Why Saudi Arabia is championing the responsible disposal of batteries and e-waste

Special Why Saudi Arabia is championing the responsible disposal of batteries and e-waste
Staff from the Fortech company in Cartago, Costa Rica, disassembles batteries from electric cars to recycle them. Fortech recycles lithium batteries from telephones, computers, electric cars and other items to sell the resulting materials for the construction of new batteries. (AFP)
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Updated 09 November 2024
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Why Saudi Arabia is championing the responsible disposal of batteries and e-waste

Why Saudi Arabia is championing the responsible disposal of batteries and e-waste
  • The improper disposal of batteries poses serious threats to human health, the environment, and public safety
  • Saudi Arabia has launched dedicated e-waste collections and awareness campaigns to encourage battery recycling

RIYADH: In today’s tech-driven society, electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is growing at an alarming rate, with batteries being a significant contributor to this environmental challenge.

The improper disposal of batteries poses serious threats to human health, the environment, and public safety. As Saudi Arabia adopts sustainable practices, addressing battery waste is viewed as a critical issue.

Batteries convert chemical energy into electrical energy, allowing them to power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. While they are essential to modern life, they contain hazardous materials that, if improperly disposed of, can leach into the environment.

“Improper battery disposal can contaminate the air, water and soil as batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury,” Dr. Sultan Meo, a professor and consultant at King Saud University’s Department of Physiology in Riyadh, told Arab News.

In a recent study, Meo reported that environmental pollution causes about 8.1 million deaths a year — more than 1 in 8 deaths globally — making it the second leading risk factor for early death, surpassed only by high blood pressure.

Lead is particularly harmful, especially to children. In fact, the World Health Organization lists it as one of the top ten chemicals of public health concern.

“Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children, as it can cause neurological disorders, developmental delays, learning difficulties, impaired memory, cognitive dysfunction, attention disorders, depression and anxiety,” Meo said.




Encouraging responsible disposal practices protects the environment and promotes community safety. (Shutterstock photo)

There is also a link between lead exposure and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial infarction.

“Lead exposure causes systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis and thrombosis,” Meo added.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that more than 1.5 million deaths worldwide were attributed to lead exposure in 2021, primarily due to cardiovascular effects. It has also been linked to reduced IQ in children.

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The health risks extend beyond the heart and brain, however. Lead also reduces sperm count and motility, affecting male fertility, further highlighting the need for responsible disposal methods.

When batteries are discarded in landfills or mixed with regular waste, the impact on wildlife and ecosystems is immense. Chemicals from leaking batteries seep into the soil and waterways, poisoning plant and animal life and disrupting food chains.

The effects also trickle down to humans through contaminated water and food.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electronics, are particularly hazardous. When damaged or mishandled, they can short-circuit and cause fires, both in landfills and recycling centers.




Physical damage to batteries can cause leaks of hazardous chemicals to the soil, which may eventually lead to toxins in the human body through food consumption, in addition, the leaks of chemicals can cause fire, especially lithium-based batteries. (AFP/File)

Fires in waste management facilities expose workers to dangerous toxins and can lead to larger environmental disasters.

To prevent such incidents, it is crucial to store batteries safely before disposal. Batteries should be kept away from flammable materials and handled carefully to avoid puncturing or crushing, which could result in hazardous leaks or explosions.

Saudi Arabia has committed to promoting environmental sustainability, including responsible e-waste management and recycling. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is implementing recycling programs and raising awareness about the importance of proper battery disposal.

In 2022, the Saudi government launched various initiatives aimed at enhancing recycling infrastructure, including dedicated e-waste collection points and awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to recycle batteries and other electronic waste properly.

The Saudi Investment Recycling Company is leading these efforts by building the Kingdom’s first integrated e-waste recycling plant.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Many retailers now offer e-waste recycling programs, making it easier to safely dispose of old batteries.

• Used batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from flammable materials, to prevent fire or leakage.

• Disposal instructions should be followed, especially for larger batteries used in industrial equipment or vehicles.

• Educating others about the risks of improper battery disposal helps to protect the environment and public health.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also promoting initiatives that align with global standards for battery recycling, helping to mitigate the harmful effects of hazardous materials on the environment.

Saudi Arabia is also promoting circular economy principles — reducing waste, recycling materials and reusing valuable components from old batteries.

While infrastructure improvements are vital, public awareness of proper disposal methods is equally important.




