E-Waste Recycling: Supporting Environmental Sustainability And Economic Growth In Saudi Arabia

The global rise in technology use has led to a surge in electronic waste, known as e-waste. This type of waste is one of the fastest-growing solid waste categories worldwide. E-waste includes discarded electronic devices like computers, phones, and televisions. If not managed properly, it poses significant health and environmental risks. However, it also offers economic opportunities through recycling and sustainable management.

Improper disposal of e-waste can release harmful substances like lead and mercury into the environment. These toxins can contaminate groundwater and harm human health. Many electronic devices are discarded prematurely, even though they could be repaired or refurbished. Common disposal methods such as burning release toxic fumes that contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Saudi Arabia is actively working towards sustainable e-waste management as part of its Vision 2030 goals. The Kingdom aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote a circular economy by recycling e-waste. This effort not only conserves resources but also supports social responsibility by providing technology access to underprivileged families.

The National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) plays a crucial role in this initiative. Established by Cabinet Resolution No. 457, MWAN aims to significantly reduce e-waste disposal in landfills by 2035. Their target is to achieve a reuse and recycling rate exceeding 90% for e-waste and damaged batteries.

The "Recycle Your Device" initiative was launched by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and MWAN. This program collected over 100,000 devices from participants across the Kingdom, with a market value exceeding SAR30 million. More than 240 tons of e-waste were recycled or repaired.

Ertiqa, an association focused on refurbishing used computers, has been instrumental in these efforts. A royal order allowed government agencies to donate used computers to Ertiqa. Omar Alshaibani, Executive Director of Ertiqa, stated that they securely erase data from donated devices using globally approved methods.

Impactful Projects and Economic Benefits

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ertiqa launched a project to provide computers to students from needy families for remote learning. This initiative logged over 40 million educational hours and distributed over 30,000 devices. Over ten years, Ertiqa received more than 223,000 devices, refurbishing nearly half for reuse.

The Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), leads investments in the Kingdom's recycling sector under Vision 2030's goals. SIRC focuses on recycling various waste types to advance the circular economy significantly.

EADA's Role in E-Waste Recycling

ELECTA, a key subsidiary of SIRC, specializes in treating electronic waste through its investment in EADA. EADA operates facilities with an annual capacity of 35,000 tons of e-waste recycling across different regions in Saudi Arabia.

EADA provides comprehensive services including secure data destruction adhering to NAID AAA standards. They offer certificates of destruction for enhanced security and trust among customers while supporting local content through partnerships with over 70 recycling entities.

Citizens interested in donating devices can submit requests via Ertiqa's website or app for free pickup scheduling.

With inputs from SPA