From Cans to Climate Action: 11,963 kg Collected Across the UAE
“Turn Your Can into Climate Action” — this powerful call resonated across the UAE as the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) successfully delivered the 30th cycle of its flagship Can Collection Day, transforming a simple act of recycling into a nationwide movement for climate responsibility.
As the world marked Valentine’s Day, communities across the UAE demonstrated that care for the future extends far beyond sentiment — it is expressed through responsibility, action and collective commitment. Through a shared act of recycling, thousands turned an ordinary day into a meaningful expression of environmental stewardship and climate consciousness.
Marking three decades of continuous community mobilisation, this milestone edition stands as a testament to the power of sustained action. What began as a modest recycling initiative has grown into one of the UAE’s most enduring environmental movements — proving that when communities unite with purpose, measurable climate impact follows.
The campaign strongly supports UN SDG #12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) and UN SDG #13 (Climate Action), while championing UN SDG #17 (Partnerships for the Goals) — reaffirming that sustainability thrives when all sectors of the society come together; institutions, academia and industries rally around a common cause.
On this landmark day, thousands of participants — including schools, universities, corporations, hospitality establishments, government entities and families from across all seven Emirates — came together across six collection sites nationwide. The scale of participation reflected a shared national commitment to responsible resource management and climate action.
Aluminium recycling remains one of the most energy-efficient and climate-positive practices globally. By diverting used cans from landfills and reintegrating them into the circular economy, participants directly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conserved natural resources and supported long-term environmental resilience.
Key Highlights from Can Collection Day 2026
• 11,963 kg of aluminium cans collected on the day
• 490,962 kg collected since inception
• Participation from 138 entities across all seven Emirates
• Prevention of approximately 180 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions
These are not merely numbers — they represent real climate solutions in action. Recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new material, significantly reducing environmental pressure while supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic vision.
Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, stated:
“For 30 years, the Can Collection Day has demonstrated that environmental responsibility is strongest when shared. This year’s theme — Turn Your Can into Climate Action — reflects a simple but powerful truth: meaningful climate solutions begin with everyday choices. What inspires me most is witnessing how this initiative has evolved — from a small gathering in Dubai advocating proper recycling, to a nationwide movement uniting communities across the UAE with a shared purpose.
