emirates7 - According to the latest figures from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat), the total volume of waste collected across GCC nations reached around 262.7 million tons by the end of 2023. This marks a significant rise of 153.7% compared to 2019.
In parallel, the volume of treated waste grew by 128.5%, reaching 192.0 million tons. Notably, the per capita generation of household waste in the GCC dropped by 17.4%, averaging 1.4 kilograms per person per day.
The data further reveals that 99.2% of the collected waste was classified as non-hazardous. Of the hazardous waste, 95.8% was exported outside the GCC for treatment, primarily through recycling or recovery processes focused on metals and metal compounds.
The GCC has made notable progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 12, which targets sustainable consumption and production patterns. In 2023, the region achieved a 30% recycling and reuse rate for hazardous waste. Moreover, GCC countries collectively submitted 87 national reports under the Basel Convention, which governs the control of hazardous waste movements.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, hazardous waste from the healthcare sector declined by 11.4% in 2023 compared to 2022. The region also made considerable advancements in medical waste management infrastructure. The number of medical waste incineration facilities grew to 23 by 2023—an increase of 27.8% year-on-year. Additionally, the total design capacity of these facilities surged by 123.9%, reaching 207,500 metric tons.
Meanwhile, hazardous industrial waste rose by 23.8% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reflecting increased industrial activity after the pandemic.
In terms of municipal solid waste, household waste collection has been on a downward trend since peaking at 35.5 million tons in 2020. By 2023, the volume had declined to approximately 30.8 million tons.
Agricultural waste saw a 44% increase in 2023, rising to 2.5 million tons from 2.0 million tons in 2022 and 1.7 million tons in 2019. Waste generated from other economic sectors also grew—from 11.9 million tons in 2019 to 14.3 million tons in 2023.
Furthermore, the "Waste Management Market Analysis Study in the GCC Countries (2019–2023)" by Mordor Intelligence estimates the sector’s market value to reach about USD 68.3 billion in 2025. It is expected to grow to USD 97.4 billion by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2025 and 2030.
In parallel, the volume of treated waste grew by 128.5%, reaching 192.0 million tons. Notably, the per capita generation of household waste in the GCC dropped by 17.4%, averaging 1.4 kilograms per person per day.
The data further reveals that 99.2% of the collected waste was classified as non-hazardous. Of the hazardous waste, 95.8% was exported outside the GCC for treatment, primarily through recycling or recovery processes focused on metals and metal compounds.
The GCC has made notable progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 12, which targets sustainable consumption and production patterns. In 2023, the region achieved a 30% recycling and reuse rate for hazardous waste. Moreover, GCC countries collectively submitted 87 national reports under the Basel Convention, which governs the control of hazardous waste movements.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, hazardous waste from the healthcare sector declined by 11.4% in 2023 compared to 2022. The region also made considerable advancements in medical waste management infrastructure. The number of medical waste incineration facilities grew to 23 by 2023—an increase of 27.8% year-on-year. Additionally, the total design capacity of these facilities surged by 123.9%, reaching 207,500 metric tons.
Meanwhile, hazardous industrial waste rose by 23.8% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reflecting increased industrial activity after the pandemic.
In terms of municipal solid waste, household waste collection has been on a downward trend since peaking at 35.5 million tons in 2020. By 2023, the volume had declined to approximately 30.8 million tons.
Agricultural waste saw a 44% increase in 2023, rising to 2.5 million tons from 2.0 million tons in 2022 and 1.7 million tons in 2019. Waste generated from other economic sectors also grew—from 11.9 million tons in 2019 to 14.3 million tons in 2023.
Furthermore, the "Waste Management Market Analysis Study in the GCC Countries (2019–2023)" by Mordor Intelligence estimates the sector’s market value to reach about USD 68.3 billion in 2025. It is expected to grow to USD 97.4 billion by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2025 and 2030.