Veolia's RECAPP programme introduces reward based waste removal systems in the UAE

Veolia has launched a new initiative to increase recycling in the UAE through its digital recycling solution, RECAPP. In partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Masdar City, RECAPP will implement reverse vending machines (RVMs) and smart deposit machines (RSDMs) to collect bottles, aluminium cans and bags of recyclables.

This new service complements RECAPP's existing free app-based door-to-door collection service and aligns with Veolia's goal to provide holistic digital recycling solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Through the DRS reward scheme, RECAPP aims to collect an additional 20 million bottles in Abu Dhabi and support the UAE Government's target of recovering 50% of single-use plastic bottles. In Dubai, RECAPP has officially launched its first RVM, offering rewards and connected to the app. The launch event took place on World Environment Day at SALT restaurant in Kite Beach with the theme of beating plastic pollution.

Veolia's RECAPP app is a comprehensive digital recycling solution designed for both individuals and businesses. With two recycling options available, users can earn reward points for their efforts.

The first option is the RVMs, which are instant recycling solutions that can recycle all types of plastic bottles and aluminium cans. They work bottle by bottle and can be placed indoors or outdoors in high-traffic locations. Each recycled bottle earns users 150 points, which is eight times more than the Door to Door incentive.

The second option is the RSDMs, which allow users to drop off their full bag of recyclables at convenient outdoor locations such as communities, supermarket parking lots, or petrol stations. Each 1 kg of recyclables deposited earns users 1500 points. These points can be redeemed against attractive vouchers from a wide variety of top brands, including groceries, fashion, and e-commerce.

Since its launch in November 2020, RECAPP has grown into a community of 55,000 users, collecting more than 1,000 tonnes of recyclables. This includes 34 million PET plastic bottles, 1 million PET trays, 1 million aluminium cans, 1.5 million metal tins, and 1.8 million home care and personal care containers. In return, RECAPP has rewarded users with 65,000 vouchers and helped reduce CO2 emissions by 2,100 tonnes.

The General Manager of RECAPP at Veolia Near & Middle East, Jérôme Viricel, asserted: “We are thrilled to launch the next exciting chapter of RECAPP with the implementation of reverse vending machines and smart deposit machines in partnership with the Government of Abu Dhabi - Environment Agency, several brands and communities. Deploying this advanced bottle recovery infrastructure and setting up a deposit scheme that rewards recycling stems from our strong commitment to promoting a circular economy and sustainable consumption patterns that reduce environmental stress. We are confident that this new digital solution from Veolia will not only make it more convenient and accessible for individuals to dispose of their waste responsibly but also provide new momentum to the culture of recycling across the UAE as it celebrates the Year of Sustainability.”

Praising the sustainable initiative, Sheikha Al Mazrouei, the Executive Director of Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, exclaimed: “As the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, EAD is delighted to partner with Veolia in implementing this rewarding project by RECAPP.  This initiative is very much in line with Abu Dhabi’s Single-Use Plastic Policy which was launched in 2020 and an extension of the Agency’s ‘Mission to Zero’ public facing outreach campaign which aspires for the ambitious target of zero plastic, zero waste, zero emissions and zero harm to biodiversity.”

Veolia in Middle East aims to be the benchmark company for ecological transformation with its game-changing solutions for water, waste, and energy management. The Veolia group provided 79 million inhabitants with drinking water, 61 million people with sanitation, produced nearly 48 million megawatt hours and recovered 48 million tonnes of waste in 2021.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has been committed to protecting and enhancing the environment since 1996. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs, and global environmental agencies, EAD seeks to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development, and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of the national agenda.