Kuwait Municipality to form committee for unified standards on recycled materials

Kuwait Municipality has finalized a proposal to establish a government committee responsible for setting technical specifications for recycled materials, including damaged tires, construction waste, and other recyclable resources.

The plan, outlined in a letter from Eng. Mohammed Sarkhouh, Director of the Environmental Affairs Department, to Eng. Maysa Bushehri, Director of the Projects Sector, and forwarded to Municipality Director Eng. Manal Al-Asfour, follows recommendations from a coordination meeting held on April 15, 2025, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The committee will include technical specialists from all relevant authorities and will develop a comprehensive guide detailing specifications, procedures, and legal requirements for using recycled materials in both public and private projects.

Reasons for forming the committee

Lack of Unified Standards: The absence of national technical specifications has led to inconsistent quality and challenges in incorporating recycled materials into projects.

Promoting Circular Economy: The initiative supports Kuwait’s sustainability strategy by encouraging optimal use of recycled resources and reducing reliance on natural materials.

Encouraging Investment: Clear technical standards will attract private-sector investment in recycling and ensure marketability of recycled products.

Reducing Environmental Pollution: Using recycled materials in projects will reduce landfill waste and benefit public health and the environment.

Unifying Government Efforts: Overlapping responsibilities among agencies have created gaps in testing, specifications, and standards, which the committee aims to resolve.

The following are the committee responsibilities:

Develop Technical Specifications: Define physical, chemical, and mechanical properties for each type of recycled material, ensuring suitability for local conditions and projects.

Prepare a National Guide: Document inspection and testing procedures, classify materials by priority, and maintain a national database of recycled resources.

Establish Legal Frameworks: Review and propose legislative amendments requiring government agencies to use specific percentages of recycled materials.

Implement Accreditation and Monitoring Systems: Ensure quality compliance through certification, field inspections, and periodic testing.

Coordinate with Academic Institutions: Work with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and Kuwait University on technical studies and applied research.

Encourage Innovation: Develop incentive systems to support research, advanced technologies, and innovation in waste treatment and recycling.

Report Progress: Submit quarterly reports on the committee’s work, challenges, and recommendations.

The committee will include representatives from the Kuwait Municipality, Public Environment Authority, Public Authority for Industry, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy; Ministry of Finance, General Authority for Roads and Land Transport, Public Institution for Housing Care, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait University and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

The committee will operate for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, and provide updates every three months on completed tasks and urgent recommendations.

This initiative aims to optimize the use of recycled materials, strengthen Kuwait’s green economy, and advance sustainable development across the country.

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