Early 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced an ambitious plan to manage waste and achieve resource efficiency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It unveiled strategies to recycle up to 95% and contribute SR120 billion ($31.99 billion) to the gross domestic product. The initiative sought to recycle up to 100 million tonnes of waste annually in a push toward its sustainability efforts, while also creating over 100,000 jobs in the sector for Saudi nationals. The plan included an institutional framework that contained more than 65 initiatives entailing an investment exceeding SR55 billion. 

More than 110 million tonnes of waste is generated on an annual basis in the country. According to Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Waste Management (MWAN), the environmental degradation caused by solid waste in 2021 was estimated at $1.3 billion. Nearly half of the total waste comes from three major cities: 21 percent from Riyadh, 14 percent from Jeddah, and 8 percent from Dammam. Most landfills in Saudi Arabia are on the brink of reaching their capacity. 

Neemat Abou Cham, Head of Waste and Resource Management - Saudi Arabia, Principal Consultant, Ricardo, attributed this to Saudi Arabia’s rapid urbanisation, fuelled by megaprojects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and The Red Sea Project. The regulator MWAN is putting in place and implementing policies that emphasise waste reduction at source, recycling, and the development of waste-to-energy solutions. As a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) is also playing a pivotal role by leading and investing in recycling and resource recovery initiatives across the Kingdom. 

Abou Cham further explored the existing measures:  

• SIRC operates several construction and demolition waste recycling facilities, among the largest in the region. These facilities help process concrete, metal, and other materials from construction sites, repurposing them into new building materials. • Collection and recycling of plastic, paper, and metals are already operational in major cities.
• Infrastructure for the treatment of certain types of hazardous waste is in place in certain parts such as Jubail and Yanbu.
• The planning and development of various facilities for MSW is underway in some of the larger cities in KSA, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Medinah.

The upcoming projects: 

• Saudi Arabia is planning to build several WtE plants, which will not only reduce the amount of waste going to landfills but also generate renewable energy.
• Projects for composting and biogas generation are being planned to handle the growing volume of food and organic waste. The focus is on converting organic waste into useful byproducts like fertilizers and bioenergy.
• Development of specific technologies for defined waste streams, including used cooking oil, tyres and non-ferrous metals.
• Source segregated collection of waste to support recycling and landfill diversion targets.

Mohamed Elsherief, Vice President, Waste Cluster - WASCO | Estidama, pointed out that the waste management sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by the Kingdom’s ambitious targets for landfill diversion and improved recycling rates. Both local and international entities are taking proactive steps to align with these goals, with many investing heavily in talent development, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships. 

Highlighting the collective efforts undertaken by the stakeholders, Basem Abu Sneineh, Director of Resource and Waste Management, ROSHN Group, pointed out how businesses are working closely with both public and private sectors and creating integrated solutions to handle the increasing waste volumes more effectively and sustainably. 

Strategies in place 

SIRC is developing infrastructure to handle municipal, industrial, and hazardous waste streams and is partnering with private companies to build the required capacity. “The focus is not just on waste management but on creating a circular economy where waste is seen as a resource,” noted Abou Cham. The government is also promoting sustainability through regulations that provide guidance on recycling for construction and demolition waste (C&D) and electrical, electronic waste (e-waste), and agricultural waste. 

Explaining the strategies in place, Abou Cham said: MWAN has put in place a National Waste Management Strategy along with Detailed Master Plans for various clusters across the Kingdom. These include all the necessary infrastructure to reach the targets set in the National Strategy. The National Waste Management Strategy project has identified the need for more than 800 new waste management and resource recovery facilities within the kingdom. Saudi Arabia will be making substantial investments in waste management infrastructure, particularly in recycling plants, waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities, and material recovery facilities (MRFs). 

Regulatory framework 

The Executive Law (issued in 2021) establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for managing all types of waste, including municipal solid waste (MSW), industrial waste, hazardous waste, and medical waste. It outlines specific responsibilities for waste generators, processors, and regulators. 

Companies and industries are required to develop strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste while complying with the set waste management protocols. It encourages the development of infrastructure to support the circular economy, pushing for higher recycling rates across different waste streams. There are strict penalties for noncompliance with the waste management standards, including fines and potential operational shutdowns for companies that do not adhere to the regulations. 

