PepsiCo and Talabat, in collaboration with Jumeirah Village Circle and Sobha Hartlands residential communities, have introduced a pioneering recycling initiative called ‘Yalla Return.’ This initiative is designed to inspire residents to embrace sustainable practices through an interactive gamified experience available on the ‘Yalla Return’ mobile application, encouraging users to recycle using smart bins.

The ‘Yalla Return’ program aligns with the shared vision of PepsiCo and Talabat and their commitment to promoting sustainability. It also dovetails with their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives to contribute to accelerated action against climate change. Participants in this initiative are eligible for rewards and can track their environmental impact through the ‘Yalla Return’ mobile app.

In line with the UAE government’s commitment to a greener future and in anticipation of COP28 this year, this initiative champions circular economic practices through resource recovery.

Balachandran Jayachandran, Gulf General Manager at PepsiCo, emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving change, stating, “To drive a circular and inclusive value chain forward, we need to boost recycling rates, and an essential part of that is making collection and recycling more accessible and simultaneously creating incentives for behavioral change.”

Simonida Subotic, Vice President at Talabat, highlighted the role of technology in driving positive practices, especially in a sustainability-focused country like the UAE. She noted that these efforts not only raise awareness but also empower the community to participate in recycling initiatives that support circularity and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets.

Rabih El Chaar, Chief Executive Officer at ‘Yalla Return,’ described how the initiative reinvents waste management by integrating technology, customized feedback, rewards, and gamification into the recycling journey. Currently deployed in nine specific communities in Dubai, including five with Talabat and PepsiCo, the initiative plans to expand to other areas, furthering its impact on the environment.

The ‘Yalla Return’ recycling initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between industry leaders and technology to drive positive environmental action and promote sustainability at a community level. As the initiative expands, it aims to maximize resident engagement and material recovery, contributing to a more sustainable future in the UAE.