Page 38 - U4SSC Factsheet, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 2020

Waste

Category KPI Result Performance to Benchmark SDG

Solid Waste: Landfill 77.67 %

Solid Waste: Burnt 0.00 %

Solid Waste: 0.00 %
Incinerated

Solid Waste: Open 13.00 %
Dump

Solid Waste:
Recycled 9.33 %

Solid Waste: Other 0.00 %

All cities are recommended to prioritize solid waste recycling in a regulated facility over all other forms
of disposal.

Optimizing waste recycling: While Riyadh is not unique in reporting low rates of recycling, in that many
cities generate more solid waste than can be readily disposed (which can lead to adverse effects on
the environment and public health), it is recommended that the city devlops its recycling capability
and culture as a key priority by following steps such as:

• investing further in recycling infrastructure and mechanisms;
• enhancing public communication and outreach to increase public participation in recycling;

• evaluating the recyling markets and pricing levels for materials;
• evaluating existing haulier contracts and expanding or modifying them accordingly;

• modifying existing collection techniques to enhance any existing programme efficiencies and
diversity; and
• legislating and funding smart recycling that utilizes ICTs in waste management.

As increasing generation of e-waste is a burgeoning issue, ITU Recommendations such as ITU-T L.1032:
‘Guidelines and certification schemes for e-waste recyclers’ and Supplements such as ITU-T L Suppl.
4: ‘Guidelines for developing a sustainable e-waste management system’ can be vital in cities’ efforts
to monitor and manage the issue.

32 U4SSC Factsheet | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | June 2020