From Landfill to Circular Economy: Oman's Waste Management Transformation
March 15, 2026By OSW News by Swathi Suresh
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The Scale of Oman's Waste Challenge
Oman's engineered landfills received approximately 3.1 million tonnes of waste in 2024, marginally up from 3 million tonnes in 2023. National waste management company be'ah (Oman Environmental Services Holding Company) attributes the increase to population growth, expanding commercial activity, and improved waste collection coverage across all governorates. While the rise in landfilled waste reflects infrastructure progress, more waste is now being collected safely, it also underscores the urgency of transitioning from disposal to a resource recovery model.
Waste Generated: ~3.1 million tonnes deposited in engineered landfills in 2024 (be'ah Annual Report) 2030 Target: Divert 60% of waste from landfills; increase to 80% by 2040 Jobs Created: More than 2,300 direct jobs generated through circular economy initiatives to date
be'ah and the Circular Economy Strategy
Be'ah's mandate has expanded significantly beyond traditional waste disposal. The company is now at the centre of Oman's circular economy transition, investing in recycling, treatment, and waste-to-resource initiatives in partnership with the private sector. In the construction and demolition sector, be'ah has identified over 32 sites nationally, including 10 resource recovery facilities equipped with industrial crushers that produce reusable gravel and sand — directly reducing demand for virgin materials in infrastructure projects.
A pivotal Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant in Barka is under development, designed to process 4,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily and supply electricity to the national grid. A memorandum of understanding with Raysut Cement has enabled the supply of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) as an alternative energy source for cement production, reducing both landfill volumes and industrial emissions. Lead-acid battery recycling has been enhanced through a partnership with Althail Metal Recycling, while a digital e-marketplace for recyclable materials trading is being developed to improve market transparency and efficiency. Be'ah has also launched the Eco-Innovate Oman Accelerator, supporting Omani startups working on sustainability, circular economy, and clean technology — nurturing an innovation ecosystem around waste challenges unique to Oman's geography and climate. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, be'ah is conducting a national study to assess Oman's overall circular economy potential and formulate enabling policies.
National Local Content Policy and ESG Alignment
Oman's National Local Content Policy (2024–2030) aligns closely with circular economy objectives by promoting local supply chains, supporting SMEs in government procurement, and encouraging domestic sourcing of materials and services. The country's industrial zones, in Sohar, Duqm, Salalah, and Al Mazunah are strategically positioned to integrate recycling, repurposing, and green manufacturing within existing industrial clusters. ESG frameworks introduced by the Oman Investment Authority provide further institutional support for the circular transition across the investment landscape.
Barriers and the Road Ahead
Despite this progress, Oman faces real structural barriers. Policies related to waste, industry, education, and procurement remain largely siloed, limiting the scalability of circular initiatives. There is currently no Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, meaning producers have limited financial incentive to reduce packaging waste at source. Domestic demand for recycled materials remains low, depressing investment in local recycling facilities. Oman's geographic spread and relatively low population density also create logistical challenges in building economically viable recycling systems at scale.
