Saudi Arabia Showcases Circular Economy Initiatives at IFAT 2024

On May 10, 2024, Saudi Arabia announced its participation in the IFAT 2024 waste management trade fair in Munich. This marks the country's first showcase of its waste management strategies to a global audience, highlighting steps towards a circular economy. By 2040, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce landfill waste by 90% and increase recycling to 79%, with 25% of waste directed towards energy production.

The National Center for Waste Management, established in 2019, detailed its plans, emphasizing waste reduction from the source and enhancing recycling efficiency. The Kingdom has set ambitious objectives, having already established comprehensive waste laws to conserve resources. At IFAT 2024, from May 13-17, Saudi Arabia will promote investment opportunities in its ecological transformation projects, ranging from composting plants to waste-to-energy facilities.

Technological advancements such as optical sorters and AI in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) underpin Saudi Arabia's strategy. The country seeks technological leadership in waste management, backed by state investment and integration of sophisticated sorting and recycling techniques. Additionally, the monitoring and analysis of waste data enhance regional waste management responsiveness.