The Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced a range of ‘Big Zero’ installations throughout Abu Dhabi, which will act as collection points for the public to deposit single-use plastic bottles for recycling. The installations will be placed in prime locations with high footfall such as malls, parks and events.

 

The ‘Big Zero’ installations are part of the larger Mission to Zero campaign. The public-facing comprehensive campaign aims to achieve an aspirational zero target for single-use plastic consumption, carbon emissions, waste, and harm to biodiversity in Abu Dhabi.

 

The installations will be mobile and will move to different places in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra Region to ensure that the capital is fully covered.

 

Another element of Mission to Zero is the schools’ ‘Pile it Up’ Campaign - a challenge launched in Abu Dhabi schools that encourages them to compete in the collection of the most single-use plastic bottles for recycling. Furthermore, EAD has tasked young people to visit small grocery stores (baqalas) with posters to educate them on the harms of single-use plastic and encourage them to use more eco-friendly alternatives.

 

Mission to Zero is a component of the Single-Use Plastic Policy launched by EAD in 2020, and the implementation of a ban on single-use plastic bags in Abu Dhabi officially began on June 1st 2022. Major retailers such as Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society and Spar, Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Choithrams, Spinneys and Waitrose are now offering multi-use grocery bags.