National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) outlines the Kingdom’s longterm goals for waste management, including reducing waste generation, with an overall 90% diversion from landfill rate (94% for MSW and 89% for CDW) and increasing recycling rates. The strategy also sets targets for composting organic waste and recovering energy from waste materials. 

The Regulator is currently developing regional masterplans to guide and support the implementation of waste infrastructure. It also offers technical guidelines for various types of waste. The development and implementation of additional regulations and guidelines is a continuous process, stated Abou Cham. 

Collection and transportation 

 Despite these developments, challenges remain. Examining the hurdles in collection and transportation of waste, Elsherief explained that addressing waste collection and transport challenges requires a comprehensive approach, starting with pre-collection infrastructure and extending to regionspecific and technology-driven systems. Key strategies include designing a robust container system for effective source segregation, leveraging technology for optimised collection schedules and realtime monitoring, and implementing tailored solutions based on regional factors like housing types and population density. Establishing dedicated recycling centres can further alleviate pressure on the collection system. 

Speaking from the service providers point of view, Abu Sneineh remarked how adopting innovative solutions make the process more sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient. “They are optimising collection routes, using eco-friendly vehicles, and incorporating digital systems to track waste.” Equally important is raising awareness in communities, ensuring that the public plays an active role in these efforts. 

A well-planned and managed network of transfer stations will be essential to the proper functioning of the kingdom’s future waste management system, based on a thorough assessment of existing infrastructure and analysis of needs at the local and regional level. This assessment and needs analysis are integral parts of MWAN’s Master Plan project, Abou Cham explained, listing the technological Integration plans. 

Modern waste collection systems in Saudi cities are utilising AI-driven algorithms and GPS tracking to optimise collection routes. For instance, Riyadh is implementing smart waste collection solutions that optimises vehicle routes in real-time, ensuring quicker and more efficient collection. She also explored how the use of smart bins with sensors that detect waste levels helps schedule timely pickups and reduces unnecessary trips by collection trucks. 

Use of electric waste collection vehicles and development of decentralised waste collection points in urban areas where residents can drop off segregated waste are steps in the right direction, she said. 

Unpacking the other challenges 

 Like many growing nations, Saudi Arabia faces a number of hurdles in waste management, said Abu Sneineh, adding, “From limited recycling facilities to a general lack of public awareness, there are obstacles that must be overcome to truly advance circularity. To address these, the country needs stronger policies that promote recycling and resource recovery. Encouraging investment in better infrastructure, fostering international partnerships, and driving forward integrated waste management strategies are all vital steps toward building a circular economy.” 

Elsherief explored how while national targets for waste diversion and recycling are ambitious, translating these goals into actionable and enforceable policies remains a challenge. He drew our attention to two major issues: “One of the primary challenges in the Kingdom is the implementation of regulations across the entire waste management value chain. Another key issue is the establishment of a robust financing structure for waste management projects. To drive the necessary investments, financing models need to align with national goals and incentivise private sector participation.” 

He stated: To facilitate the transition toward a circular economy, several key steps can be taken. First, consistent regulatory enforcement is essential across all stages of waste management, from generation to recycling, providing clarity for investors and operators. Second, unlocking investment through stable regulations and financing models like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT), and gate fees will strengthen waste management infrastructure and foster partnerships. Sustainable financing mechanisms, such as EPR and gate fees, are crucial to ensuring financial support for waste reduction, recycling, and recovery initiatives. 

In addition to stressing the importance of financial incentives to improve recycling rate, Abou Cham highlighted how it is very challenging to get citizens and businesses to actively participate in waste segregation at the source. "Without proper waste separation, recycling facilities struggle to operate efficiently. Educational programmes at schools / universities and campaigns that encourage waste reduction, segregation, and recycling need to be intensified to shift public behaviour towards sustainable waste practices". In addition, ensuring regulatory compliance and enforcement is key. Ensuring compliance with waste management regulations remains a challenge as the Kingdom scales up its waste management effort, she said. 

“While progress has been made, the current recycling infrastructure is not yet sufficient to meet the Kingdom’s ambitious landfill diversion and recycling targets. Many types of waste, such as e-waste, batteries, CDW, organic waste, still require specialised facilities,” she noted, adding, “To transition to a circular economy, Saudi Arabia needs to foster a market for recycled materials. This would involve setting up supply chains for secondary raw materials, such as recycled plastic, paper, and metals, which can be reintroduced into production processes.” 

