The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving according to a clear strategic vision for dealing with waste and working to recycle it in an organized manner that achieves value and environmental, economic, and social impact in accordance with the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030.

The volume of waste in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021 reached more than fifty million tons, and recyclable waste constituted 85% of the total volume of waste, which leads us to the huge volume of waste as well as the size of the great opportunities that can be worked on in the economic aspects through companies and institutions in the public and private sectors Which can work in this sector and create investment opportunities and strategic partnerships in order to work on these opportunities, and this economic work will also be reflected on the environmental side through the optimal handling of waste in a better way than the traditional methods of disposal, the presence of companies and investment in the sector leads to reducing The materials and waste going to landfills significantly, which leads to reducing the risks caused by traditional landfilling and landfilling, by preserving natural resources by prolonging the life of materials, and recycling them in a new way in the best ways and practices. All these efforts in the economic and environmental aspects will be integrated with social efforts through Creating employment and training opportunities as well as providing healthy living by reducing carbon emissions and other Risks arising from the traditional handling of waste. All government and private institutions are working at an accelerated pace in the field of waste management and recycling in order to create value, impact the environment, and preserve natural resources for their sustainability for future generations and the environment to be more secure, as well as keeping pace with the population growth witnessed by the Kingdom and urban expansion and other elements of growth and development that it is witnessing Kingdom in general.

Plastic garbage, especially when burned, has a terrible negative impact on the ecosystem. Growing concern about the global environmental crisis is also being caused by the fall in plastic recycling.

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have created a recycling process that substitutes carbon atoms from mixed garbage for all of the fossil raw materials used to create the new plastic in an effort to lessen the negative consequences of plastic.

With the use of this technology, plastic’s negative environmental effects may be eliminated, and the air could be cleared of its rising carbon dioxide levels.

The use of fossil fuels, according to the experts, is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, while the manufacturing and use of plastics, cement, and steel result in considerable emissions of greenhouse gases. To keep global warming to 1.5°C or below, such fuels must be restricted or outright banned.

The carbon atoms in discarded plastic were thought to be a significant untapped resource, according to the researchers. These resources are currently burned or might end up in landfills.

These days, thermochemical methods may utilise this waste carbon as a raw material to generate plastic that is comparable in quality to that produced using fossil fuels.

These atoms are already present in sufficient quantities to satisfy the world’s demand for plastic manufacture, claim the researchers. Waste can be used to capture carbon atoms; food remains or not.

According to a news statement from study co-author Henrik, “If the recycling process was driven by renewable energy, we would also get 95 percent less dangerous plastic items compared to those produced today, which effectively means less harmful emissions to the ecosystem.”

The waste would have to be heated between 600 and 800 degrees Celsius to completely finish the process, turning it into a gas. The manufacturing of the constituents of plastics allows for the addition of hydrogen to this gas. In order to keep the entire process in one location, the researchers are currently working to make sure that the gas can be used and transformed in plants that are currently used to make plastics.

The production process can also be run on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro power, which makes it more energy-efficient than the systems now in use.

As a result of our excessive consumption in recent decades, the risk of plastic pollution and the resulting harms has escalated, particularly with the increasing production of large volumes of accumulated waste that is difficult to dispose of. Plastic pollution is not only a threat to humans; it also poses a threat to marine species, who pay the price for humans’ excessive use of plastic. Is it possible that scientific development will come to a halt at the point where plastic can no longer be manufactured without looking for solutions to its pollution and accumulation? Obviously not.

Scientific research is currently racing to develop alternative types of plastic that self-degrade or scientific solutions that contribute to the disposal of collected waste in relatively safe ways, as science is a continual activity that aims to improve our lives. We will discuss the most recent scientific research that has come up with a solution to the problem of plastic waste accumulation:

1. Bacteria in the guts of larvae: Researchers have recently discovered that a variety of digestive bacteria that break down plastic reside in the intestines of several species of larvae that eat polyethylene plastic, and that mixing old plastic with a similar mixture of bacteria can speed up the decomposition process. Furthermore, according to Anisha Navlekar, a co-author of the study from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, some of these bacteria infiltrate the oceans and help decompose plastics.
2. Plastic-digesting enzyme: In yet another scientific breakthrough, experts from the United Kingdom and the United States collaborated on the development of a plastic-digesting enzyme, which will aid in the fight against past and future pollution. This enzyme can decompose polyethylene terephthalate, a form of plastic used in millions of tons of plastic bottles that can endure hundreds of years in the environment and pollutes vast expanses of land and sea across the world.

