UAE: Healthcare volunteers recycle 750kg e-waste to protect environment

Dubai: Aster Volunteers UAE, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, has successfully recycled 750 kg of e-waste during the fourth edition of its e-waste collection drive.

As part of the ‘Aster Green Choices’ initiative, collection boxes were placed at nine Aster units across the UAE. The drive was conducted in collaboration with Dubai-based E-Scrappy. Since the initiative's launch, a total of 1,998 kg of e-waste has been recycled across four editions (496 kg in 2020, 318 kg in 2023, 434 kg in 2024, and 750 kg in 2025).

E-waste collection boxes were placed at the following facilities: Aster Jubilee Medical Centre Bur Dubai, Aster Hospital Mankhool, Aster Hospital Qusais, Aster Hospital Sharjah, Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital, Medcare Al Safa, Aster Clinic Al Warqa, Aster Corporate Office Al Diyafah, Aster Retail Warehouse – Dubai Investment Park, and Aster Cedars Hospital & Clinic, Jebel Ali. Additionally, Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital Qusais and Medcare Hospital Sharjah supported the initiative by contributing some e-waste.

Additionally, Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital, Qusais and Medcare Hospital Sharjah contributed e-waste to support the initiative.
Volunteers also collected e-waste from nearby shops and their homes. All collected items were processed and recycled by E-Scrappy, which issued a Green Certificate to volunteers in recognition of their efforts.

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, underlined the importance of community-led environmental action.
“Our commitment to environmental sustainability continues to be a core pillar of Aster’s mission, guided by our ESG framework and alignment with 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The success and continued growth of this initiative reaffirm our belief that collective action can drive meaningful environmental impact.”

This e-waste initiative is part of Aster’s broader environmental sustainability strategy, spanning the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and India. Over the years, Aster Volunteers has evolved into a global movement of over 85,000 volunteers, impacting 6.5 million lives through health and humanitarian efforts.

Meanwhile, more than 70 volunteers donated blood at a recent drive held at Aster Hospital Mankhool.
“A single donation can save up to three lives,” said Abdul Shabad, an Aster Volunteer. “It’s not just about giving blood, it’s about giving someone a second chance at life.”

Across the GCC, 16 blood donation campaigns were conducted this year, including in the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, with a total of 916 volunteers participating, expected to benefit around 2,500 patients.

“Blood donation drives help ensure that hospitals have a steady supply of blood available for emergencies and critical treatments. These initiatives not only save lives but also raise awareness about the importance of regular, voluntary blood donation in building healthier, more resilient communities,” Shabad noted.