Abu Dhabi Waste Bin

Planning and Regulation

Manual - Part 1
Version 1.0 - 2022
 About the Department of
Municipalities and Transport (DMT)

The Department of Municipalities and Transport was established by Law No. 30 of

2019, and its main priorities are to realize the vision of the leadership which draws
on the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan to embrace progress by placing great value on the importance of pursuing
development in line with both the needs of present and future generations and
the community in general.

The authority embodies the values of good governance, driven by the needs of
the community it serves and working with a passion to accomplish its aims. The
Department focuses on finding the most effective means of providing essential,
modern, responsive and comprehensive municipal services across three regional
municipalities, and supports Abu Dhabi’s global position as a leader in innovation-
led urban planning and transportation, as part of the Abu Dhabi government’s
commitment to maintaining the highest standards to the benefit of all citizens and
residents of the emirate.

The DMT is responsible for continually investing in the development of better

infrastructure, facilities and transportation sectors within the emirate, guiding,
regulating and monitoring urban development to enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation
as a world-class destination to live, work and visit.

The DMT also ensures the highest standards of safety, security, sustainability and
technological development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s land, air and maritime
transport networks, in accordance with the highest international standards and
the UAE’s legislation with the objective of being the region’s connection to the
world.

The Department’s aspirations are driven by the simple proposition of innovating

and building sustainable smart cities, fostering a capacity to change and adapt
in order to maintain excellence in services and sustaining prosperity for future
generations, allowing the entire Abu Dhabi community to reach their full potential.
Table of Content

1.0 Introduction 7
1.1 I Purpose of Manual 8
1.2 I Users of the Manual 8
1.3 I Applicability 8
1.4 I Regulatory Language  9
1.5 I Other Regulations 9

2.0 Retrofitting Solutions 11

2.1 I Retrofitting Regulations for Urban Communities 12
2.2 I Retrofitting Regulations for Suburban Communities 16

3.0 Appendix 21
3.1 I Glossary 22
3.2 I References 24
1.0
Introduction
 8 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual

1.1 I Purpose of Manual

The Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulation Manual - Part 1, later referred to as ‘the Manual’ presents multiple
regulations and guidelines that concern the following:
•• Wastebin planning regulations for existing developments.
•• Ensuring public safety and preserving the environment as well as public health.
•• Improving the public appearance and the image of the city.

1.2 I Users of the Manual

The Manual is also used in the case of retrofitting existing suburban or urban communities within which residential, or
commercial land use is provided.

In the case of new developments, the regulations mentioned in the second part of the manual shall be used and adhered
to.

1.3 I Applicability
The regulations and standards in this manual are applicable to the following land uses within existing developments in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi:

1. Residential plots

2. Commercial plots

The developments comprising of any other land uses are required to follow the ADQCC standards and regulations.

All retrofitting plans, proposals and strategies require an NOC from the Abu Dhabi Centre of Waste Management to
ensure compliance with the necessary regulations and standards.

Private developments do not have to comply with this manual, but they may use it as a guiding tool when developing their
waste management strategy.
 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual 9

1.4 I Regulatory Language

Throughout the Manual, some regulations and standards have been established and are defined using the following
language:
•• SHALL and SHALL NOT are mandatory statements
•• SHOULD and SHOULD NOT are recommended statements
•• MAY is a permitted statement.

1.5 I Other Regulations

Users of this manual shall adhere to the regulations mentioned below:
•• Abu Dhabi International Building Code
•• Urban Street Design Manual
•• Universal Design Code
•• Abu Dhabi Utility Corridors Design Manual
•• Abu Dhabi Utility Plot Design Manual
•• Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Service Standards
2.0
Retrofitting
Solutions
 12 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual

2.1 I Retrofitting Regulations for Urban Communities

A. Waste Stream Typology:

The waste streams for commercial plots within urban communities are as follows:
1. Dry Mixed Recycling
2. Residual Waste

