KUWAIT: Continuing its community-based efforts that prioritize supporting and protecting the environment, Ahli United Bank (AUB) placed an improved container for collecting and recycling plastic in Yarmouk, which is considered a model environment friendly district.

The container was designed in the form of an ATM machine by using recycled materials through creative young Kuwaiti designers who have an interest in the environment to support and encourage their skills. In 2019, AUB's recycling initiatives resulted in collecting about 12 tons of plastic wastes through a partnership with Omniya Plastic Recycling Factory.

Commenting on this successful initiative, Sahar Dashti, General Manager of Customers' Protection and Head of Social Responsibility Team at AUB, said: "Protecting and preserving the environment is a key element in our social responsibility in alignment with the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the UN goals for sustainability. On such basis and as part of our activities to preserve and protect the environment from pollution, we continue our efforts to recycle plastic wastes and spread environmental awareness through our successful partnership with Omniya Plastic Recycling Factory."

"The inappropriate disposal of plastics is environmentally unacceptable and has very serious health implications," Dashti added. "So it is our duty as national organizations and individuals to take the responsibility of applying the right methods for waste disposal as part of the desired environmental change, which will enable us to make a positive difference to participate in shaping the future to restore the beauty and cleanliness of our local environment."

Previously, AUB placed a number of recycling containers for collecting plastic wastes next to the Bank's branches in some areas in Kuwait, such as Salwa, Rumaithiya, Bayan, Jahra and Al-Mubarakiya. This initiative has succeeded in saving 120 cubic meters of landfill in 2019, in addition to the positive impact of reducing the amount of waste and promoting the culture of recycling.