National Center for Waste Management (MWAN)

The National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN) is a new development initiative for regulating and overseeing waste management activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.^{1 2} Headquartered in Riyadh and established by Cabinet Resolution No. 457 dated 11/8/1440H n 2019, it represents a central institution that focuses on strengthening governance, encouraging investment, and improving service quality while building a sustainable waste management system that aligns with national development priorities.^{3 4}

The centre envisions the waste sector as “a driver of sustainability by embedding circular economy principles into its operations”. Its vision to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transition toward sustainable development.^{5 6}
The project aims to regulate and professionalize waste management, improve the sector’s investment appeal, encourage responsible behaviours, increase compliance, drive digital transformation, and maximise data benefits; all consistent with the broader focus of Saudi Vision 2030 of creating a vibrant society and a more sustainable economy.⁷

To implement its vision, NWAN delivers a comprehensive regularity and operational framework as a national master plan for waste management.^{8 9} This framework includes the following oversight tools:

• Licensing systems for companies and facilities working in the waste sector.¹⁰
• Standards for the import and export of waste materials to ensure environmental safety.¹¹
• Regulations for collection, sorting, transportation, processing, storage, and disposal.¹²
• Investment promotion schemes that attract private-sector involvement, excluding sensitive sectors such as radioactive, nuclear, or military waste.¹³

The plan integrates sustainability by emphasizing compliance with international standards,^{14 15} promoting digital transformation, and fostering innovation in waste treatment and recycling.¹⁶

The National Centre for Waste Management is governed by a board of directors chaired by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.¹⁷ It collaborates with a wide array of stakeholders, including government departments, municipal authorities, waste management companies, private investors, and academic institutions.¹⁸

Since its establishment in 2019, NWAN has transitioned from institutional setup to full operation. The initial phase focused on creating regulations and licensing systems, followed by oversight of waste operations and the launch of investment promotion mechanisms. The ongoing phase emphasizes innovation, digitalisation, and advanced sustainability practices. Future phases are expected to further scale up circular economy models and expand the integration of research-driven technologies across the Kingdom.¹⁹