KAFD, SIRC sign deal to promote waste management solutions

RIYADH: Seeking to promote waste management solutions, King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Investment Recycling ‎Co.‎

This agreement was inked at an event titled “Meeting National Targets for Waste Management and Recycling,” which was recently held in Riyadh.

The MoU to collaborate on providing integrated solutions for different ‎types of waste was signed by SIRC CEO Ziyad Al-Shiha and Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD ‎DMC.

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the event, Al-Shiha said: “SIRC has developed a robust recycling infrastructure that includes collection centers and material recovery facilities. These facilities are equipped with advanced technologies to sort, process, and recycle different types of waste materials, including plastics, paper, metals, and electronic waste.”

He said his company believed in waste sorting and segregation at the source. “We encourage individuals, businesses, and communities to separate recyclable materials from general waste to maximize recycling rates and minimize landfill disposal.”

The official said SIRC promotes the concept of extended producer responsibility, which holds manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including their disposal. “By implementing EPR programs, SIRC ensures that producers take responsibility for managing and recycling their products at the end of their useful life,” he explained.

Al-Shiha added: “SIRC actively engages in waste diversion programs to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. This includes initiatives such as composting organic waste, promoting reuse and upcycling of materials, and exploring alternative waste-to-energy solutions.”

The CEO also reiterated that his company places a strong emphasis on public awareness and education regarding waste management and recycling. “We conduct outreach campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of recycling, proper waste disposal, and the benefits of a circular economy,” he stated.

SIRC collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, municipalities, businesses, and non-profit organizations, to foster a comprehensive waste management ecosystem. “These partnerships involve sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices to drive innovation and improve waste management practices in Saudi Arabia,” Al-Shiha affirmed.

Furthermore, SIRC invests in research and development to explore new technologies, processes, and approaches to waste management and recycling. This includes evaluating emerging trends, conducting pilot projects, and adopting innovative solutions to enhance recycling rates and improve waste management efficiency, the CEO pointed out.

“SIRC engages with international partners to align waste management policies and regulations with international standards and best practices. This collaboration helps ensure that Saudi Arabia’s waste management practices are in line with global sustainability goals and principles,” he explained.

Al-Shiha went on to say that SIRC’s initiatives can contribute to the development of a circular economy, which promotes resource efficiency and economic growth. “By recycling and recovering valuable materials, SIRC helps create a domestic market for recycled materials, reducing dependence on imports and raw material costs,” he said.

Sashittal told Arab News that he was proud to announce KAFD DMC’s partnership with SIRC. “As the largest industrial waste management company in the GCC, SIRC aligns with our commitment to advancing recycling initiatives, minimizing waste, and promoting environmental sustainability.”

He added: “SIRC pursues business opportunities across all segments of the waste management value ‎chain through establishing alliances with domestic partners, attracting foreign investments, and ‎promoting the utilization of innovative technologies to maximize waste recycling, minimize ‎waste disposal, maximize the value generated from waste utilization, protect the environment, and ‎improve the quality of life.”

Sashittal said KAFD DMC and SIRC strive to maximize value from waste utilization and support the Kingdom’s Waste Management National Regulatory Framework.

“This collaboration reflects our dedication to proactive and responsible waste management practices,” he concluded.