Growing waste crisis in MENA costs US$7B annually – World Bank warns

MENA – The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing a deepening waste management crisis that is costing economies an estimated US$7.2 billion a year in environmental damage, according to a new World Bank report titled Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa.

The report finds that MENA generates more waste per person than the global average, producing over 155 million tonnes of waste annually.

Without decisive intervention, this figure is projected to double by 2050, intensifying pressure on public health systems, ecosystems and key economic sectors such as tourism.

“Urban centers across the MENA region are on the frontline of the waste challenge,” said Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure at the World Bank.

“Improving waste service delivery is critical to reducing pollution, protecting communities, and ensuring cities remain engines of growth and opportunity.”

While waste collection rates across the region are relatively high, averaging close to 80%, the report highlights a major gap in downstream waste management.

Less than 10% of waste is recycled, and more than two-thirds is mismanaged. This mismanagement is driving air, soil and water pollution, increasing marine litter and exposing communities to significant health risks.

The region also records the highest per-capita plastic leakage into the oceans globally, with the Mediterranean ranked among the most polluted seas.

According to the World Bank, even small efficiency gains could yield significant economic and environmental benefits.

“A 1% reduction in waste generation could save the region up to US$150 million annually,” said Mesky Brhane, Regional Practice Director for the Planet Department.

“Modernizing waste systems and embracing circular economy solutions can protect public health, strengthen tourism, and build greener cities.”

The report draws on new data from 19 countries and 26 cities and outlines differentiated pathways based on income levels.

High-income countries are encouraged to reduce landfilling and scale circular economy solutions that capture value from waste.

Middle-income countries could focus on achieving universal collection while improving recycling and treatment infrastructure.

Fragile and conflict-affected states, meanwhile, are advised to prioritize low-cost, community-based and decentralized waste solutions.

Notably, the World Bank estimates that up to 83% of collected waste in MENA could be reused, recycled or recovered for energy.

Transitioning to a circular economy could also unlock employment opportunities, particularly in recycling, sorting and waste services, while reducing dependence on landfills.

The findings come as several MENA governments and private players ramp up investment in waste-to-energy, plastics recycling and extended producer responsibility schemes.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt have recently announced new recycling targets and infrastructure projects, signaling growing recognition that waste is no longer just an environmental issue, but a strategic economic and industrial challenge for the region.

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