Al Hamra Group says it is rolling out the RAK Recycles initiative across the Al Hamra Village community as part of Ras Al Khaimah’s initiative to divert 75% of all waste from landfill by 2021.

The introduction of RAK Recycles across the emirate is managed by the Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management Agency (RAKWMA). As part of the drive, households, schools, and businesses receive bags to separate waste into three main categories; food waste, clean, dry recyclables and general waste. Emirate-wide distribution of the bags is due for completion by the end June 2018.

“This is a landmark initiative that will significantly boost sustainability in Ras Al Khaimah and will create a new culture for recycling and waste awareness,” said Al Hamra’s general manager, Benoy Kurien. “On average, the emirate generates 550 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) every day. As a responsible developer we are keen to ensure our residents can play their part in helping to reduce reuse and recycle. As a luxury location, providing a tranquil environment to thousands of residents and visitors, we are fully committed to protecting the environment and helping the community to do the same. Recycling is a vital part of the UAE’s future waste management plans and, as such, developers have an important role to play in helping to provide access to recycling facilities.”

The scheme will see residents and businesses issued with two different coloured bags. The green bags are for items manufactured from plastic, including containers, bottles and sheets, as well as paper, cardboard, steel aluminium and glass. The brown bags are for food waste, including leftover food, out of date produce, eggshells and vegetable peelings. Al Hamra’s strategy is vital to supporting RAK’s target to increase the amount of waste recycled every day, from 7% in 2016, to 75% by 2021.

Residents can recycle glass, aluminium, steel, paper, food waste and plastic through the separation system. Further, RAKWMA offers on-demand collection for garden waste, bulk waste, electronic waste and batteries.

Kurien added: “As we see an influx of new residents moving to the emirate to enjoy the pace of life, scenery and beautiful homes we have here, so too we see a higher demand on services such as waste management. Al Hamra will continue to honour its commitment to the environment, the emirate and the 4,000 households that call Al Hamra Village home, by supporting environmental targets in a practical manner.”