Challenges and Construction Applications of Solid Waste Management in Middle East Arab Countries

Abstract

Over the past few decades, solid waste production, specifically construction waste, in Middle Eastern Arab countries has dramatically increased. This is characterized by several factors, including rapid urbanization, common food wasting habits, diverse culture, lack of proper planning of solid waste processes, insufficient equipment, as well as lack of proper funding. The exponential growth in solid waste generation rates has led to hazards to health and the environment, causing issues related to air and water pollution under the already increasing pressure of climate change. In this review, we analyze the current solid waste challenges in 13 Arab countries, common diseases, and actual projects applied. The selection of Arab countries was mainly based on the countries with the highest population as well as the availability of data in the field of study. This review also highlights the efforts of the Arab governments that implemented several pilot projects that are not sustainable or effective in the long term. We discuss the main issues facing each Arab country and the main challenges they have in common, as well as the potential to use the great amounts of construction waste in these countries. It is recommended that proper disposal and collection plans should be prioritized in the municipalities’ agendas since air and water pollution represent the main challenge in all Arab countries. Adequate treatment, recycling, and compost production facilities should be initiated and monitored regularly to take advantage of the relatively high percentage of organic matter in most Arab countries. Proper cooperation between the informal sector, private companies, and governments should be ensured in order to achieve long-term goals in the solid waste management (SWM) sector in MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) Arab countries. This review provides a comprehensive study of the construction waste in MENA Arab countries that will help reach the goal of achieving sustainable countries.

Comprehensive review of solid waste management strategies and disposal approaches

“…Prolonged contact with gaseous waste is thought to put surrounding communities and disposal managers at risk for adverse health effects. Asthma, bronchitis, respiratory issues, suffocation, asphyxiation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, eye and skin irritation, congenital anomalies, neurological disorders, liver issues, and cancer are more common conditions that may result from frequent breathing in landfill gasses (Ibrahim et al 2022). There are insufficient findings about the medical effects and causes of death from waste fumes.…”

Effects of Metal Waste Strips on Strength Characteristics of Road Base Material

“…Moreover, it reduces the cost of materials required for the pavement, reduces the demand on landfill areas, and decreases the transportation fees of these waste materials. Waste constitutes an increasing threat to the environment, which leads to basic environmental problems, most notably pollution of all kinds [18,19]. Therefore, it is assumed that these wastes will be disposed of in the most environmentally conscious way, or that they will be exploited effectively and beneficially [20,21].…”