Integrated Approach to Achieve a Sustainable Organic Waste Management System in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Organic waste management (OWM) has always been a fundamental aspect of human populations. Approaches to OWM must be matched to the characteristics of a certain population. In this consideration, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is no exception. Organizations are being aligned to focus on sustainability matters sharing significant features with universal trends, especially the integration of 3Rs (reducing waste, reusing, and recycling resources). However, the degree and nature of advancement in the direction of sustainability vary depending on the economic level of a state. High-income economies can afford to pay a higher price to integrate 3Rs technologies. Most recent endeavors have focused on achieving ‘Zero Waste’, which is costly for low-income developing countries. The expectations of OWM systems in KSA must be estimated. In this work, the situations in KSA and other countries are analyzed, and pertinent aspects are explored. Matters relating to the sustainability of OWM are conceptually assessed. This study proposes an integrated method for an organic waste management system to achieve sustainable OWM in the context of state policy and appropriate frameworks, suitable technology, institutional order, operational and monetary administration, and people consciousness and involvement. A genetic-based waste collection transportation algorithm that enhances the efficiency of waste collection truck management is presented in line with this technology. The selected routes based on the Rfs and IPv are the most efficient among those available for the examined smart bin destinations. The minimum Rfs of selected routes is less than the maximum Rfs of available routes by 2.63%. Also, the minimum IPv of selected routes is less than the maximum IPv of available routes by 27.08%. The proposed integrated approach, including the waste collection transportation algorithm, would be beneficial across a variety of country-specific layouts.

Toward a Greener Future: Applying Circular Economy Principles to Saudi Arabia’s Food Sector for Environmental Sustainability

“…Numerous studies emphasize how much food is thrown out at weddings, banquets, food service establishments, and hotel feasts. Abdullah et al [85], for example, identify that dinner hosts' behaviors, society's lack of awareness concerning food waste, and the propensity to show off expensive dishes for guests are the main reasons for food waste in the KSA. Moreover, operations that can reduce food waste in hotels and restaurants are frequently disorganized [86], and there are currently no regulations in KSA to restrict or eliminate food waste.…”

Challenges and Remediation Strategies for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination in Composting

“…The world is expected to generate more than 11 million tonnes (Mt) per day by 2100 [29,30]. Among the total MSW generated globally, organic waste (food and green waste) is the largest category, accounting for 44% [31].…”

IoT-Based Waste Management System in Formal and Informal Public Areas in Mecca

“…The KSA makes approximately fifteen million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) every year, with a daily rate of 1.4 kg per individual. The median rate of waste generation is predicted to grow to 30 million tons by 2033 due to persistent population growth and urban widening [ 4 ].…”

“…Internet of things (IoT) architecture is utilized in some studies to improve waste administration performance [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Study [ 4 ] proposed an integrated method for an organic waste management system to achieve sustainable OWM in the context of state policy and appropriate frameworks, suitable technology, institutional order, operational and monetary administration, and people consciousness and involvement. In line with the Integrated Approach to Achieve a Sustainable Organic Waste Management System in Saudi Arabia [ 4 ], this paper focuses on the organic waste source, especially food and medical waste.…”

“…Study [ 4 ] proposed an integrated method for an organic waste management system to achieve sustainable OWM in the context of state policy and appropriate frameworks, suitable technology, institutional order, operational and monetary administration, and people consciousness and involvement. In line with the Integrated Approach to Achieve a Sustainable Organic Waste Management System in Saudi Arabia [ 4 ], this paper focuses on the organic waste source, especially food and medical waste. It also proposes a waste collection strategy to perform waste collection around the city, including the areas that cannot be reached by conventional trucks.…”