Qatar advances circular economy and recycling initiatives

QATAR – Qatar is making notable progress in advancing a circular economy and promoting sustainable waste management, underscoring its commitment to environmental preservation and long-term sustainability.

At the heart of these efforts is the Domestic Solid Waste Management Center (DSWMC) in Mesaieed—one of the Middle East’s largest specialized waste management facilities.

The DSWMC, which spans three square kilometers, processes approximately 828,000 tonnes of household waste annually (approximately 2,300 tonnes daily).

In 2024 alone, the facility generated 277,000 megawatt-hours of waste electricity, which powered its operations and contributed to the national grid.

Additionally, the center produced over 40,000 tonnes of fertilizer using green waste from farms, afforestation projects, public green spaces, and wood factory residues. This eco-friendly fertilizer enhances soil quality and moisture retention.

National strategy for integrated waste management

Qatar’s 2024–2030 strategy, led by the Ministry of Municipality, outlines the implementation of the National Integrated Solid Waste Program, which includes:

• Designing and constructing a new engineered landfill
• Closing and rehabilitating old landfill sites
• Promoting waste segregation at source
• Increasing the recycling rate of collected materials

These efforts align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, aiming to protect the environment while fostering economic diversification.

Boosting private sector participation

To strengthen the recycling sector, the Ministry has allocated 51 industrial plots in Al Afjah, located in the Mesaieed Industrial Area, roughly 40 km south of Doha.

Al Afjah is being developed as a dedicated recycling hub, encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors to accelerate circular economy practices.

The Al Afjah Recycling Industries site in Qatar supports a wide range of recycling activities that aim to advance the country’s circular economy goals.

It facilitates recycling materials such as used oil, medical waste, wood, metals, plastics, electronic waste, tyres, and batteries.

These efforts help reduce environmental pollution and recover valuable resources that would otherwise end up in landfills.

The site handles general waste as well as construction and demolition waste. This includes recycling and repurposing debris into materials like organic cement, supporting more sustainable building practices and minimizing the construction sector’s environmental impact.

Furthermore, the facility is equipped to recycle textiles and glass. These materials, often overlooked in traditional recycling systems, are being transformed into reusable raw materials, contributing to resource efficiency and reducing the demand for virgin materials across multiple industries.

Expanding waste segregation and public awareness

As part of its national waste sorting initiative, the Ministry is rolling out a phased waste segregation at source program, beginning in Doha, and extending to Umm Salal, Al Daayen, Al Khor, and Al Shamal by 2026, and Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, and Al Sheehaniya by the end of 2027.

The program includes distributing containers for the separate collection of recyclables and organic waste, reinforcing the principles of cleanliness and resource conservation.

The overarching aim is to reduce landfill dependency, recover valuable materials, and instill sustainable practices among the population.

Qatar’s sustainability agenda is also supported by public awareness campaigns, such as the Qatar Zero Waste campaign, and dedicated conferences and exhibitions promoting recycling.

These initiatives are designed to educate the public on the importance of responsible consumption and waste reduction, fostering a culture of sustainability across the country.

Through strategic planning, robust infrastructure, and community engagement, Qatar is steadily building a resilient circular economy and advancing its leadership in environmental stewardship.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE