DUBAI, 15 November 2026 (WAM) -- The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) marked a defining milestone with the 30th Cycle of its Can Collection Drive, bringing together government entities, corporations, educational institutions, hospitality establishments, logistics and facility management companies, families and individuals across the United Arab Emirates in a demonstration of collective environmental responsibility.

Launched in 1997, the Aluminium Can Collection Campaign has grown from a pioneering community recycling initiative into one of EEG's most enduring environmental action programmes. What began with the simple objective of encouraging people to recognise the value of recyclable materials has evolved into a sustained movement showing how individual actions, multiplied across communities and generations, can create meaningful environmental, social and economic impact.

Held under the slogan "Turn Your Can into Climate Action", this landmark edition celebrated not only the longevity of the campaign but also the nation's determination to embed responsible consumption, resource efficiency and environmental stewardship into everyday life.

The 30th Cycle brought together participants from diverse sectors, from students and families collecting cans in their communities to organisations mobilising employees and integrating recycling into their sustainability programmes.

The Drive collected 16,755 kilograms of aluminium cans, with the active participation of 301 entities from across the UAE, bringing the cumulative quantity collected since the campaign's inception in 1997 to 510,624 kilograms. These cumulative efforts have reduced approximately 7,664.46 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions, saved 116,210.59 million British Thermal Units (BTU) of energy and conserved 12,395.20 cubic metres of landfill space.

The leading contributors to this edition were wasl, Emirates Flight Catering and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. EEG commended them for their exemplary environmental commitment, saying their achievements serve as an inspiration to other organisations and communities across the UAE.

The campaign carries special significance during the UAE's Year of Family 2026, highlighting the role of families in nurturing environmental awareness and passing sustainable values from one generation to the next. By encouraging children, parents and communities to participate together, EEG continues to show that environmental responsibility begins at home.

Commenting on the milestone, Dr Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, said: "Thirty cycles are not simply a measure of time. They represent thirty cycles of commitment, determination and shared responsibility. When we launched this campaign in 1997, we believed that meaningful environmental change could begin with a single responsible action. Today, that belief has become a powerful national movement, supported by generations of individuals, institutions and organisations."

"Every aluminium can that has been collected tells a story of conscious choice. Every school that participates helps nurture future environmental leaders. Every organisation that contributes demonstrates that corporate responsibility must translate into practical action. And every family that takes part reinforces the values that will shape a more sustainable society," she added, noting that the greatest environmental legacy is measured not only by the resources conserved but by the values passed on and the responsibility inspired in future generations.

Al Mar'ashi also said the Can Collection Drive is closely aligned with the UAE's wider vision for sustainable development, particularly its ambitions to advance resource efficiency, reduce waste and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.

The initiative contributes to the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals relating to sustainable communities, responsible consumption, climate action, environmental protection and partnerships.

(Source: WAM.ae)