Technological developments 

 Emerging technologies are transforming waste management in exciting ways. Abu Sneineh spoke about how AI is now being used to monitor waste collection and processing in real time, while robotics are improving sorting operations at recycling plants. By digitizing processes, providers can make smarter, data-driven decisions, leading to more efficient and transparent operations. These technological advancements are paving the way for a more streamlined and effective waste management system. 

“At Roshn Group, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to waste management. We’re investing in the latest technologies, including AI-driven systems to track waste in real time and enhance recycling processes. But it’s not just about technology; we’re also focused on raising awareness and encouraging communities to adopt more sustainable waste practices. By combining advanced solutions with a strong push for public engagement, we aim to create a culture that’s both environmentally conscious and prepared to meet the growing challenges of urbanisation.” 

Elsherief highlighted how technologies are transforming the waste management sector by significantly enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. At the waste generation stage, AI-powered systems analyze generator behaviour, providing actionable insights that optimise collection schedules and resource allocation. These systems enable real-time monitoring across the entire waste value chain, offering valuable insights that improve both operational efficiency and environmental impact. 

In processing facilities, AI and robotics are automating waste sorting, improving speed, accuracy, and material recovery while reducing reliance on manual labor. Although this technology has proven effective, it has yet to reach full commercial scale due to limitations in handling certain types of waste. Overcoming these challenges remains key to unlocking the full potential of these innovations. 

WASCO has partnered with Nadeera, a UAE-based start-up, to implement digitally traceable waste collection bags. This innovation promotes source segregation and provides real-time data that helps us track waste generation patterns, better understand generator behavior, and implement targeted actions for improved outcomes. 

Through these initiatives, WASCO is committed to continuously evolving to align with the country's aspirations for efficient waste management and meeting the waste diversion national target through innovation, strategic partnerships, and enhanced operational capabilities. Following MEPCO's announcement to add another 450,000 tonnes of containerboard paper mill, WASCO is pursuing additional investments to recover an equivalent amount of wastepaper. This expansion will significantly enhance our operational capabilities. "We are heavily investing in digital solutions to streamline operations across the waste management value chain." It is collaborating with international partners to introduce the best technologies to Saudi Arabia, focusing not only on waste collection but also on processing and recovery. It is working with partners to initiate projects that contribute to a circular economy by recovering valuable materials from waste streams. The processing facilities are being upgraded to accommodate a wider variety of waste, and we are enhancing our capabilities to produce alternative fuels, compost, and more. These efforts align with national aspirations and the waste diversion agenda. 

Abou Cham explained that Sensors and IoT-enabled bins are being used in urban areas to monitor waste levels and predict when a pickup is necessary. This data is then integrated into AI systems that optimise collection routes, ensuring trucks only visit bins that are full. This reduces fuel consumption and lowers the overall carbon footprint of waste collection. AI-powered sorting machines are being introduced in MRFs. Robotics is enhancing the speed and accuracy of these processes, helping facilities process more waste in less time with fewer errors. AI can also be used on trucks to identify the contents of containers to ensure compliance to acceptance criteria. 

Although AI and robotics have not been actively implemented in the Kingdom there is a drive to integrate new technologies in any upcoming developments in collection and waste treatment infrastructure. 

Investment opportunities  

Saudi Arabia’s waste management sector is now seen as a vital contributor to economic growth, with the potential to support GDP by $32 billion by 2035, explained Abou Cham adding, “This creates a vast array of investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, technology, and services.” She elaborated on the opportunities out there for waste management companies and recyclers: 

Recycling Infrastructure: There is a need for infrastructure to handle the increase in waste generation. Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its reliance on landfills by building waste treatment plants, waste sorting facilities, and waste-to-energy plants across the Kingdom to increase the recycling rate and landfill diversion rate. Investors can explore opportunities in developing large-scale recycling and treatment plants for various types of waste. 

Advanced Technology: With a focus on smart waste management, there is a growing need for investment in AI, IoT, and robotics to automate waste collection, sorting, and tracking processes. The Kingdom is looking to be at the forefront of technological development, also in waste treatment. 

In addition to a focus on Municipal Waste, there is also a need for treatment facilities that will treat all types of waste generated in the country, including but not limited to sewage sludge, hazardous waste and organic waste.