B. Planning Regulations:
When retrofitting waste bin locations in an existing urban context, the following regulations shall be adhered to:
1. Waste bins shall not be placed along boulevards or avenues.
2. Waste bins shall not be placed on corners of roads.
3. Waste bins shall not be placed close to pedestrian crossings.
4. Permanent locations shall be allocated for all waste bins. In the case of private waste bins, collection areas will be
provided and clearly defined. (See Figure 2.1.2)
5. Lines indicating locations of waste bins shall be provided. (See Figure 2.1.2)
6. The walking distance between building entrances and waste bins shall not exceed 50m.
7. In the case of waste bins being close to public open spaces, they shall be concealed appropriately. (See Figure 2.1.1)
8. Waste bins shall be placed at the same level of the street, with the necessary barriers to ensure they do not move.
(See Figure 2.1.2)
9. Drainage points shall be allocated at community collection points.
10. Designated pathways shall be provided between buildings and waste bins to ensure safe passage to and from the
building. The passages shall follow the following:
•• Shall be finished with material that is easy to clean and maintain.
•• Shall have a ramp to lower the waste bins into collection areas in the case of private bins.
•• Shall be provided in compliance with the USDM regulations.
11. No more than 6 - 8 waste bins shall be placed in the same location.
12. Planners may use the underground waste collection system (with or without compaction) if the infrastructure design
allows it.
13. In the case of providing underground waste collection systems, the necessary infrastructure shall be provided as per
the ADQCC standards.
14. Local civic amenity centres shall be provided for each community.

C. Planning Guidelines:
When retrofitting waste bin locations in an existing urban context, the following regulations should be adhered to:
1. Landscape should be provided around waste bin collection points to soften the effect they have on public realm.
(See Figure 2.1.1)
2. Private bins owned by the buildings should be separated from public bins. (See Figure 2.1.2)
3. Private bins should be screened off while access is provided for operators and waste collectors. (See Figure 2.1.1)
4. Separate drainage points should be provided in the case of public waste bins and private waste bins.
 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual 13

Figure 2.1.1: Community Collection Point

1 3

Figure 2.1.2: Community Collection Point with Location for Private Bins

4
2

8
 14 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual

D. Examples:
Figure 2.1.3: Existing situation in an urban community Figure 2.1.4: Proposed retrofit in an urban community

Permanent locations shall be allocated for all waste bins in Permanent locations shall be allocated for all waste bins in
the case of private waste bins. the case of private waste bins.
If the waste bins are close to public open spaces, they shall If the waste bins are close to public open spaces, they shall
be concealed appropriately. be concealed appropriately.

Waste bins shall be placed at the same level of the street, Waste bins shall be placed at the same level of the street,
with the necessary barriers to ensure they do not move. with the necessary barriers to ensure they do not move.

Figure 2.1.5: Urban Enclosure Model (Above Ground)

 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual 15

Figure 2.1.6: Existing situation in an urban community Figure 2.1.7: Proposed retrofit in an urban community

Waste bins shall not be placed on corners of roads. Waste bins shall not be placed on corners of roads.

Lines indicating locations of waste bins shall be provided. Lines indicating locations of waste bins shall be provided.

Waste bins shall be placed at the same level of the street, Waste bins shall be placed at the same level of the street,
with the necessary barriers to ensure they do not move. with the necessary barriers to ensure they do not move.

Figure 2.1.8: Proposed retrofit in the urban community (Below Ground)

 16 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual
2.2 I Retrofitting Regulations for Suburban Communities
A. Waste Stream Typology:
The waste streams for the non-gated suburban villa
communities are as follows:
•• Dry Mixed Recycling
•• Residual Waste
B. Planning Regulations:
When retrofitting waste bin locations in an existing
suburban context, the following regulations shall be
adhered to:
1. Community collection point locations shall be
allocated in residential neighborhoods. (See Figure
2.2.1)
2. Lines indicating locations of waste bins shall be
provided. (See Figure 2.2.2)
3. Waste bins shall not be placed along boulevards and
avenues.
4. Waste bins shall not be placed on corners of roads.
5. Waste bins shall not be placed close to pedestrian
crossings.
6. While planning in residential communities, a variety
of waste bins shall be provided, including recyclable
Figure 2.2.1: Residential Villa Community Plan
and non-recyclable bins. The distribution and sizes of
the waste bins shall follow Tadweer guidelines and
regulations. (See Figure 2.2.1)
7. The walking distance between a residential villa’s
pedestrian entrance and a community collection point
shall not exceed 50m. (See Figure 2.2.1)
8. Waste bins shall be located along the main elevations
of the villas. (See Figure 2.2.2)
9. In the case of waste bins being close to sikkak
or public open spaces, they shall be concealed
appropriately. (See Figure 2.2.2)
10. Waste bins shall be placed at the same level of the
street, with the necessary barriers to ensure they do
not move.
11. Drainage points shall be allocated at community
collection points.
12. Local civic amenity centres shall be provided for each
community.
13. Planners may use the underground waste collection
system (with or without compaction) if the
infrastructure design allows it.
14. In the case of providing underground waste collection
systems, the necessary infrastructure shall be
provided as per the ADQCC standards.
4
 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual 17

C. Planning Guidelines:
When retrofitting waste bin locations in an existing suburban context, the following regulations should be adhered to:
1. Landscape should be provided around waste bin collection points to soften their effect they have on the public
realm. (See Figure 2.2.3)

Figure 2.2.2: Residential Villa Community Waste Bin Location

Figure 2.2.3: Residential Villa Community Waste Bin Location (continued)

1
 18 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual

D. Examples:
Figure 2.2.4: Existing situation in a suburban community Figure 2.2.5: Proposed retrofitting in a suburban community

The location of waste bins shall allow for easy disposal of The location of waste bins shall allow for easy disposal of
recyclable and non-recyclable waste. recyclable and non-recyclable waste.

