Medical Waste Management in the MENA Region: Perspectives

Healthcare sector in the MENA countries is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other establishments. According to a report by UNDP in the year 2020, Egypt generated 63.5 tons per day of hazardous medical wastes. In the GCC countries, more than 150 tons of medical waste is produced every day. Saudi Arabia alone accounts for annual healthcare waste generation of around 25,107 tons per year. Medical waste generation in Qatar is more than 20 tons per day. These figures are indicative … Continue reading

A Beginner’s Guide to Composting

Composting occurs when biodegradable waste is piled together in a pit or a compost bin. The temperature of the organic waste increases due to the microbial activity of the piled material. The composting temperature often reaches 65 degrees to 75 degrees Celsius within a few days and then declines slowly. This high temperature hastens the elimination of pathogens in the waste stream and facilitates the composting process. The Composting Process The composting process is a complex interaction between the waste and the microorganisms within the waste. The microorganisms that carry out this process fall into three groups: bacteria, fungi, and … Continue reading

Trends in Recycling of EPS Foam

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, commonly known as styrofoam, the ubiquitous lightweight material used in packaging of electronic devices, food items and electric appliances, is popularly used because of its water and heat resistant properties. These properties likewise make it a preferred material for disposable food containers such as bowls, plates and coffee cups. Due to its popularity, the global demand for EPS foam and its production is steadily increasing.  According to GBI Research, the global demand for both polystyrene and EPS increased to 14.9 million tons in 2010 from 13 million tons in 2000.1 This is expected to further swell … Continue reading

ادارة النفايات في الشرق الاوسط – التحديات الرئيسية

يعد الشرق الأوسط من  اخصب الأماكن في توليد النفايات عالميا, ويعد نمط الحياة المسرف, و التشريعات غير الفعالة, و معيقات توفير البنى التحتية, و السلوكيات العامة غير المبالية, و انقص التوعية البيئية من العوامل الأساسية المؤدية لنمو مشاكل النفايات في الشرق الأوسط. كما يسهم مستوى المعيشة المرتفع  مقرونا بعدم توفر مرافق جمع والتخلص من النفايات في تحويل موضوع “القمامة”  الى “مسؤولية” . العقبات الرئيسية ان الأدراك العام للنفايات يتمحور حول اللامبالاة و عدم الاكتراث, و يتم التعامل مع النفايات  على انها(نفايات) و ليس (موارد). وهناك حاجة ملحة لزيادة الوعي لدى العامة حول القضايا البيئية, وممارسات ادارة النفايات الصلبة و المعيشة … Continue reading

Waste Prevention in Middle East – Prospects and Challenges

The best way of dealing with waste, both economically and environmentally, is to avoid creating it in the first place. People and businesses that use resources wisely not only save money but also have much less impact on the environment. That is why waste prevention rightly occupies the top spot in the so-called “Waste Hierarchy” set out in EU and national waste legislation.  Waste prevention is about the way in which the products and services we all rely on are designed, made, bought and sold, used, consumed and disposed of. For example: Making products that are more durable, repairable, re-usable … Continue reading

Solid Waste Management in Qatar

Qatar is counted among the world’s fastest growing economies. Municipal solid waste management is one of the most serious challenges faced by this tiny Gulf nation on account of high population growth rate, urbanization, industrial growth and economic expansion. The country has one of the highest per capita waste generation rates worldwide which is as high as 1.8 kg per day. Qatar produces more than 2.5 million tons of municipal solid waste each year. Solid waste stream is mainly comprised of organic materials (around 60 percent) while the rest of the waste steam is made up of recyclables like glass, … Continue reading

Recycling of PVC – Prospects and Challenges

PVC, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride or Vinyl, is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide due to its chemical stability and durability. PVC products have an average lifetime of 30 years, with some reaching 50 or more years.  This means that more PVC products are reaching the end-of-life and entering the waste stream, and the amount is likely to increase significantly in the near future. The Middle East will ultimately have to deal with increased PVC waste as it is one of the markets expected to have high growth rates for PVC consumption, with developing countries in the … Continue reading

Composting Guidelines for Beginners

It seems everyone is concerned about the environment and trying to reduce their “carbon footprint”.  Let us hope that this trend will continue and grow as a worldwide phenomenon.  Composting has been around for many years and is a great way to keep biodegradables out of the landfill and to reap the reward of some fabulous “black gold”.  That’s what master gardeners call compost and it’s great for improving your soil.  Plants love it. Below are a few rules to remember about composting: 1. Layer your compost bin with dry and fresh ingredients The best way to start a compost … Continue reading

Composting Scenario in Qatar

The State of Qatar has one of the highest per capita waste generation rates worldwide. In 2012, Qatar generated 8,000 tons of solid waste daily (this is excluding construction and demolition waste which amounts to 20,000 tons additional waste per day).  This number is predicted to reach 19,000 tons/day in 2032, with an annual growth rate of roughly 4.2%.1  Most of these wastes end up in landfills – in 2012, more than 90% of Qatar’s solid waste were sent to landfills although the government is intensifying its efforts to reduce this amount.  This percentage is extremely high compared to many … Continue reading

Eco-Friendly Waste Solutions for Sustainable Homes

Looking for ways to manage waste sustainably at home? You’re not alone. Many struggle with reducing household waste while maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyle amid growing environmental concerns. Effective solutions exist to tackle this challenge. From composting to recycling, you can transform your home into a green haven with practical steps. For larger waste concerns, consider professional help like Same Day Rubbish Removal. They offer quick, responsible disposal services to support your sustainable goals effortlessly.   Defining Zero Waste Living Ever wondered what “zero waste” truly means for your home? It’s a lifestyle aimed at minimizing waste, redirecting as much as … Continue reading

الغاز الحيوي من النفايات الحيوانية

منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا تمتلك كثافة حيوانية كبيرة . قطاع الثروة الحيوانية، و خصوصا الأغنام والماعز والإبل، يلعب دورا هاما في الاقتصاد الوطني لدول المنطقة  . يتم استيراد ملايين الحيوانات في منطقة الشرق الأوسط كل عام من جميع أنحاء العالم. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، شهدت المنطقة نموا سريعا جدا في قطاع الدواجن . إدارة النفايات الحيوانية إن المخلفات الحيوانية تعد مصدرا قيما للمواد الغذائية والطاقة المتجددة . غير أن معظم النفايات التي يتم جمعها في البحيرات أو تُترك لتتحلل في العراء تشكل خطرا بيئيا كبيرا . ملوثات الهواء المنبعثة من السماد تشمل غاز الميثان، وأكسيد النيتروز والأمونيا وكبريتيد الهيدروجين والمركبات … Continue reading

فوائد اعاده التدوير

إعادة التدوير هي عملية تستخدم فيها مواد من النفايات اليومية يتم تحويلها إلى منتجات جديدة. وتشمل الم يمكن إعادة تدويرها ؛ الزجاج والورق والبلاستيك والمعادن المختلفة.  ان عملية إعادة التدوير تنطوي على فصل النفايات بعد جمعها ومعالجة النفايات القابله للتدوير و تصنيع منتجات جديدة. الحاجه لاعاده التدوير ان عمليه تصنيع المنتجات تنطوي على الحصول على المواد الخام من مصادر مختلفة. هذه المواد قد تكون من الغابات أو المناجم. حيث يتم نقلها إلى مكان الصنع عادة” عن طريق البر أو البحر، وهي عملية مستهلكة للطاقة.  ان عمليه شراء المواد الخام ونقلها تسبب التلوث بالإضافة إلى استخدام الموارد الشحيحة مثل الأشجار وأنواع الوقود … Continue reading