Abu Dhabi recycles 70,000 plastic bottles with ‘Points for Plastic’ initiative

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

PHOTO BY SUPPLIED

Abu Dhabi recycles 70,000 plastic bottles with ‘Points for Plastic’ initiative

Commuters earn points for depositing plastic bottles in a reverse-vending machine installed at Abu Dhabi’s main bus terminal. The points can be redeemed for free public bus rides.

Since the initiative’s inception in March, approximately 70,000 plastic bottles have been recycled, according to Ateeq Al Mazrouei, acting director of planning at the Integrated Transport Centre.

Each bottle of 600ml or less earns one point, while larger containers or bottles larger than 600ml earn two points.

Each point is worth ten fils, so 10 points equal Dh1 ($0.27), which can be transferred to the Hafilat bus card.

The ITC automated payment system calculates the fare for the trip. It automatically deducts it from the cash value stored in the card via tariff machines installed at bus entrances and exits. The bus fare in Abu Dhabi starts at Dh2.

Al Mazrouei explained the goals of the “Points for Plastic: the Bus Tariff” initiative:

“First is to help the environment,” he said.

“Second, is to encourage public transport users to use buses more frequently. They should retain the bottles and get points to use public transport.”

Mr. Al Mazrouei stated that the initiative aligned with the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi’s mission of encouraging a culture of recycling single-use plastic bottles. BKM/ Expat Media

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