These enzymes are non-toxic, biodegradable, and can be made with enormous volumes of microbes, according to University of Melbourne chemist Oliver Jones; however, research on them is still in its early phases.

The aim behind enzymes is to use them in industry to convert the most often used plastic materials into their primary building units, making recycling easier and more sustainable. Enzymes will thus play a key role in addressing the growing waste problem in the environment.

3. Bioplastics: Scientists from the University of Bath’s Center for Sustainable Chemistry Technologies have succeeded in creating a biodegradable plastic that, unlike petroleum-based polycarbonate plastic, can be recycled.

Without the use of toxic chemicals, this material is created by adding carbon dioxide to a natural sugar termed deoxygenated thymidine under low pressure and at room temperature.

This is not the first attempt to develop biodegradable plastic, but what sets this scientific achievement apart is the ability to decompose this form of plastic using bacterial enzymes in the soil, and unlike prior attempts, this decomposition process does not require high temperatures. Most of it decomposes at temperatures around 50 degrees Celsius, prompting the UN Environment Program’s senior scientist to brand it a “false solution.”

Sources:

Scientific Saudi.

World Economic Forum.

We’re talking about recycling today, and we’ll go over several recycling-related things.

Many people believe that recycling and reusing are synonymous, however, this is not the case.

In general, reuse means repeatedly using something.

Another material that is like the shape of numerous other materials. Recycling is defined as the separation of materials and their transformation into a form that is completely different from their original form. But that’s not enough; let’s study more about the scientific differences between reuse and recycling. In scientific terms, reuse involves finding a way to repurpose existing materials or items that you might otherwise discard by altering their shape slightly and then reusing them. Recycling, on the other hand, entails gathering and treating materials that would otherwise be thrown away and changing them into a new product that can be utilized and benefitted from.   Many people in our community ask if recycling or using products harms the environment. Reuse: Do not hurt the environment in any way. Recycling can be harmful to the environment at times. Since we’re talking about recycling today, it’s important to understand what materials are used in recycling. Waste is the answer. But what about the leftovers? And whence does it originate? Waste is defined as undesirable materials in scientific terms. In biology, there are toxins produced by living organisms. Because we’re talking about recycling today, it’s crucial to know what materials are recycled. The solution is waste. What about the leftovers, though? And where does it come from? In scientific terminology, waste is characterized as undesired materials. Toxins are created by living organisms in biology. What are the benefits of recycling these products or waste?

Recycling aids in the conversion of discarded materials or garbage into new useable goods, as well as the reduction of energy consumption and the utilization of fresh raw materials. It also aids in the reduction of water and air pollutants.

What happens throughout the recycling process?

The recycling process begins with the separation of materials at recycling stations, followed by the analysis of these components into very minute granules. It is occasionally combined with ready-made materials to create a new material that can be used.

Finally, contribute to the well-being of others around you, and always strive to protect this country and its resources. Help to leave a lasting impression on this country.

Every day, we see photos and videos of huge plastic debris sweeping wildlife and marine life. Why is it that plastic waste, or waste in general, is clogging up the ecosystem?

Society has become accustomed to convenience and a disposable culture over time. Inadequate policy frameworks and a lack of investment in vital waste management infrastructure exacerbate the problem.

To address this issue, various innovative waste management and behavioral change concepts are emerging from all walks of life. The concept of a Circular Economy is commonly considered as a viable option.

The circular economy is an economic system that encourages waste reduction while keeping resource values as high as feasible for as long as possible. It is inspired by nature, where one species’ waste becomes a resource for another, assuring an endless cycle of renewal. Societies and economies can improve resilience and minimize their reliance on restricted resources by adopting this strategy.

