Recycling in Dubai

We're all very aware of the fact that recycling here in Dubai and across the UAE is still somewhat inaccessible if you don't know where to look or go. But the good news is - there are places that you can drop off your plastic, your paper and even your e-waste across the city. It's just a case of knowing where to look!

To help you get started, we've got some handy recycling tips as well as drop off points across Dubai where you can take your items to be recycled safely and effectively. 

A few recycling tips to get you started

Bin your rubbish responsibly!

1. Use Tupperware instead
Pick up a snug Tupperware box and use it to take your sandwiches to work or out and about with you, instead of using plastic sandwich bgs, cling-film or tin foil. It'll also save you money in the long run! This also applies to storing food and items in your home! We've got a guide to make sure you're storing your food safely. 

2. Join non-profit networks or use classifieds
Don't just throw away your junk or unwanted items; exchange them with others on websites like Freecycle.org or even our very own Classifieds. One man's junk is another man's treasure, as they say!

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You might also be interested:

• Dubai based charity and support groups
• Your guide to everything pest control
• Use the FREE ExpatWoman classifieds

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3. Buy a bag for life
These are a great idea in order to prevent use of multiple plastic bags... Instead, buy a bag for life - which all stores do here in Dubai - and re-use it every time you shop! It offers an alternative to conventional plastic bags. There's nothing worse than seeing plastic bags in our lovely Emirate's sandy deserts!

4. Reuse old toothbrushes
Do you know that old toothbrush you're finished with? Make a mark on it using paint or nail varnish so it's distinctive, and start using it as a cleaning tool! They're extremely useful in cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, for example, especially around those hard to reach areas! Just don't mix up your toothbrushes accidentally.

5. Get creative
Don't throw everything away just because you can't find a recycling bin for it. Turn old DVDs or CDs into coasters, or fold old, flat pillows in half and turn them into cushions for your sofa. 

Where to recycle in Dubai

If you know of one that isn't listed here, please email editor (at) expatwoman (dot) com and we'll add it to the list here!

Recycling Points	Location	Recycle What?
The Village Shops	The Greens	Paper, glass, plastic, cans
Meadows Village	The Springs, Emirates Hills	Paper, plastic, cans
Dubai Festival City	Near Toys R Us	Paper, plastic, cans
Oasis Centre Mall	Al Quoz 1	Paper, plastic
Dubai Marina	Promenade, various locations	Paper, plastic, glass
Dubai Studio City	next to Dubai Studio City Tower	Paper, plastic, glass
Emirates Driving Institute	Al Qusais	Paper, plastic
Emirates Aviation College	Garhoud	Paper, plastic
NBAD Branches	Various locations	E-waste
EEG Office	Beach Road	Paper, plastic, cans, e-waste, batteries, glass, printer cartridges & toner
Behind Town Centre	Beach Road	Paper, plastic, cans
Spinneys	Umm Suqeim, Ramada, Trade Centre Road	Paper, plastic, cans
Gold & Diamond Park	SZR near Mall of the Emirates	E-waste
Lakes Club	Emirates Hills 3	Paper, plastic, cans
Springs Town	The Springs, Emirates Hills	Paper, plastic, cans
The Beach	The Walk, JBR	Paper, plastic
Near Citymax Hotel	Al Barsha	Paper, plastic
Silicon Oasis	Spinneys, various locations in community	Paper, plastic, glass, cans, clothing
Jumeirah Lake Towers	JLT Clusters	Paper, plastic, glass, cans
Arabian Ranches Retail Centre	Near the post box	Paper, plastic, glass, cans, clothing
Dubai Municipality Centres	Various locations	E-waste
Emirates Post Offices	Various locations	E-waste
Bur Dubai	Behind Citibank, near Burjuman metro station	Paper, plastic, cans

Recyclables Collection

In some areas of Dubai, the Dubai Municipality have laid out their My City... My Environment initiative, which includes a door to door waste collection and recycling service. The intiative includes giving houses two 240 litre colour coded bins, each with a different waste disposal purpose. 

To find out more information on the DM My City... My Environment intiative, click here.