Retailers and municipalities across Saudi Arabia are increasingly offering waste disposal facilities, but public engagement is key to their success.  (AN file photo)

Batteries should never be thrown in regular trash bins. Instead, consumers must be educated on using designated drop-off locations for battery recycling.

Retailers and municipalities across Saudi Arabia are increasingly offering these facilities, but public engagement is key to their success.

“Batteries should be recycled or disposed of properly at designated facilities to prevent fires and the release of toxic chemicals into the air, water and soil,” Meo said.

Through a combination of government initiatives, public awareness campaigns and individual action, the Kingdom is taking action on e-waste management.
 

 


KSrelief volunteers aim to combat blindness in Ivory Coast

KSrelief volunteers aim to combat blindness in Ivory Coast
Updated 20 sec ago
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KSrelief volunteers aim to combat blindness in Ivory Coast

KSrelief volunteers aim to combat blindness in Ivory Coast

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s Noor Saudi volunteer project to combat blindness and its causes was implemented in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, last month.

During the campaign, which ran for a week, KSrelief's volunteer medical team examined 4,000 cases, performed 406 specialized eye surgeries, and distributed 1,154 pairs of eyeglasses.

The initiative is one of the humanitarian and relief projects carried out by the aid agency to support the medical sector and assist low-income patients suffering from eye diseases in various countries.


‘Simsimiyya’: Saudi, Egyptian musical instrument joins UNESCO’s intangible heritage list

‘Simsimiyya’: Saudi, Egyptian musical instrument joins UNESCO’s intangible heritage list
Updated 05 December 2024
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‘Simsimiyya’: Saudi, Egyptian musical instrument joins UNESCO’s intangible heritage list

‘Simsimiyya’: Saudi, Egyptian musical instrument joins UNESCO’s intangible heritage list
  • Saudi Arabia supported an Egyptian request to inscribe the Simsimiyya on UNESCO’s list 

RIYADH: Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the Heritage Preservation Society, has announced the success of including the Simsimiyya musical instrument in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. 

Saudi Arabia supported on Wednesday an Egyptian request to inscribe the Simsimiyya on UNESCO’s list during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

Simsimiyya is part of Saudi culture in coastal towns, and is used to play traditional music at weddings and festivals alongside songs narrating stories of sailors and social life near the sea, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The Simsimiyya, which is made from a wooden box or bowl lyre with strings, is also famous in Egypt. 

It is the latest Saudi cultural element to be added to UNESCO’s intangible heritage list. Other elements were Saudi Khawlani coffee beans, the art of engraving on metals, the Harees dish, Arabic calligraphy, and the palm tree. 

Simsimiyya has passed down through the generations in Saudi Arabia and become part of the Kingdom’s artistic identity and collective memory, and is still played at cultural and social events, SPA reported.


AlUla’s breeding center announces birth of three Arabian leopard cubs

AlUla’s breeding center announces birth of three Arabian leopard cubs
Updated 05 December 2024
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AlUla’s breeding center announces birth of three Arabian leopard cubs

AlUla’s breeding center announces birth of three Arabian leopard cubs
  • Arabian Leopard Breeding Center saw the arrival of one female and two male cubs this summer
  • The mother of the cubs, Ward, is six years old, and their father, Baher, is 13 years old

RIYADH: The Saudi Royal Commission for AlUla announced the birth of a rare litter of three Arabian leopard cubs on Wednesday as part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to protect endangered species. 

The triplets, two males and one female, were born at RCU’s Arabian Leopard Breeding Center this summer, which is sponsored by the Arabian Leopard Fund. 

This is the third documented birth of the Arabian leopard in 30 years, and the first in Saudi captivity, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The RCU’s breeding center has been at the forefront of preserving this critically endangered species of big cats. 

One of the center’s missions is to protect and safeguard 30 percent of land and sea habitats for species as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.  

The mother of the Arabian leopard triplets, Ward, is six years old, and their father, Baher, is 13.

Baher was brought to RCU’s center in December 2023 as part of a regional exchange program to enhance the genetic diversity of the Arabian leopard breed. 

The triplets were vaccinated and underwent medical examinations to determine their gender, SPA reported. 

Experts at the RCU’s center said that the two males were showing active behaviors through playing and climbing rocks, while the female appeared calmer and attached to the mother. 

The three of them are expected to stay together with their mother for 18 months.  

The RCU’s breeding center is currently sponsoring the care of 32 leopards. 

In 2024, the center saw the birth of five leopards, following seven births in 2023.


