E-waste recycling — a win-win for environment and economy

Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, and minimizes financial waste. (SPA)
1 / 9
Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, and minimizes financial waste. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 12 February 2025
Follow

E-waste recycling — a win-win for environment and economy

Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, and minimizes financial waste. (SPA)
  • E-waste poses considerable health and environmental risks if not disposed of safely and responsibly
  • It also presents significant economic and social opportunities through proper recycling and investment in sustainable e-waste management

RIYADH: The expansion of the tech sector and the surge in the use of electronic devices has led to a significant increase in waste from electrical and electronic equipment, one of the fastest-growing types of solid waste globally.

E-waste poses considerable health and environmental risks if not disposed of safely and responsibly. However, it also presents significant economic and social opportunities through proper recycling and investment in sustainable e-waste management.

According to the executive regulations of the electronic and electrical waste management law, e-waste is defined as waste generated from equipment that operates via electric currents or electromagnetic fields. This includes all components, sub-assemblies and consumables associated with the product when discarded.

E-waste encompasses a wide range of electronic products including laptops, printers, digital cameras, portable gaming devices, smartphones and wearable devices such as wireless headphones. These contain harmful and toxic materials like lead, mercury and cadmium. Improper disposal contaminates the environment, including groundwater, and poses significant risks to human health.

Many electronic and electrical devices accumulate in homes, offices and other facilities, often discarded prematurely. They could be repaired, refurbished or have their parts reused; however, improper disposal methods, such as burning or heating, are prevalent. These release toxic fumes, which travel long distances, impacting public health and contributing to environmental degradation, including reduced vegetation cover, increased global warming and the rise of respiratory diseases.

Proper e-waste management is crucial, involving recycling and reusing valuable components while safely disposing of hazardous materials.

Government efforts in e-waste management

The Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as outlined in Vision 2030, drives its efforts to recycle e-waste. This aligns with national and global goals, including reducing carbon emissions, achieving carbon neutrality and fostering a circular economy.

Recycling e-waste supports a sustainable economy, effectively utilizes natural resources, minimizes financial waste and enhances social responsibility by enabling needy families to access technology.

The National Center for Waste Management plays a pivotal role in organizing, monitoring and stimulating investment in waste management activities. It aims to significantly reduce e-waste and battery disposal in landfills, targeting a 90-95 percent exclusion rate by 2035 and achieve a reuse and recycling rate for e-waste and damaged batteries exceeding 90 percent.

At COP28, the commission announced the launch of the Developing E-Waste Management Regulations initiative, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union, to implement e-waste management regulations in Zambia, Rwanda and Paraguay.

This initiative reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in global digital sustainability efforts. By introducing regulations that promote a circular economy and offering innovative solutions, the initiative seeks to accelerate the transition to green practices. This is crucial as global e-waste generation has reached 54 million tonnes annually, of which only 17 percent is recycled.

Following a royal order, government agencies can donate used computers to the Ertiqa association.

Ertiqa Executive Director Omar Al-Shaibani told the Saudi Press Agency the association focused on collecting used computers, refurbishing them and distributing them to social and educational entities. It utilizes the Blancco program and adheres to globally approved methods to securely erase all data from donated devices, ensuring user privacy.

One of Ertiqa's notable projects is an initiative launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide computers to students from needy families to facilitate remote learning.

This achieved significant success, with over 40 million educational and training hours logged, over 30,000 devices distributed, and over 27,000 devices recycled. A total of 1,296 entities benefited from this program.

According to Al-Shaibani, over the past ten years, Ertiqa has received over 223,000 devices of which over 97,000 were refurbished and distributed to 3,404 entities, resulting in a reuse rate of 46 percent and a recycle rate of 43 percent.

Recycling operations resulted in a reduction of 13,039,815 kg of carbon emissions, equivalent to the recycling of 2,608 tonnes of e-waste. This involved the participation of over 3,000 volunteers who contributed 57,080 hours, with an estimated economic return exceeding SR2.6 million ($693k).

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission also carried out the “Recycle Your Device” initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and MWAN.

The scheme, the first of its kind in the Kingdom, saw more than 100,000 devices, with a market value exceeding SR30 million, collected from 20,000 participants. More than 240 tonnes of e-waste were recycled and repaired, and over 120 schools and charitable associations received recycled devices.

In the investment sector, the Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, was established by a royal decree to spearhead investment in the Kingdom’s recycling sector, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

The company’s strategy focuses on investing in recycling 12 waste types to significantly advance the circular economy and contribute to the national target of increasing overall recycling operations to 81 percent.

A key subsidiary of SIRC is ELECTA, which specializes in the treatment and recycling of electronic, electrical and metal waste. ELECTA further invested in the Sorting and Recycling Company for Environmental Services, SIRC’s executive arm for electronic waste and metal recycling.

