Riyadh launches recycling plans

Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh has launched an initiative to improve the recycling of waste, as part of the country’s Saudi Vision 2030 goals to preserve and protect the environment and achieve environmental sustainability.

The National Waste Management Center, the Riyadh Municipality and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU), to start integrated waste management and waste recycling activities in Riyadh.

The organisations will work together to recycle 47% of the, approximately, 5 million t of construction and demolition waste produced in Riyadh each year. The companies are also aiming to recycle 87% of the 3.4 million t of municipal solid waste generated annually by the city.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, who said: “The agreement intends to activate the investment pathway in the waste and waste management sector through an alliance with companies specialising in the field of waste management and treatment.” 

As part of an integrated waste management system, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company will build state-of-the-art recycling facilities to recycle all types of waste. This includes the recycling of municipal waste into recyclables such as fertiliser, paper, plastics and metals.

The agreement also aims to remove and recycle an estimated 20 million t of construction and demolition waste, currently lying in vacant plots and on roadsides around the capital city.

Eng. Jeroen Vincent, CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company, said: “We are proud and honoured to be part of this agreement that will enable our role as waste management sector development company by establishing state-of-the-art recycling facilities. This is a great opportunity for the city of Riyadh and the local industry. Our initiative will not only contribute to a cleaner city, but will also unlock a large volume of materials for the paper, plastic and metals industry.”

The first initiative within the framework agreement will be the recycling of construction and demolition waste into building materials for road construction and housing projects.