With rapid economic growth, solid waste generation is increasing rapidly in Kuwait. Presently, Kuwait is facing serious challenges in solid waste management sector. which is grossly affecting the environmental, economic and social situation in the country in addition to precipitating climate change.
The World Bank noted that Kuwait has a very high per capita waste generation of 1.55 kg per day, much higher than the global per capita average of 0.74 kg per day. The predominant solid waste disposal method in Kuwait is landfill burial which act as dumpsites without considering environmental and safety precautions.
The land area of Kuwait is 17,820 sq km, out of which 45 sq km is inhibited by landfill cum dumpsites and is expected to increase to 60 sq km by 2025. Kuwait has 18 landfills; 14 sites are closed and 4 are still in operation. The area of the landfill dumpsites is between 10-100 of hectares and 3-30 meters in deposition depth. All kind of wastes are being dumped in these sites including food waste, industrial waste, construction waste and household waste.
Waste Generation Trends in Kuwait
Over the years, most of the dumpsites in Kuwait have been surrounded by residential and commercial areas due to urban development over the years. Residential areas that are close to closed landfill sites include Sulaibiyah, Kabed, Al Qurain, Shuaiba, Jleeb Al Shuyoukh, West Yarmouk and Al Wafra.
Most of the landfill sites were closed due to poorly trained staff and improper disposal methods which caused fires, groundwater contamination, public health concerns and environmental hazards. Many lives of residential people were endangered due to the spread of toxic gases such as methane and carbon dioxide and spontaneous fires.
Hi Dhuha
Will it be possible to create a biogas plant in Kuwait. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors. By doing this it will elevate pressure on the landfills