Government-backed upskilling program allows trainees to ‘progress at their own pace’

Government-backed upskilling program allows trainees to ‘progress at their own pace’
Updated 04 December 2024
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Government-backed upskilling program allows trainees to ‘progress at their own pace’

Government-backed upskilling program allows trainees to ‘progress at their own pace’
  • MicroX program emphasizes flexibility
  • Supports learners balancing work, personal commitments

RIYADH: A new Saudi government-backed professional upskilling program allows trainees to “progress at their own pace” and tailor their learning for their own individual needs, a program leader told Arab News.

Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program recently launched MicroX, a learning program with tailored educational paths aimed at being compatible with rapid changes in the labor market.

In collaboration with the National eLearning Center, or NELC, academic institutions, industry leaders and Sector Skills Councils, MicroX aims to launch 350 microprograms in partnership with universities and employers in specialized sectors within four years.

Hajar Salman Binasfour, deputy director general for empowerment at the National eLearning Center, told Arab News that the initiative emphasized “flexibility and accessibility to support learners balancing work or personal commitments.

“Programs are designed to offer customizable educational paths, allowing participants to progress at their own pace and tailor learning to their schedules,” she said.

Programs are offered in eLearning mode, providing a focused process of learning skills or competencies that ends with an assessment and a certificate.

“The digital delivery of micro-programs enables access to materials and classes both synchronously and asynchronously, accommodating various time zones and schedules,” she said. “This format promotes a seamless learning experience, supported by digital certification to validate achievements.”

The development of the program consists of three phases, which begin “by identifying skills required by employers and stakeholders, guided by data from Sector Skills Councils and analyzed by NELC,” Binasfour said.

“This ensures programs are grounded in the current and future skill landscape. The councils’ collaboration ensures educational content aligns with real-world applications, maintaining program relevance,” she said. “NELC oversees feedback collection, refining program documents and identifying development areas.”

Phase two consists of refining program content, and securing recognition from academic institutions and industry leaders while integrating feedback.

Binasfour said that programs are developed in collaboration with universities, academic experts and industry specialists, ensuring that content remains relevant and practical.

The last stage, phase three, involves program launches and continuous evaluation. Outcomes of certificate holders are assessed, and employer feedback on program effectiveness.

“Phase three launches, monitors and evaluates programs for effectiveness, with assessments from employers and stakeholders ensuring skills meet market expectations. This multi-phase approach ensures MicroX programs remain dynamic, relevant, and capable of equipping learners for evolving job markets.”

MicroX has collaborated with more than 200 partners, including international universities and employers, and enhances the curriculum development and delivery of the microprograms.

“This network ensures programs are industry-aligned, globally recognized, and meet high academic and professional standards. International universities contribute diverse perspectives, research expertise, and academic rigor, ensuring curricula are current with global trends and applicable both locally and internationally,” Binasfour said. “Academic partnerships introduce innovative teaching methods and specialized knowledge that improve learning quality.”

Employers provide insights into workplace requirements, tailoring content to reflect real-world applications.

“This involvement results in hands-on learning opportunities such as case studies, internships and projects, preparing students for immediate transitions to the workforce.”

The success of the “MicroX” initiative will be assessed through a “combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics,” Binasfour said.

“Key indicators include the employability rate of program graduates and their transition into the workforce with relevant skills. The rate of job acquisition or career advancement among graduates will be a primary measure.

“Alignment of acquired skills with labor market demands will be evaluated through feedback from Sector Skills Councils and industry partners. These groups ensure training programs match current and projected industry needs by gathering employer input and analyzing trends,” she said.

Other metrics include the number of partnerships with employers and academic institutions, and the recognition of micro-programs across sectors.

“Broader economic impacts, such as GDP growth attributed to a skilled workforce and reduced government spending on subsidies due to improved employability, will also be considered.”

Binasfour said that success in fostering innovation was measured by the number of patents, new technologies, or other advancements from program participants.

“Learner engagement, completion rates, and feedback on training applicability provide additional insights into program quality and impact, ensuring the initiative meets market needs and supports long-term workforce development,” she said.


Saudi finance minister meets Croatian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi finance minister meets Croatian counterpart in Riyadh
Updated 04 December 2024
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Saudi finance minister meets Croatian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi finance minister meets Croatian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan met with his Croatian counterpart Marko Primorac at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.

They discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation as well as prominent topics related to global economy and finance, the Saudi minister wrote on X.

He also met separately with his Indonesian counterpart, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and Indian Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, to discuss bilateral relations.