Jubail—the heart of Eastern Saudi Arabia’s industrial might and home to one of the world’s largest industrial cities—is a hub for manufacturing, petrochemicals, steel production, and more. With such heavy industry comes a constant generation of scrap materials: steel slag, aluminum offcuts, copper wiring, and other metal remnants.
Industrial scrap recycling in Jubail matters—not just financially, but environmentally and economically—especially as the city continues to grow under Saudi Vision 2030. Here’s why recycling scrap is vital for Jubail’s future.
Driving Recycling in One of the World’s Largest Industrial Cities
Jubail Industrial City is one of the largest industrial zones globally, accounting for nearly 7% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP. With such scale, sustainable waste management isn’t optional—it’s essential.
The Jubail Industrial Waste Management and Recycling Project, led by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, demonstrates how industries can turn high volumes of waste into reusable resources. Established programs include strict inspection, recycling mandates, and partnerships with local manufacturers.
The Scale of Saudi’s Industrial Scrap Markets
The industrial scrap market in Saudi Arabia was valued at approximately USD 21 billion in 2022, with expectations to reach USD 37.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of about 7.5%.
Meanwhile, the ferrous scrap segment alone is projected to grow from USD 1.38 million in 2024 to USD 2.15 million by 2033, fueled by major infrastructure projects and Vision 2030’s emphasis on local recycling.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Conservation of Resources & Energy
Recycling metals like steel and aluminum reduces the need for mining virgin raw materials. Aluminum recycling, for instance, uses only 5% of the energy needed to produce it from bauxite.Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1 Steel recycling similarly cuts down energy use and CO₂ emissions.
Supporting Local Manufacturing
Much of Saudi industry—including automotive, building materials, and petrochemicals—now relies on recycled metal to meet demand. The scrap sector supports a growing circular economy and helps maintain supply resilience.GMI Research
Regulatory Compliance
New rules from the Ministry of Environment (through MWAN and SASO) require proper segregation and recycling of industrial waste. Jubail’s waste management protocols are especially stringent, ensuring compliance and minimizing environmental risk.IMARC Group
Jubail as a Model for Industrial Recycling
- The Royal Commission’s educational campaigns in schools, colleges, and industries have helped raise public awareness and drive recycling participation.UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
- Facilities in Jubail use advanced sorting lines, sensor-based separation, and electric arc furnace (EAF) systems that convert scrap steel into low-carbon output.HackMD+2IMARC Group+2IMARC Group+2
These practices support the Kingdom’s goal of processing 100 million tonnes of waste by 2035 and diverting more than 82% of it into reusable material streams.IMARC GroupP&S Intelligence
How Local Businesses and Facilities Can Participate
1️. Sort Scrap Internally
Industrial facilities should separate metals at source—ferrous from non-ferrous—for better processing and higher payback.
2️. Partner with Certified Industrial Scrap Collectors
Work with licensed agencies operating in Jubail to ensure lawful recyclability and accurate weighing.
3️. Use Feedback Loops
Facilities should submit recycling data to municipal authorities, showcasing compliance and supporting national recycling KPIs.
4️. Encourage Continuous Improvement
Join programs at Jubail Regional recycling centers that offer workshops and advisory support to reduce scrap volumes and improve handling.
Recycling Scrap as a Strategic Asset
In Jubail, industrial scrap recycling is no longer optional—it’s strategic. As the city grows, it’s essential to manage waste responsibly through recycling and reuse. This not only aligns with environmental regulations but also fuels resource efficiency, job creation, and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Want to learn how your facility can benefit from industrial scrap programs in Jubail? Contact our Industrial Scrap Recycling Hub, designed to help businesses request pick-ups and track recycling metrics.