Citizens and residents wishing to donate devices, which will be collected free of charge, may submit a request through the Ertiqa website at ertiqa.org/en or its app.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s Gaza electricity cut 

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s Gaza electricity cut 
Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s Gaza electricity cut 

Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s Gaza electricity cut 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s move to cut electricity to the Gaza Strip in what the Kingdom described as a practice of “collective punishment” against Palestinians in Gaza.

The Kingdom stressed its categorical rejection of Israeli violations of international humanitarian law, a foreign ministry statement said.

It reiterated its call on the international community to take urgent measures to restore electricity and the flow of aid to the Gaza Strip immediately without conditions or restrictions.

The Kingdom “renewed its call to activate international accountability mechanisms for these serious violations,” the statement concluded.

Israel cut off the electricity supply to Gaza, officials said Sunday, affecting a desalination plant producing drinking water for part of the arid territory.

It also suspended last week supplies of goods to the territory of more than 2 million Palestinians, an echo of the siege it imposed in the earliest days of the war.


Saudi Arabia welcomes Syrian agreement in northeast

Saudi Arabia welcomes Syrian agreement in northeast
Updated 11 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia welcomes Syrian agreement in northeast

Saudi Arabia welcomes Syrian agreement in northeast

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed an agreement between the interim Syrian government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces that controls the country’s northeast.

The Kingdom praised the measures taken by the Syrian leadership to safeguard domestic peace in Syria and efforts made to complete the path of building state institutions, a Saudi foreign ministry statement said on Monday.

The deal includes a ceasefire and the merging of the main US-backed force there into the Syrian army.

The deal was signed by interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

The deal to be implemented by the end of the year would bring all border crossings with Iraq and Turkiye, airports and oil fields in the northeast under the central government’s control. Prisons where about 9,000 suspected members of the Daesh group are also expected to come under government control.

— With input from AP


Saudi crown prince, US Secretary of State discuss regional developments

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 11 March 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince, US Secretary of State discuss regional developments

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah on Monday. (SPA)
  • Rubio in Kingdom ahead of crucial talks with Ukraine aimed at ending conflict with Russia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday evening. 

Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday ahead of crucial talks with Ukraine aimed at ending three years of conflict with Russia.

They reviewed relations between the two countries and opportunities to enhance and develop them in various fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also discussed the latest regional and international developments, exchanged views on them, as well as efforts made toward achieving security and stability, SPA added.

The reception was attended by Mike Waltz, US President Donald Trump’s national security advisor.

On the Saudi side, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense and Saudi ambassador to Washington, Princess Reema bint Bandar, were also in attendance.

The top US diplomat is in Jeddah ahead of the talks with Ukrainian officials expected on Tuesday, leading a delegation that also includes Waltz.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also arrived in the Kingdom on Monday.


Pakistani community hosts large iftar gathering in Jeddah

Pakistani community hosts large iftar gathering in Jeddah
Updated 10 March 2025
Follow

Pakistani community hosts large iftar gathering in Jeddah

Pakistani community hosts large iftar gathering in Jeddah
  • The iftar table featured a variety of traditional Pakistani dishes, including pakoras, samosas, haleem, and dahi bhalla, alongside Rooh Afza, a drink often enjoyed during Ramadan

JEDDAH: The Pakistani community in Jeddah organized its annual iftar gathering this week, bringing together a large number of residents along with representatives from the Pakistani Consulate.

The initiative strengthens community ties, upholds the shared values of Ramadan, and enhances the spiritual essence of the holy month, Saudi Press Agency reported, with heartwarming scenes of unity, brotherhood, and camaraderie among attendees.

The iftar table featured a variety of traditional Pakistani dishes, including pakoras, samosas, haleem, and dahi bhalla, alongside Rooh Afza, a drink often enjoyed during Ramadan. Traditional sweets, symbolizing Pakistani hospitality, were also part of the feast.

Guests embraced their cultural heritage by wearing traditional Pakistani attire. (SPA)

Guests embraced their cultural heritage by wearing traditional Pakistani attire. Men donned the shalwar kameez, a customary outfit for religious and social occasions, while women wore vibrant, intricately embroidered garments, adding a cultural charm that reflected their pride in their traditions.

Muhammad Irfan, press counselor at the Pakistani Consulate, highlighted the significance of such gatherings in fostering unity and strengthening the bond among community members.

He expressed his joy at witnessing the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity that Ramadan promotes.

Rubina Irfan

“As you see, Pakistan has a huge community in Jeddah and the western region,” he told SPA. “Saudi Arabia is a second home for all of us.”

He emphasized how celebrating Ramadan in Saudi Arabia brings an added spiritual experience: “It just feels like home. So we don't feel much of a difference, rather it brings a more elevated spiritual experience, especially being close to the Haram.”

His wife, Rubina Irfan, also spoke about the communal aspect of Ramadan in the Kingdom.