Waste bins shall be safe, clean, easy to access, and have Waste bins shall be safe, clean, easy to access, and have
closed lids at all times. closed lids at all times.

Traffic safety shall be taken into consideration when Traffic safety shall be taken into consideration when
planning the location of waste bins, and the USDM shall planning the location of waste bins, and the USDM shall
be followed accordingly. be followed accordingly.

Figure 2.2.6: Suburban Enclosure Model

 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual
Figure 2.2.7: Existing situation in sector W49 (1)
Permanent waste bin locations shall be allocated in
residential neighborhoods.
The location of waste bins shall allow for easy disposal of
both recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
Traffic safety shall be taken into consideration when
planning the location of waste bins and the USDM shall be
followed accordingly.
Figure 2.2.9: Underground system in the suburban
community (1)
Permanent waste bin locations shall be allocated in
residential neighborhoods.
The location of waste bins shall allow for easy disposal of
recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
Traffic safety shall be considered when planning the
location of waste bins and the USDM shall be followed
accordingly.
19
Figure 2.2.8: Existing situation in sector W49 (2)
Permanent waste bin locations shall be allocated in
residential neighborhoods.
The location of waste bins shall allow for easy disposal of
both recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
Traffic safety shall be taken into consideration when
planning the location of waste bins and the USDM shall be
followed accordingly.
Figure 2.2.10: Underground system in the suburban
community (2)
Permanent waste bin locations shall be allocated in
residential neighborhoods.
The location of waste bins shall allow for easy disposal of
recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
Traffic safety shall be considered when planning the
location of waste bins and the USDM shall be followed
accordingly.
3.0
Appendix
 22 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual
3.1 I Glossary
Access Lane: A road that contains one lane in each
direction and is typically intended for low traffic volumes
and low speeds.
Accessibility: The ability for people of all ages, including
those with physical disabilities, to comfortably enter, exit
and use a space, building or facility.
Apartment: A dwelling unit located in a multi-unit
residential or mixed-use building.
Automated Waste Management System (Pneumatic
System): This system is owned, managed, and serviced
by a third-party operator. This system is a completely
underground system where the waste is transported
through pipes and taken to waste collection plants directly
where the waste is compacted and placed in containers for
Tadweer to come and collect.
Baraha: An open space located in a neighborhood and is
typically used by its residents for gathering and social and
recreational activities. (Plural: barahat.)
Basement: The storey(s) of a building that is wholly or
partially below grade.
Boulevard: A wide vehicular street that typically contains
three or more lanes in each direction. A boulevard may be
landscaped along the sides and/or on the median.
Bulky Waste: Large or bulky items consisting mainly of
household and office furniture or parts thereof and other
large or bulky items.
Bulk Waste Containers: Means a Waste Container of a size
and type suitable for the storage and transport of Waste
typically of 1,100 liter or more capacity.
Building Footprint: The ground area that is covered by
a structure but excluding projections and unenclosed
extensions above ground.
Civic Amenity: A waste receiving facility provided in
residential areas to encourage recycling. This point will
educate the public on the importance of recycling and
provide appropriate bins for segregation of waste into the
streams defined here.
Commercial Office: A tower or building consisting of office
and retail spaces.
Commercial Plot: Land allocated for mixed use purposes
(Residential + Offices + Retail) and/or other commercial
activities.
Community Collection Point: Any designated area for
waste bin locations.
Commercial Waste: Means Municipal Solid Waste
generated from any commercial operation, including
from premises such as shops, restaurants, hotels, hotel
Contractors, and other commercial operations.
Container: Container, also called waste bins, means a vessel
such as a Mobile Garbage Container, Mobile Recyclable
Container, Bulk Waste Container, Wheeled Container, Skip
or Bin/Litter bin, charcoal bin used to temporary store
Waste
Dry Mixed Recyclables: Uncontaminated metals, plastics,
paper, cardboard, and glass.
Gated Villa Community: A residential community with
controlled entrances and exits, typically surrounded by a
fence of wall.
Green Spaces: Outdoor landscaped spaces, these also
include landscaped areas in other land uses.
Green Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, branches, spoiled
vegetables and other green waste from farms.
Hotel: Commercial establishment providing
accommodation, this also includes hotel apartments.
Junction: Where two or more public streets meet. They are
characterized by a high level of activity and shared use,
multi-modal conflicts, complex movements and special
design treatments.
Landscape Waste: Grass clippings and green waste from
landscaping and gardens.
Main Elevation: The elevation of the building that has both
pedestrian and vehicular access to the road.
Medical Waste: Expired medicines, used bandages,
disposable syringes and lancets.
Mobile Recyclables Container: A mobile recyclable
container means a waste container on wheels, with a
capacity of 360 liters or less which is intended to contain
Recyclable Waste.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): Rubbish generated from
homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial entities, which
consists of everyday items we use and throw away, such
as food waste, product packaging, clothing, bottles,
newspapers, etc.
Non-Domestic Waste: Non-Domestic Waste means
waste generated from any commercial operation,
including Recyclable Waste, from premises such as shops,
restaurants, hotels, hotel Contractors, hostels, public
institutions (such as hospitals), schools, offices and other
commercial operations.
 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual 23

