Harnessing Renewable Energy from Municipal Solid Waste: Challenges and Opportunities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia has significantly increased municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, intensified environmental pressures and complicated sustainable waste management. Despite ongoing national initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, systematic integration of waste-to-energy (WtE) approaches remains limited, particularly in the Eastern Province. This study investigates the major challenges associated with MSW management in the region, including population growth, inadequate collection and segregation practices, limited recycling infrastructure, and the environmental and socio-economic impacts of current disposal methods. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating a comprehensive literature review, analysis of recent datasets from the General Authority of Statistics (GASTAT), and projections of per capita waste generation (kg/person/day) from 2022 to 2060 under various urban growth scenarios. The study also examined existing MSW management practices and evaluated their alignment with global benchmarks. Comparative case studies from Sweden, Japan, Egypt, and selected Arab countries were analyzed to identify successful WtE and circular-economy strategies and to determine their applicability to the Saudi context. Findings reveal significant gaps in waste segregation, recycling rates, and technological adoption, alongside promising opportunities to harness renewable energy from MSW through scalable thermal and biological conversion pathways. The study provides policy recommendations to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance resource recovery, and integrate WtE solutions into municipal planning. The insights aim to support decision-makers in advancing sustainable MSW management and accelerating the transition toward a circular economy in the Eastern Province