The GCC countries, which are in one of the world’s wealthiest regions, are also among the greatest trash generators per capita. The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association recently commissioned two studies, one of which is for Oman, to better understand the gaps in plastics waste management. The investigations are intended to offer insight on the current condition of trash management in Oman, as well as difficulties and potential in plastic waste management.

“According to the study, just 4% of the 420,000 MT [1] of post-consumer plastic trash created in Oman is now recycled, while the remaining 85% is thrown in landfills”.

The country should aim for far higher recycling rates than the 15%. This will also assist it in meeting its aims for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as its long-term national vision- Oman Vision 2040- . It will also help brand owners accomplish their stated goals of using more recycled material in their packaging, and it will be a major market driver.

To make this change possible, the country must concentrate on a few crucial issues:

1. Reusability: This has the greatest potential for reducing waste, but it is also the most difficult to achieve. Longer product lives will necessitate societal incentives to move away from a throw-away culture, as well as major expenditures in product design and business model innovation.
2. Resource efficiency: Regulators can offer incentives to businesses that show significant reductions in waste and unnecessary packaging. Companies who engage in increasing resource efficiency should be rewarded for their efforts.
3. Source segregation: Across the globe, this has been the most important pillar in converting waste to value. However, it remains a major worry in the GCC, and reaching its full potential would necessitate government intervention. Increased source segregation can considerably increase not only the recovery but also the quality of important commodities.

4. Improve waste management: Integrated and harmonized waste management systems across the country can help to increase recycling rates.

5. Streamlining material recovery: Investing in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) can increase the amount of recyclable material available. This will have to be combined with higher landfill tipping costs and stiff penalties for illegal disposal.

6. Favorable standards: Regulators will need to work with industry to set recycle standards, as well as manage the recycle market to assure availability, price checks, and quality control. It is also recommended that standards requiring the use of additives, such as the present oxo-degradable norms, be repealed because they obstruct the recycling process.

7. Trade regulation: Oman can set export limitations to capture value within the economy and avoid leakage of high-quality recycled material. The focus should be on increasing the value recovery from domestic garbage, which necessitates waste import limits.

8. Life cycle analyses: It is recommended that regulators and industry work together to conduct life cycle impact assessments (LCIAs) on various material types and applications to determine the most environmentally friendly material for each application, avoiding substitutions that may appear to be better but have a negative impact on the environment.

Many people view plastic as a problem!!!

Is it really a problem!!!

Many people view plastic as a problem!!!

Is it really a problem!!!

According to the World Bank, if urgent action is not taken, the annual global waste volume will increase to 3.4 billion tons by 2050, which is a 70% increase over 2018 levels. In 2016, the world generated 242 million tons of plastic waste, which It has led many to consider plastics a problem. But is plastic really a problem!!! The problem and the challenge is not in the plastic! The challenge is that we view plastic as a problem. And this problem will start to fade as soon as we change our view of plastic as: a valuable resource and how we treat it properly from its inception to its use until after its use to its recycling. If we assume that plastic is a problem! Is it the solution to this problem? Do without plastic? On the other hand, can we get rid of plastic in all industries? Plastic is used in most industries around the world!!

• oil distillation

• Iron and steel industries

• Chemical industries

• Metal industries

• Wood industries

• power cables

• Electronics and home appliances

• Packaging industries

• Clothes and cars

• and other industries

Can we really give up on plastic? Do we need to reconsider dealing with plastic? And if we give up plastic? Will plastic alternatives be the best solution? Plastic today constitutes 50% or more of the products and gadgets that are found in our homes and we encounter them and live with them in our daily lives, starting from water cans to television, phones, packaging and other products!! So is plastic a problem!! Why do we find plastic in all these industries and products!

Can we find suitable alternatives to plastic? Are these alternatives will be efficient plastic! Most experts agree that plastic is not a problem! But the problem and the biggest challenge in the way we deal with plastic, especially after the process of using plastic! So we should all work to improve the process of handling plastic after use.