Bylaws for solid waste management finalized

Studies conducted by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) recommend that the ministry establish a joint stock company for the treatment and recycling of solid waste in the Kingdom using the latest technology to dispose of the massive quantity of waste generated in the country in an environmentally friendly manner.
The ministry will shortly finalize the executive bylaws for the management of solid waste.
The study also found that converting waste to chemical substances is the best option for the Kingdom as it will end its heavy dependence on the massive labor force for garbage disposal. It is also a cost-effective way to ensure maximum return value, promoting sustainable growth and the protection of the environment.
The recommendations also include the establishment of an industrial base for the conversion of hazardous industrial waste into environment-friendly products that could be used as raw materials for other industries or for the generation of electricity in addition to creating employment opportunities for Saudi youth.
The study warned that the piling up, sale and abandoning of solid waste posed a serious environmental threat if not properly recycled as it would contaminate underground and surface water, soil and air and cause diseases to man and animals besides adversely affecting plants.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the municipalities in the Kingdom removed more than 12 million tons of waste annually. A massive amount of effort is required to sort the different garbage types such as paper, glass, metal, plastic, organic and inorganic waste.