Muscat – Oman’s engineered landfills received around 3.1mn tonnes of waste in 2024, up slightly from 3mn tonnes the previous year, according to figures released by be’ah, the national waste management company. Officials attributed the increase to population growth, economic expansion, and improved waste collection systems that have enhanced coverage and efficiency across the sultanate. […]

Muscat – Oman’s engineered landfills received around 3.1mn tonnes of waste in 2024, up slightly from 3mn tonnes the previous year, according to figures released by be’ah, the national waste management company.

Officials attributed the increase to population growth, economic expansion, and improved waste collection systems that have enhanced coverage and efficiency across the sultanate.

A senior be’ah official told Muscat Daily the rise reflected both higher consumption levels and better operational performance.

“The growing population and expanding commercial and service sectors have contributed to greater daily consumption and higher volumes of municipal waste,” the official said. “At the same time, improved collection systems and coordination with municipalities have ensured that waste is transported safely and consistently to landfills.”

The official added that the data reflects ongoing progress in Oman’s waste management infrastructure, in line with Oman Vision 2040 objectives to promote sustainability and operational excellence.

As part of its long-term strategy to build a circular economy, be’ah is investing in recycling, treatment, and waste-to-resource initiatives in partnership with the private sector. These include projects that convert waste into energy and reusable materials, helping reduce landfill dependency and create new economic opportunities.

In the construction and demolition sector, be’ah has identified over 32 sites nationwide, including 10 resource recovery facilities equipped with advanced crushers that produce gravel, sand, and other reusable materials. These projects not only divert waste from landfills but also create new investment avenues for Omani enterprises in the green economy.

For green and bulky waste, be’ah operates dedicated processing sites in Raysut, Barka, Sohar, Al Multaqa, Amerat, Buraimi, Ibri, and Thumrait. Waste collected at these facilities is turned into organic compost, biochar, and animal feed, helping reduce pressure on landfills and extending their operational lifespan.

To further enhance efficiency and environmental performance, the company is adopting artificial intelligence and big data technologies as part of its digital transformation plan to monitor operations and cut emissions.

In partnership with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, be’ah is developing Oman’s first waste-to-energy plant in Barka. The facility will process around 3,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily to generate up to 100 megawatts of electricity — equivalent to powering tens of thousands of homes. Scheduled for completion in 2031, the project is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by more than 300,000 tonnes and produce about 760 GWh of power for the national grid.

be’ah is also collaborating with the Ministry of Economy on a national project to assess Oman’s circular economy potential and formulate policies that encourage sustainable resource use. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and boost recycling rates over the coming years, positioning Oman as a regional leader in sustainable waste management and green innovation.