Recycling bins have been placed at more than 300 locations across the kingdom as part of efforts to improve waste management and raise public awareness, a top official confirmed.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak yesterday confirmed that Bahrain is on track towards achieving its environmental goals.
He made the remarks on the eve of National Environment Day, celebrated annually on February 4. This year’s slogan is ‘We Restore It ... to Revive It’, which embodies a clear awareness message reflecting the importance of recycling and reuse in revitalising and preserving the environment.
Mr Al Mubarak noted that this occasion represents an important milestone for reaffirming the kingdom’s commitment to environmental protection, consolidating the principles of sustainable development, and enhancing community awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
“Bahrain accords the highest importance to environmental issues within the framework of the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
“National Environment Day represents an opportunity to strengthen awareness, deepen societal commitment to environmental protection, and highlight ongoing government efforts to ensure a sustainable and safe environment for future generations.
“Environmental protection and the promotion of sustainability constitute a firmly established national priority, reflected in the various programmes and initiatives implemented by the kingdom.
“The aim is to conserve natural resources and effectively address climate change in a manner that demonstrates Bahrain’s commitment to its environmental responsibilities at both the national and international levels.”
Mr Al Mubarak stated that the ministry has set up recycling bins for household waste at 300 locations across the kingdom.
GDN earlier reported that at least 279 tonnes of recyclable waste were collected through sorting bins from January to October 2025. The materials included 209 tonnes of paper and cardboard, 28 tonnes of plastic, 28 tonnes of glass, and 14 tonnes of metals. Cleaning companies, in co-operation with local recycling firms and non-governmental organisations, are recycling the waste collected from these bins.
The ministry has been playing a central role in promoting recycling and circular economy concepts through a number of initiatives and projects aligned with this year’s slogan.
“Construction waste recycling operations are progressing steadily in accordance with approved plans,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
“This is alongside the continued recycling of agricultural waste and its conversion into organic fertiliser used to support afforestation and agricultural projects. This enhances environmental sustainability and reduces the impact of waste.”
Another prominent initiative aimed at protecting the environment is the National Afforestation Plan, which aims to double Bahrain’s tree count from 1.8 million to 3.6m by 2035. The plan has contributed to the expansion of green areas, improving quality of life, and supporting Bahrain’s commitments to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Mr Al Mubarak noted that the kingdom is well on track to achieving its goal, with 2.4m trees already planted, representing 67 per cent of the overall target.
He also highlighted the role of the Bahrain Mangroves project, which has played a major part in raising environmental awareness of mangrove trees and their vital role in protecting coastlines and enhancing biodiversity.
The initiative, led by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, aims to quadruple the number of mangrove trees in Bahrain by 2035.
The minister commended the pivotal role of His Majesty’s Personal Representative and Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa in advancing environmental action. He praised the council’s policies and initiatives that strengthen sustainability, encourage recycling and waste reduction, and reinforce community partnership in environmental protection.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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