How the GCC successfully managed 263 million tonnes of waste without losing control. world News

TL; Dr.
- GCC countries collected more than 260 million tonnes of garbage in 2023, which was more than doubled since 2019.
- Per capita domestic waste dropped to 17%, even the total waste increased.
- After Covid-19, medical and industrial waste treatment capacity expanded considerably.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made major changes in how they handle the waste. By the end of 2023, the total waste collected in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain reached about 263 million tonnes. This is more than double the amount collected in 2019. This jump shows how much this area is growing, but it is also a challenge to manage all waste.Interestingly, while the total waste was collected, the amount of domestic waste produced by each person has actually gone down. On average, people now manufacture about 1.4 kg of domestic waste a day, which is 17% less than before. It shows how waste is managed at home, there are some positive changes.According to data released by the Statistical Center for the Cooperation Council for Arab countries of Gulf and reported by WAM, this increase in waste collection has increased by 153.7% since 2019.
More waste treatment, less harmful effects
Of the total waste collected, about 192 million tonnes were properly treated. This means that a large part did not just sit in the dump, but went through recycling, recovery, or safe settlement. Most of the garbage in GCC is non-khatak, about 99%. On the other hand, dangerous waste is often sent abroad for treatment, about 96% exports to other countries. It is part of the GCC’s effort to meet international standards, including Basal Convention, focused on controlling dangerous waste.A good indication is that this area is killing goals related to reuse and recycling of dangerous waste. In 2023, 30% of dangerous waste was recycled or re -used, meeting a major permanent growth target.
Medical and Industrial Waste: Handling Since Kovid -19
Medical West in GCC saw some changes after epidemic. The total dangerous waste from healthcare exceeded 11% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, countries have increased their ability to deal with medical waste. With the ability to handle over double the amount of waste compared to 2022, the number of medical waste innovation features increased by about 28%.However, industrial dangerous waste increased by about 24%. This increases post -industrial activity after increasing the possibility.
Domestic, agriculture, and Municipal waste trends
Domestic waste at GCC reached its highest point in 2020, but since then, it has been slowly decreasing. In 2023, about 30.8 million tonnes of domestic waste was collected below the summit of 35.5 million tonnes. On the other hand, agricultural waste collection is increasing. It rose 44% to 2.5 million tonnes last year. Municipal waste from other areas also increased from 11.9 million tonnes to 14.3 million tonnes in 2023 in 2019.
Looking forward: a growing waste management market
The waste management sector of GCC is expected to grow. Reports suggest that the market will be around $ 68 billion by 2025 and can reach about $ 97.5 billion by 2030. This means that the Gulf countries are investing more in managing waste and transforming into resources where possible.
Fasting
- 1. Why is the total waste increasing but per capita domestic waste is decreasing?
Population growth and industrial activity connects total waste. But better awareness and waste management at home helps reduce per capita domestic waste.
- 2. What happens to dangerous waste in GCC?
Most of the dangerous waste is sent abroad for treatment. The region reuses or reuse a growing stake, following the international guidelines.
- 3. How has Covid-19 in GCC affect waste management?
Medical waste has increased during epidemics, but the decline has begun. At the same time, the region expanded its features to safely handle medical waste.