Saudi Arabia's Recycling Revolution: 95% Recycling Rate and SAR120 Billion GDP Boost

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has revealed an ambitious plan to revolutionize the kingdom's waste sector through a significant recycling initiative.

The initiative aims to elevate the recycling target to an impressive 95%, contributing around SAR120 billion ($32 billion) to the GDP.

In pursuit of sustainability, the ministry envisions recycling up to 100 million tonnes annually, accompanied by the creation of job opportunities for over 100,000 Saudi men and women.

This information comes from the ministry's 2023 annual report, as reported by SPA, emphasizing the Saudi environmental system's commitment to achieving sustainable development goals in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The report outlines a set of comprehensive plans and strategies, with a spotlight on the National Environment Strategy.

This strategic framework incorporates 65 initiatives within a transparent institutional framework and is supported by a substantial SAR55 billion investment in the sector.

Currently, the recycling rate in the kingdom's waste management sector stands at a mere 3% to 4%, marking the lowest globally.

The ministry's primary objective is to catapult this rate to an ambitious 95%, recognizing the challenges posed by hazardous industrial waste, including medical waste.

The report underscores the disposal of such waste based on scientific principles to protect citizens and mitigate potential risks that may not be immediately apparent.

Source: TradeArabia