Qatar accelerates circular economy drive with new recycling investments and waste-to-energy projects

Doha, Qatar has seen a surge in recycling factories as the country strives for environmental sustainability and a circular economy, with private sector involvement playing a crucial role in transforming waste into valuable resources. In the Al Afjah Recycling Industries Zone, 61 factories are established, including 29 operational, 19 under construction, and 13 in development.

These factories provide a dedicated base for companies involved in recovering and reusing materials, promoting private-sector participation in waste management.

Al Reem Recycling Factory, processing used lead-acid batteries, is one of the companies contributing to this growing recycling ecosystem. The factory, operating near the Solid Waste Management System area, has been in operation for three years and has a capacity of five tonnes per hour. It converts scrap batteries into reusable materials for manufacturing, ensuring that potentially hazardous waste is handled safely and responsibly.

The factory's automated system maximizes recovery while minimizing waste, and it exports its recycled products, leveraging imported Italian technology for increased productivity.

The growth of recycling industries in Al Afjah is bolstered by government support and partnerships with private sector companies. Mohammed Ahmed, Head of Public Relations and Communication at Al Awalia, emphasized the ministry's role in supporting national companies specializing in recycling and sustainability, facilitating related procedures, and creating a conducive environment for developing innovative solutions.

The ministry's efforts are crucial in transforming waste into value-added resources, conserving natural resources, and enhancing material efficiency across various projects, thus consolidating the principles of the circular economy in Qatar.