We prepare for Ramadan here the same way we do in Pakistan. As a community, Ramadan is really enjoyable in Saudi Arabia.

Rubina Irfan

“We prepare for Ramadan here the same way we do in Pakistan. As a community, Ramadan is really enjoyable in Saudi Arabia. Here, we go for Taraweeh together, share food, and see each other,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of traditional Pakistani dishes during Iftar. “We cannot do Iftar without pakoras, samosas, rolls, and dahi bhalay. These are the traditional Pakistani foods,” Rubina explained.

“In water, we mix fruit syrup and sugar — it’s called Rooh Afza water, and everybody loves it because it gives you energy.”

Tahir Ayoub, the coordinator of the Pakistani community gatherings, described the distinct experience of observing Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: “Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is an entirely different experience. Specifically, the last ten days, with Qiyamul-Layl (late night prayers) and other spiritual gatherings, are truly marvelous.”

He concluded by expressing how remarkable Ramadan in Saudi Arabia feels compared to other places: “It’s an incredible experience, and whenever I return to Pakistan, I always say that nowhere in the world is Ramadan like it is in Saudi Arabia.”

 


Saudi envoy chairs landmark global conference, says barriers denying women equal rights must fall

Saudi envoy chairs landmark global conference, says barriers denying women equal rights must fall
Updated 10 March 2025
Follow

Saudi envoy chairs landmark global conference, says barriers denying women equal rights must fall

Saudi envoy chairs landmark global conference, says barriers denying women equal rights must fall
  • Call from Abdulaziz Alwasil, Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, comes in New York at opening of 69th Commission on the Status of Women
  • Jenna Riffi, a Saudi woman who became the youngest member of the NEOM megacity project team at age 16, tells event of her trailblazing journey in science and engineering

NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, on Monday urged nations to use a pivotal conference in New York on the status of women not only as a chance to reflect on achievements to date, but to translate decades of commitments to gender equality into concrete, measurable action.

He warned that global challenges such as climate change, conflict and economic instability pose risks that could reverse the significant strides made in gender equality, and said true progress demands “unwavering political will,” inclusive leadership and continuous investment.

His comments came during the opening session in New York of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women, which underscored the urgent need to advance efforts to achieve gender parity worldwide.

The commission, established in 1946, is a key global platform for gender equality and the empowerment of women. It meets annually to review and appraise progress toward these aims and make recommendations for further action.

This year’s session marks the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking framework adopted by 181 countries during the 4th World Conference on Women. The declaration set ambitious goals for the advancement of women’s rights, including equal access to education, healthcare and economic participation, and the eradication of violence against women and girls.

Alwasil, who serves as chairperson of the commission’s 69th session, said it is important to reflect on the achievements that have been made since the Beijing Declaration, while also confronting the challenges that remain.

“The promise of Beijing remains as urgent as ever,” he added, acknowledging that although progress has been made — including more women in leadership positions, improved access to education, and the introduction of legal frameworks to advance gender equality — much still needs to be done.

He warned that global crises such as climate change, conflict and economic instability threaten to undo hard-won gains in gender equality, and that real progress requires political will, inclusive governance and sustained investments.

“We must create the conditions for women and girls to lead, shape policies and drive solutions," Alwasil said.

He highlighted the important need to convert commitments into concrete actions, and underscored the importance of a gender-equal approach in all policies and initiatives.

“Let us use this historic moment not only to reflect on our achievements and challenges, but also reignite our collective determination to turn commitments into concrete action,” he added.

“This means ensuring that gender equality is centered across all policies, which must be fully funded and implemented. It means dismantling the structural barriers that continue to exclude women and girls from leadership opportunity and equal rights.

“It means holding ourselves accountable, not only for the progress we celebrate, but for the gaps that persist.”

The Saudi envoy gave a portion of his speaking time to three remarkable women who shared their journeys. They included Jenna Riffi, a young woman from Saudi Arabia, who captivated the audience with the story of her personal journey as a trailblazer in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

At just 16 years old, she became the youngest member of the NEOM project team, a futuristic project to develop and build a sustainable, smart megacity in Saudi Arabia. As an advocate for the empowerment of women, she told how the support of her family, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, and international opportunities had enabled her to pursue a career in renewable energy and electrical engineering.

“I stand today as proof that determination, resilience and a supportive environment can empower young women to achieve incredible dreams,” Riffi said.

She credited Vision 2030 in particular for providing young women like her with opportunities to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as science and technology. Through educational programs and leadership initiatives, it has played a key role in changing the narrative about the roles of women in Saudi society, she added.

Riffi also highlighted the importance of continuing support for women and girls in all areas of life, noting: “Every step you take builds a bridge for the next generations.”

The commission will convene for two weeks, during which delegates and advocates from around the world will discuss a range of critical topics, including poverty, work opportunities, climate change, violence against women, and youth engagement.