligning all establishments to the same standards, we can work together in achieving our goals," Mattar added.

Initial roadmaps for the programme will be presented to RAKTDA and WMA on October 30 this year.