Qatar exceeds construction recycling targets to accelerate circular economy

QATAR – Qatar has significantly strengthened its circular economy ambitions after recycling more than 5.57 million tonnes of construction materials in 2025, according to the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), highlighting the country’s growing commitment to sustainable infrastructure development and resource efficiency.

Ashghal announced that it recycled 5,571,008 tonnes of construction materials during the year, achieving an overall recycling rate of 63%, more than double its target of 30%.

The results demonstrate the increasing adoption of circular economy principles across Qatar’s infrastructure sector, where construction and demolition materials are being recovered, processed and reused instead of being disposed of in landfills.

According to the authority, the initiative supports the environmental objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, which identifies environmental sustainability as one of the country’s four strategic pillars.

Among the key achievements, Ashghal recycled and reused 49,987 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in road construction projects, reaching a recycling rate of 9%, exceeding its 5% target.

The authority also reported recycling 766,174 tonnes of excavation and demolition waste for foundation works, achieving an impressive 91% recycling rate, far surpassing its original target of 20%.

The initiative has significantly reduced landfill disposal while maximizing the recovery of valuable construction materials.

In addition, 4,498,916 tonnes of excavation and demolition materials were reused in backfilling operations, resulting in an 89% recycling rate, again well above the authority’s 20% target.

Ashghal further incorporated 255,417 tonnes of recycled materials into pipe and cable bedding works, delivering a 51% recycling rate, compared with a target of just 5%.

The authority said these initiatives are helping conserve natural resources, reduce demand for virgin construction materials and lower the environmental footprint of major infrastructure projects.

Over the past decade, Qatar has invested heavily in modern waste management systems and specialized construction and demolition waste recycling facilities, enabling the recovery of millions of tonnes of reusable materials.

These investments have strengthened the country’s capacity to divert waste from landfill while supporting a more resource-efficient and low-carbon construction sector.

Alongside Ashghal’s recycling initiatives, government agencies have expanded programs promoting green building standards, treated wastewater reuse, resource efficiency and energy-efficient infrastructure as part of the country’s broader sustainability agenda.

The achievements reflect a wider global trend toward circular construction, where governments and infrastructure developers are increasingly incorporating recycled aggregates, reclaimed asphalt and recovered materials into new projects to reduce embodied carbon and improve resource efficiency.

As demand for sustainable infrastructure continues to grow, circular material management is becoming a critical strategy for achieving climate goals, reducing waste and strengthening long-term economic resilience across the construction and infrastructure sectors.

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