Oman’s Initiatives in Plastic Waste Management and Recycling

Oman has launched significant projects to advance environmental sustainability, with particular focus on plastic waste recycling and management. Led by the Environment Authority (EA), the efforts began in North Batinah through programs that promote responsible plastic waste disposal and recycling.¹
The Sultanate envisions “promoting environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste, improving waste management practices, and encouraging public participation in recycling efforts”.² This initiative aims to preserve natural resources, improve environmental cleanliness, adopt best practices in waste management, and encourage investment in plastic recycling.³

To implement the vision, Oman has adopted multiple public policy tools and strategic partnerships, including:

• Regulatory Measures: Such as the phased plastic bag ban to reduce plastic waste.⁴
• Organizational Strategies: Partnerships with businesses such as Sohar International Urea and Chemicals Company to improve waste collection systems.⁵

Key examples of Oman’s initiatives include the Oman’s Environment Authority (EA) launch of a plastic waste recycling program in December 2024, which began with the installation of 15 recycling bins in North Al Batinah.⁶ Additionally, Green Muscat Investment and Development Company plans to open Oman’s largest PET recycling facility between July and September 2025, with a processing capacity of up to 200 metric tonnes per day.⁷ Oman also increased its national recycling rate to over 40% in 2024, up from 34% in the previous year; meanwhile, EA implemented 151 environmental projects addressing pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and waste management.⁸
Oman’s plastic recycling initiatives prioritize environmental responsibility, innovation, and public engagement. They encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices,⁹ leverage modern recycling technologies to repurpose plastic waste,¹⁰ and raise awareness while involving businesses and individuals in responsible waste management.¹¹

The EA’s projects address the risks of plastic waste accumulation by promoting safe recycling practices, supporting the local economy, and reducing pollution. Additionally, Oman is encouraging investment in plastic recycling infrastructure, such as PET recycling facilities, to create a more sustainable economy.¹²

These initiatives benefit local communities, businesses, and the ecosystem by enhancing environmental cleanliness, creating new opportunities in the recycling sector, and reducing plastic pollution in urban areas and coastal regions.¹³
Key stakeholders in these recycling initiatives include Oman’s EA leading policy implementation and oversight. Private sector partners like Sohar International Urea and Chemicals Company and Green Muscat Investment and Development Company play a critical role in supporting implementation. Local communities are also central to the success of these initiatives, as their active participation drives the success of recycling programs and allow them to benefit from improved waste management systems.^{14 15}