Jafza And Imdaad Achieve 37% Reduction In Landfill Waste Through Innovative RDF Plant

Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza) has achieved a 37% reduction in landfill waste within nine months this year. This progress is due to a collaboration with Imdaad, a Dubai-based sustainable facilities management firm. The initiative aligns with the UAE's shift towards a circular economy, showcasing a significant environmental milestone.

The introduction of an innovative Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plant has been pivotal in this achievement. This facility repurposes general waste from the material recovery process to fuel industrial furnaces, replacing fossil fuels. The RDF plant was established through a joint venture between Jafza and Imdaad under the FARZ entity, founded in 2020 at the National Industries Park in Jebel Ali.

Initially, FARZ processed up to 1,200 tonnes of waste daily, recovering 12-15% as recyclable materials while sending the rest to landfills. The new RDF plant now converts an additional 150 tonnes of waste each day into clean energy for industrial uses. Since January, this initiative has redirected 37% of waste on average and generated 312 million kWh of renewable energy, enough to power thousands of homes.

Moreover, the project has saved over 201,137 trees by reducing CO2 emissions and conserved 2.2 million cubic metres of landfill space. These efforts significantly alleviate environmental impact. Imdaad and Jafza aim to divert over 80% of waste from landfills by 2026 through full integration of FARZ into Jebel Ali Free Zone's waste management system.

This initiative is part of a multi-year contract with DP World to enhance environmental sustainability in the UAE's logistics sector. Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer of Parks and Zones at DP World GCC, stated: "At DP World, sustainability is central to our operations. Transitioning to a circular economy helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and ensures that even waste becomes a resource."

"This partnership with Imdaad reflects our shared commitment to innovation, investment and sets new benchmarks for environmental responsibility," Al Hashmi added. "As the UAE positions itself as a global leader in sustainable development, projects like FARZ exemplify how private sector collaboration can deliver scalable solutions to complex challenges."

Mahmood Rasheed, Chief Operating Officer of Imdaad, remarked: "This initiative exemplifies our commitment to the UAE's sustainability goals, transforming waste into clean energy for a myriad of industries and significantly reducing environmental impact."

International Waste Management Efforts

DP World implements similar waste management strategies worldwide. At Santos Port in Brazil, they have adopted a zero-waste approach where all waste is either recycled or used for energy recovery. In Mexico, DP World collaborates with Regenera on a circular waste management system that transforms used tires into alternative fuels for industrial applications.

The ongoing efforts by Jafza and Imdaad highlight their dedication to environmental sustainability through innovative solutions. By reducing landfill dependency and generating renewable energy, they contribute significantly to the UAE's ecological objectives while setting an example for global practices.

With inputs from WAM