Dubai turns 2 million plastic bottles into school bags

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Dubai Municipality transformed two million discarded plastic bottles into school bags through its Bottle2Bag initiative, showcased at WETEX 2026 as part of its broad efforts to promote recycling and sustainability. This program supports Dubai’s goal of a circular economy by engaging communities in waste reduction and aligns with wider strategies like Circle Dubai and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to enhance environmental resilience.

Dubai Municipality has repurposed two million discarded plastic bottles—around 40 tonnes of plastic—into school bags as part of its Bottle2Bag initiative, reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and waste reduction. The program was highlighted at the 28th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2026), held from October 20 to 22 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Bottle2Bag aims to demonstrate how recycling can generate both environmental benefits and social value by encouraging the collection and reuse of plastic waste while promoting public awareness about responsible consumption and recycling practices. The initiative is supported by a broad collection network that includes smart collection units in schools, 11 reverse vending machines across Dubai Municipality and partner locations, and 20 collection bins installed on public beaches. Additionally, 13 recyclables collection centers known as Mart Sustainability Oases serve residential areas as part of this effort. More than 90 organizations have participated in various related environmental and social responsibility programs.

Dubai Municipality also presented the Circle Dubai initiative, which seeks to minimize waste generation, improve recycling rates, and enhance waste management practices throughout the emirate. Circle Dubai emphasizes community involvement and behavioral shifts, aiming for full waste segregation at the source in all residential neighborhoods by 2041. The program is supported by extensive awareness campaigns, specialized teams, and innovative communications tools designed to promote Zero Waste principles as part of a broader transformation strategy.

Another focus at the exhibition was the Tasreef Programme, a major infrastructure project launched in 2024 to expand Dubai’s stormwater drainage capacity. With an investment of AED 30 billion, Tasreef plans to increase drainage capacity by 700 percent, enabling the system to handle over 20 million cubic meters of stormwater daily. Scheduled for completion in 2033, the initiative is intended to improve the city’s resilience to extreme weather and climate change, safeguarding lives, property, and critical urban infrastructure.

In the construction sector, Dubai Municipality highlighted the Building Materials Passport Platform, a digital registry providing comprehensive data on building materials throughout their lifecycle—from design and production to reuse and disposal. This platform aims to enhance transparency and traceability, facilitating better decisions regarding material selection and recovery. It also supports the increased use of recycled construction materials, contributing to efforts to lower the carbon footprint of the city’s building projects.

Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, CEO of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality, emphasized that these initiatives are integral to developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure through innovation and resource efficiency. He noted that these measures align with the broader objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and reflect the emirate’s commitment to fostering a circular economy that reduces environmental impact while generating long-term value.

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