Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has unveiled a plan to develop the waste sector in the Kingdom, according to a report in Saudi Press Agency. It calls for recycling to reach up to 95%, which adds approximately SAR120 billion to the GDP, as well as recycling up to 100 million tonnes annually to achieve sustainability, in addition to creating job opportunities for more than 100,000 Saudi men and women.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture's 2023 annual report further highlighted the Saudi environmental system's dedication to sustainable development goals. The report outlines comprehensive plans and strategies, notably the National Environment Strategy. This strategy incorporates a transparent institutional framework with 65 initiatives, backed by a SAR55 billion investment in the sector.
According to the report, the current recycling rate in the Kingdom's waste management sector ranges from 3% to 4%, the lowest globally. The ministry's objective is to boost this rate to 95%, recognising the existence of hazardous industrial waste, including medical waste. The disposal of such waste is guided by scientific principles to safeguard citizens and address potential risks that might not be immediately evident.
KSA plans to develop waste sector to support GDP by $32 billion
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture calls for recycling to reach up to 95% in the Kingdom.