Dubai to close Landfills in 2027

Dubai’s decision to close all landfills by 2027 appears, at first glance, as a bold step toward combating its waste generation. Those within the waste industry suspect that due to the continued economic and population growth of the emirate, and the increased waste volume associated with that, would result in the 6 current landfills being full, like the one at Sonapur, within the next couple of years, meaning that more would need to be created or the current ones expanded.

So bringing the closure date of the sites forward by 3 years is a necessity rather than an inspiring step towards sustainability.

Ultimately this is still a positive move in the right direction and aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact and transition toward more responsible waste management. However, while waste-to-energy solutions play a role in reducing landfill dependency, the ultimate goal should be waste reduction at its source.

Another, bigger, development towards Sustainability

Following the 2022 decision to increase the cost of dumping material into landfill from 10AED to 100AED, which resulted in minimal change, this one is a larger step in the right direction for the Emirate. Landfills have long been a burden on the environment and those around them. By phasing them out, Dubai is setting a precedent for the other emirates to follow.

The city has invested in the world’s largest waste-to-energy facility in Warsan, capable of generating 220 megawatts of renewable energy per hour. While this is an impressive feat, it should not overshadow the importance of reducing waste production altogether. The capacity of the new plant is 1.9million tonnes per year, so just over 5,000 tonnes per day. Let's do a little maths….

The daily waste per capita for Dubai is 2.81-3.89kg

In 2024 the population of Dubai was 3.79 million (and growing)

So, as a vague estimate Dubai generated 10,650-14,740 tonnes per day in 2024.

In order for the new Warsan waste to energy plant to fully serve Dubai, we need to bring the waste per capita down to 1.4kg per day

Waste Reduction: The True Path

Don’t worry we are not starting a waste reduction cult with that sub-title

Burning waste for energy may seem like a viable alternative to landfills, but it is not a perfect solution. Incineration still produces emissions and ash. The real challenge lies in minimizing waste generation through smarter consumption, better recycling systems, and stronger policies.

Dubai can take inspiration from cities like Parma, Italy, which have successfully implemented zero-waste strategies through community engagement, economic incentives, and strict waste separation policies. Encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable packaging, promoting circular economy principles, and educating residents on responsible consumption are key steps toward a waste-free future.

Lets Demand Smarter Waste Management

Dubai’s landfill-free future is a promising prospect, but it must be accompanied by a cultural shift toward waste prevention. The Emirate has the resources and innovation to lead the way in sustainable waste management, ensuring that reduction, not just incineration becomes the priority.

By focusing on waste minimisation alongside landfill closures, Dubai can truly become a global leader in environmental responsibility. The future is not just about managing waste, it’s about creating less of it in the first place.

One thing is for certain. The target of diverting 85% of waste away from landfills by 2030 will most certainly be hit!