Dubai launches initiatives to deal with waste in Ramadan

Dubai Municipality’s (DM) waste management department has drawn up an integrated waste management plan through a number of initiatives to uphold cleanliness during Ramadan.

The plan comprises a number of programmes and technical work strategies focussed on intensifying supervision, and field efforts, awareness among the public, increasing number of sweeping equipment, road cleanliness, boat cleaning, creek and water channels cleaning, and emergency field teams on highways and residential areas.

Abdulmajeed Sifai, director of waste management department at Dubai Municipality, said that the department pays particular attention to the work plan in the holy month, because: "The quantity and variety of food waste increases during the month compared to the rest of the year.

“It necessitates the provision of increased means of storage and more number of workers as well as supervisory and emergency teams to deal with the calls we receive from public and to organise the operation of service vehicles round-the-clock in all areas.

"We have provided all means and equipment to the field teams, which will cover the entire emirate through four shifts. We have distributed 148 waste containers and 70 additional garbage baskets near mosques and places of Ramadan events and Iftar tents.”

He added: “We have also formed a team, with a special shift to work from 11am to 5pm, consisting of 70 cleaners for the purpose of immediate handling of communications and complaints from the public as soon as possible.

"Our plan of action also includes the launch of the Smart Shopping Initiative, which aims to educate shoppers on the importance of smart shopping, to reduce household waste generation, and to use environmentally friendly waste bags.”