Fast industrialisation, urbanisation, enhanced consumerism and rise in standards of living is causing generation of large quantities of waste which needs to be stored, transported, treated and disposed. Globally, municipal and urban governments are spending huge financial and human resources on waste management but the service coverage is barely coinciding with the generated waste quantities as overflowing communal containers and waste heaps are amply witnessed in all major urban centres.
The worldwide quantities of municipal solid waste are rapidly increasing. According to a UNEP study, around 2.1 billion tonnes of MSW was generated worldwide in 2023, which is expected to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2030. The solid waste generation in the GCC nations is estimated to be around 150 million tons per year with per capita waste generation ranging from 470 to 700 kg/capita/year.
Solid Waste Management in the GCC
In the GCC region, municipal solid waste consists of domestic waste from residential areas, commercial wastes from markets and commercial centers and institutional waste generated from offices, educational institutes etc., construction waste, garden waste and animal carcasses. The waste is either stored in plastic or metal from where it is emptied into compactors and trucks and transported to the landfill site for disposal. The waste at the landfill site is compacted and covered with sand to avoid any pollution.
The broad categories of MSW in the GCC are biodegradable waste (food and kitchen waste, green waste etc.), recyclables (paper, glass, bottles, cans, metals, certain plastics etc.), inert waste (construction and demolition waste, street sweepings, litter, dirt, soil, debris etc.), composite wastes (waste clothing, tetra packs, waste plastics) and domestic hazardous waste.
MSW generation and its management in Gulf nations involves severe health risks and impacts including decomposition and biodegradation of waste due to high temperatures causing obnoxious odours, proliferation of insects and rodents, occurrences of unwanted major and minor fires, contamination of soil and water by leachate generated from the landfills, emissions of toxic gases from waste disposal, burning and incineration.
MSW also contribute to climate change primarily because of methane and carbon dioxide gas emissions. Impacts on terrestrial and marine ecology, traffic generation, road congestion, accidents, dust and noise generation, nuisance, bird hazards, occupational health hazards, litter generation and spreading, impairment of area aesthetics are other serious impacts. Unattended waste attracts flies, rats, and other vermins that in turn spread diseases.
We need to understand that the problem of MSW cannot be solved by the governmental authorities alone. We need to equally share the burden in reducing the quantities of waste, storing all garbage generated in containers, segregating waste to assist recycling activities and spreading the message of having environmental friendly waste management. Public awareness and change of attitudes towards waste are required as it affect the population’s willingness to cooperate and participate in practicing efficient waste management practices.
Source reduction is a successful method of reducing waste generation in the GCC countries. Practices such as grass recycling, backyard composting can yield substantial benefits. It prevents emissions of greenhouse gases, reduces pollutants, saves energy, conserves resources and reduces the need for new landfills.
Hi Rehan Ahmad, Thanking for sharing us this article. MSW can pollute our environment and waste our land for landfill. We should do our best to reduce waste and recycle waste.