.jpg?20260702')
Bahrain could soon introduce smart recycling machines that reward residents with instant cash points for recycling plastic and aluminium, as authorities explore adopting a successful model already rolled out in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
The possibility emerged during the closing sessions of Bahrain’s Smart Cities Summit held over two days at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, where Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Municipalities Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa confirmed that the kingdom is actively studying the Saudi experience as part of its wider drive towards smarter and more sustainable cities.
“The Saudi model is one of the examples we are interested in,” said Shaikh Mohammed. “But all options remain on the table at this stage.”
He explained that authorities are still examining the finer details before any rollout can happen, with several legal and technical points yet to be resolved.
“The mechanisms are still under study, and we are currently seeking a ruling on waste ownership alongside reviewing technical, administrative, financial and operational aspects,” he said.
The machines in question are Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), already introduced by Riyadh Municipality in partnership with Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), a subsidiary of Public Investment Fund.
Installed across parks and public spaces in Riyadh, the machines allow residents to deposit used plastic bottles and aluminium cans in exchange for instant reward points, while supporting the kingdom’s ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability agenda.
Bahrain officials believe the concept holds serious promise.
Public cleanliness acting director Ammar Abdulkarim said the technology could play a major role in modernising waste management systems, although several concepts would first need to be tested locally.
Meanwhile, Northern Municipal Council follow-up and co-ordination head and environmental specialist Dr Mahmood Al Afia believes Bahrain should ‘think even bigger’.
“The opening slot on the Saudi machines is designed for two types – plastic and aluminium – and this will have to be worked on if we want to up the game.”
He suggests adding paper and wood recycling options, as well as for other waste products.
The next step may come sooner rather than later.
Estadamah household waste regulation operations head Abdulhamid Al Saie confirmed officials are preparing a fact-finding mission. “A visit will be arranged to Saudi Arabia,” he said. “We will work on a timeframe for implementation whenever all components are inked.
“If approved, Bahrain’s streets and parks could eventually feature a new generation of smart machines – turning discarded bottles and cans into instant rewards while pushing the kingdom deeper into the future of sustainable urban living.”
The GDN reported last month that Northern Municipal Council’s environmental and sustainable development specialist Dr Mahmood Al Afia said that the kingdom produces around 1,600 tonnes of household waste daily, including approximately 400 tonnes of food waste.
He said food waste alone is estimated to cost Bahrain more than BD95 million annually, and this waste increases dramatically during Ramadan and religious occasions, with daily waste volumes rising to approximately 600 tonnes per day, compared with an average of 400 tonnes daily throughout the rest of the year.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))