The disposal of toxic waste is one of the top environmental priorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given the severe risks such waste poses to human health and the environment if not handled scientifically and safely.
Toxic waste is produced by numerous industrial, medical, agricultural, and research activities and includes heavy chemicals, solvents, pesticides, petroleum residues, and other materials that require precise treatment, safe storage, and specialized transport before final disposal.
Environmental authorities in the Kingdom, in cooperation with licensed waste management companies, implement comprehensive programs for the collection, treatment, and disposal of toxic waste in accordance with national and international standards. This effort supports Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve sustainable development and a clean, safe environment.
Riyadh
In Riyadh, integrated programs are implemented to collect and transport toxic waste from factories, hospitals, and laboratories using vehicles equipped with high safety standards. The waste is then treated in advanced facilities to minimize pollution.
Jeddah
In Jeddah, toxic waste from industrial facilities, hospitals, and ports is managed using advanced environmental technologies to protect the Red Sea and coastal areas.
Makkah
Makkah provides specialized solutions for handling toxic waste from hospitals, hotels, and service establishments—especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons—to ensure a healthy and safe environment.
Madinah
In Madinah, precise processes are applied to treat toxic waste from medical and industrial facilities under strict environmental monitoring systems that preserve the sanctity of the city.
Dammam
Dammam serves as a key hub for toxic waste treatment in the Eastern Province, hosting advanced facilities for processing petroleum, petrochemical, and industrial waste.
Khobar
In Khobar, toxic waste from factories, laboratories, and research centers is managed within an integrated environmental system to ensure complete safety during transport and treatment.
Jubail Industrial City
In Jubail Industrial City, advanced technologies are used to treat toxic waste produced by petrochemical industries and refineries, ensuring safe disposal without environmental impact.
Yanbu Industrial City
In Yanbu, toxic waste from oil industries is processed in treatment facilities that employ advanced thermal and chemical systems to neutralize hazardous materials.
Tabuk
Tabuk’s services focus on managing agricultural toxic waste, including pesticides and chemical residues, to protect farmland and groundwater.
Abha
In Abha, collection, transport, and treatment operations are carried out for toxic waste from laboratories and hospitals to preserve the region’s natural mountain environment.
Jazan
In Jazan, toxic waste from industries, ports, and farms is treated within an integrated environmental system to prevent pollutants from reaching the southern coasts.
Najran
Najran implements special programs for the disposal of toxic waste from industrial and medical facilities to prevent the leakage of hazardous materials into the desert environment.
Hail
In Hail, toxic waste generated from agricultural and industrial activities is collected and treated scientifically to preserve soil and water sources.
Al-Qassim
In Al-Qassim, toxic waste from food industries, laboratories, and hospitals is treated in licensed facilities that follow the highest safety standards.
Sakaka and Al-Jawf
In Sakaka and the Al-Jawf region, toxic waste from agricultural and research activities is treated through specialized programs to protect the agricultural environment.
AlUla
In AlUla, advanced programs are implemented for the disposal of toxic waste from development and tourism projects while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The types of toxic waste treated in the Kingdom include:
Heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and cadmium)
Chemical solvents and paints
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers
Contaminated oils and petroleum substances
Highly toxic medical waste
Industrial and petroleum residues from factories and laboratories
Sorting and Packaging: Waste is classified by toxicity level and packed in leak-proof containers that meet international standards.
Safe Transport:The waste is transported in specialized trucks equipped with monitoring and safety systems.
Treatment:Toxic waste is treated using thermal, chemical, or physical methods to reduce its hazard.
Final Disposal:Treated waste is either buried in isolated, secure sites or partially recycled when possible.
Importance of Proper Toxic Waste Disposal
Protecting the environment from chemical and biological pollution
Reducing harmful emissions affecting air and water quality
Ensuring human and animal safety from toxic exposure
Achieving sustainable development in line with Vision 2030
Saudi Vision for Toxic Waste Management
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to develop a comprehensive national system for toxic waste management that includes legislation, monitoring, and environmental certification for industrial facilities. It also encourages the application of a circular economy and sustainable treatment technologies to reduce negative impacts on the environment and public health.