Zero waste initiatives in KSA

 Our vision 

The zero waste initiative was launched by the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. It’s purpose is to manage waste not only in Riyadh but the entirety of Saudi Arabia, and to place more responsibility in ethical consumption and disposal of materials, such as reducing waste and reusing it. Saudi Arabia expects to complete this project in 2035. The completion of this project will ensure a positive impact on the environment, and the lives of people. 

Objectives of the zero waste project 

Saudi Arabia plans to divert 60 percent of building and demolition waste from landfills by 2030, with 12 percent recycled, 35 percent reused, and 13 percent treated.  Furthermore, it intends to divert 100 percent of municipal solid waste from landfills by recycling 82 percent of it and processing the remaining 19 percent for use as energy sources (waste-to-energy).

Reasons for the zero waste initiatives

Waste management is a significant priority for Saudi Arabia due to rapid industrialisation, rapid population increase, and rapid urbanization. The majority of landfills in Saudi Arabia are nearing capacity. Saudis rely heavily on throwaway products, particularly single-use plastics. Recycling is scarce the majority of municipal trash is disposed of in landfills untreated, although some is burnt. When landfill sites are filled, the land cannot usually be used for anything else. Landfills in Saudi Arabia are not normally designed to be environmentally friendly. According to the former CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company, the majority of the country's garbage is currently landfilled at a cost of $1.87 per ton due to that KSA needs to reduce waste.

Reduce carbon emissions 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is setting an example for the rest of the world in climate action by reaching beyond net zero carbon emissions. The Kingdom has set lofty targets for reducing emissions by 130 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 and increasing renewable energy output to 50% by that time. The country is heavily investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, as well as reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency. Saudis are also looking into ways to store and transmit energy to other countries, as well as investing in green infrastructure projects. These measures demonstrate that Saudi Arabia is committed to combating climate change and paving the road for a more sustainable future.

Video link 

https://youtu.be/sMN4zi3QwgM?si=L8oJQcQF46w85QzX