Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Hajj initiative has recycled thousands of tons of surplus food during the Hajj season into soil enhancers and organic fertilizers as part of efforts to strengthen sustainability and municipal services across the holy sites.
The initiative, implemented through cooperation between the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites and the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN), uses dedicated recycling devices to process surplus food and reduce food waste and emissions in Mina and other holy sites during Hajj.
The project supports sustainability and circular economy practices in Makkah and the holy sites in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative, and programs aimed at enhancing services for pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by the Holy Makkah Municipality, continued implementing operational and service plans in Mina during the Day of Al-Nahr and the Days of Tashreeq, reinforcing field operations and increasing the readiness of municipal service centers.
Field teams monitored food establishments and catering sites while intensifying cleaning, environmental sanitation and waste collection operations. Inspection teams also carried out oversight rounds to address issues affecting pilgrims’ health and safety.
The ministry said its operational plan involved more than 22,000 personnel supported by over 3,000 pieces of equipment and more than 88,000 waste units deployed across the holy sites. Waste collected during the period exceeded 15,800 tons.
The ministry affirmed that operational and oversight plans would continue around the clock to enhance the quality of municipal services provided to pilgrims and enable them to perform rituals with ease and tranquility.