Non-gate Villa Community: A residential community with Underground Waste Bins: Waste bins that are owned,
no controlled entrances and exits. managed, and serviced by Tadweer. These waste bins are
permanently located in the public realm, however, they
Open Space: An area of land or water that remains in an
are located below ground where only hoppers are shown
undeveloped, natural state as well as landscapes with low
aboveground for waste disposal.
intensity development for public use, such as Parks, Linear
Spaces and Waterfronts Waste Collection Point: A point designated by ADWMC
that will serve rural and farming communities. This point
Organic Waste: Kitchen Waste, not including waste
will be used for bulking waste prior to collection by the
cooking oils.
approved contractor.
Parks: Publicly accessible open spaces within a community
WEEE: Unserviceable Electrical Appliances and electronic
for recreational use. Parks may include natural areas such
items, batteries, used cellphones etc.
as mountain ridges, desert landscapes and wadi systems.

Paper and Cardboard Waste: Includes office paper waste,

cardboard packaging, etc.

Permanent Waste Bins: Waste bins are owned, managed,

and serviced by Tadweer / Service Providers. These waste
bins are permanently located in the public realm.

Private Waste Bins: Waste bins that are owned and

managed by private owners of buildings.

Private Developments: Developments that are planned,

executed, and managed by authorized private developers.
The masterplans of these developments are reviewed by
the relevant departments in DMT.

Public Realm: All open areas within a community visible to

the public or for public gathering or assembly.

Public Realm Waste Bins: Waste bins located in the public

realm, green spaces, and park development areas.

Recyclable Waste: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) or

Commercial Waste, which is defined as recyclable,
including but not limited to: sorted or unsorted newsprint,
glass, aluminium, ferrous and non-ferrous cans, plastic
materials, mixed paper, and cardboard accumulated and
intended for recycling or reuse.

Residential Plot: Land allocated for UAE nationals

residential housing purpose as well as government
ready-made housing, allocated to UAE nationals as the
beneficiaries.

Residential Tower: A tower or building containing

apartments.

Residual Waste: Includes all other non-recyclable / non-

compostable waste.

Restaurant: Any commercial space where food is prepared

and served on the premises.
24 Department of Municipalities and Transport | Abu Dhabi Waste Bin Planning and Regulations Manual

3.2 I References

Documents Pertaining to the Policies - Department of Municipalities and Transport

Urban Street Design Manual

https://dmt.gov.ae/-/media/Project/DMT/DMT/E-Library/0001-Manuals/USDM/AR/USDM-
Manual-Arabic-v11-edited.pdf

Public Realm Design Manual

https://dmt.gov.ae/-/media/Project/DMT/DMT/E-Library/0001-Manuals/PRDM/PRDM/AR/Abu-
Dhabi-PRDM-Arabic-Version.pdf

Documents Pertaining to the Policies - Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council
Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services and Standards - Chapter 12 (Waste
Management)
https://jawdah.qcc.abudhabi.ae/en/Registration/QCCServices/Services/STD/ISGL/Chapter%20
12%20WASTE%20MANAGEMENT.pdf

Documents Pertaining to the Waste Quantity Estimation - Abu Dhabi Quality and
Conformity Council
Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services and Standards - Chapter 12 (Waste
Management)
https://jawdah.qcc.abudhabi.ae/en/Registration/QCCServices/Services/STD/ISGL/ISGL.pdf
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Abu Dhabi Waste Bin
Planning and Regulations
Manual