Dubai-based sustainability startup The Waste Lab is expanding its operations across the Emirates, capitalizing on a new federal climate law that transforms food waste management from a corporate choice into a legal requirement. The company, which turns food waste into compost, is seeing a surge in demand as businesses race to comply with new regulations.
Quick Facts
- Expanding operations across the UAE.
- New law makes climate reporting a legal obligation.
- Currently raising a seed funding round for growth.
From ESG Goal to Legal Obligation
The market shift is being driven by the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects. This landmark legislation, the first of its kind in MENA, moves corporate climate accountability from voluntary action to a legal mandate. Businesses in designated sectors must now measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions or face penalties of up to AED 2 million.
Crucially, the law names integrated waste management as an approved method for emissions reduction. This puts The Waste Lab, founded by Lara Hussein and Ceylan Uren, in a prime position. Its model offers businesses a fully managed pathway to compliance through segregation, collection, composting, and verified impact reporting.
Closing the Loop in a Food-Importing Nation
The Waste Lab’s core offering addresses a major gap in the UAE’s circular economy. Despite importing the majority of its food, the country sends nearly 40% of it to landfills. Simultaneously, around 90% of the compost used for local agriculture and landscaping is imported.
The company provides an end-to-end solution, collecting food waste from major clients like Accor, Jumeirah, Hyatt, and Expo City Dubai, and processing it at its composting facility in Al Ain. The resulting compost and soil solutions are then returned to the local market, making it the only operator in the UAE that manages the entire process from bin to soil.
“Food waste is one of the UAE’s most urgent environmental challenges, yet composting remains one of the most practical and underutilised solutions available today,” said Lara Hussein, Co-Founder and CEO of The Waste Lab. “Our role is to make food waste diversion simpler, traceable and commercially viable while helping create healthier soil, stronger local food systems and long-term environmental impact.”
Tech-Driven Growth and Regional Ambitions
To support its growth, The Waste Lab is developing a proprietary mobile application. The platform will use automation and AI to give clients real-time data on their food waste footprint, including volumes and contamination rates, to improve ESG tracking and identify operational inefficiencies.
Alongside its tech development, the company is preparing for the commercial launch of its own B2B compost product by the end of 2026. This will create a traceable, locally produced alternative to imported compost.
The startup is currently raising a seed round to fund its infrastructure build-out, technology development, and regional expansion. The growth plan includes scaling up across additional emirates and entering Saudi Arabia through a joint venture model.
About The Waste Lab
Founded by Lara Hussein and Ceylan Uren, The Waste Lab is a Dubai-based sustainability business providing end-to-end food waste management solutions. The company works with organizations across the hospitality, F&B, and corporate sectors to collect, compost, and convert food waste into high-quality compost, helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint and comply with regulations.