UAE Piloted Its First Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), in partnership with Tadweer Group, officially launched a six-month Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) pilot project in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This marked the country’s first attempt to enforce accountability in electronic, battery, and packaging waste management through producer-led efforts.

The initiative, a significant milestone under the UAE Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023–2026, aimed to build an integrated circular waste ecosystem. Under this framework, Tadweer Group was designated as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), tasked with leading implementation and coordination across multiple sectors.

As part of the pilot, 26 companies across retail, manufacturing, and waste management sectors signed the EPR Pledge. These organisations committed to promoting public awareness, enabling efficient collection systems, sharing critical waste data, and supporting eco-responsible practices in logistics and operations. A strong emphasis was placed on data-driven performance evaluation, regulatory preparedness, and sustainable private sector investment.

Government officials, including Minister Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak and Tadweer CEO Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri, highlighted that this pilot reflected a broader shift towards accountability and sustainability. By mandating that producers take responsibility for the life cycle of their products, the UAE took a bold step toward meeting its UN SDG targets and scaling its circular economy ambitions.