Doha achieves 85% success in waste segregation at source

QATAR – Qatar has marked a significant milestone in its journey toward sustainability, with the Ministry of Municipality confirming that Doha has achieved waste segregation rates exceeding 85% under its at-source segregation program.

The initiative, part of Qatar’s National Recycling Strategy, is central to reducing environmental impact and advancing the country’s circular economy.

Muqbil Mazhour Al-Shammari, Director of the General Cleanliness Department at the Ministry, described the achievement as a turning point for urban sustainability.

“We measured the segregation rate and found it to be very high, exceeding 85%. This ensures a cleaner environment for future generations and places Qatar among the leading countries globally in applying sustainability standards,” he told Qatar TV.

The program, rolled out in phases since 2019, uses a simple two-bin system: grey for organic waste and blue for recyclables such as plastic, glass, and aluminum.

To date, more than 10,800 containers of varying sizes have been distributed across Doha, collecting over 2,100 tonnes of recyclable material.

The system was piloted in schools, hospitals, banks, and public parks before being expanded to households in October 2023.

Its momentum grew during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, when waste segregation was embedded into the tournament’s sustainability plan, earning praise from international observers.

Since then, the Ministry has intensified outreach, deploying barcoded bins with QR codes for guidance, awareness lectures, and training sessions targeting households and domestic workers who manage much of the daily waste disposal.

Community engagement has been key. Schools have integrated segregation concepts into curricula, with over 500 students joining World Cleanup Day activities last year.

Mosques and religious leaders have also amplified the message, highlighting cleanliness as both a civic duty and an act of faith.

Experts say the results reinforce Qatar’s progress under the National Vision 2030, which seeks to balance development with environmental preservation.

By diverting waste from landfills, the initiative reduces reliance on raw materials and lowers disposal costs, while creating new opportunities for recycling industries.

Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring consistent participation across households. Al-Shammari noted that the partnership between government and residents will determine long-term success, “The government has provided the infrastructure, but the real responsibility lies with families.”

With Doha now surpassing the 85% threshold, Qatar’s waste segregation drive is being hailed as a regional model for sustainable urban living and a cornerstone of the nation’s broader green transition.

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