Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) in order to promote the circular economy.
The partnership aims to achieve a specific target of 90 percent recycling rates for electronic products, including e-waste and used batteries, by 2040. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the LEAP25 global technology conference.
The LEAP25 global technology conference is an annual event that brings together leaders and innovators from the tech industry to discuss and showcase cutting-edge advancements in technology. It serves as a platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange, focusing on the future of tech in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more.
The MoU was signed by CST Strategy and Digital Sector Deputy Governor Naif Sheshah, while MWAN was represented by Planning and Development Vice President Dr. Mohammad Alassem.
The agreement aims to establish partnerships at both local and international levels in recycling e-waste, fostering collaboration, and exchanging knowledge and expertise. It also includes preparing studies and reports to support the circular economy agenda and developing regulations to facilitate its implementation in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative is part of CST’s efforts to support environmental practices and reduce digital waste through qualitative initiatives such as the “Unified Charging Ports” initiative, which has contributed to reducing charger-related waste by more than 15,000 tons annually.
Additionally, the “Recycle Your Device” initiative, in collaboration with MWAN, has collected over 100,000 devices and recycled them to support more than 120 schools and charities, thereby reducing e-waste by more than 240 tons.
