Towards pursuing its strategy: be’ah closes down a Million m2 traditional dumpsite, the biggest in the Sultanate

Over the years, the traditional dumpsite and negative waste disposal practices, such as traditional dumping of waste in open areas and waste burning, in Al Buraimi Governorate has been causing several hazardous problems for the environment and human health, these problems include random fires that cause air pollution. Not to mention the overall dissatisfaction among citizens and residents who live nearby the dumpsite.

Prior the closure of Al Buraimi site (Source: Be'ah).

To tackle these environmentally damaging problems, Oman Environmental Services Holding Company “be’ah” closed down one of the largest traditional dumpsites in the Sultanate. With an area of 1 Million m2 and poor waste management processes that lasted for two decades, the traditional dumpsite’s operations in Al Buraimi came to an end in July 2017. The closure project included closing the dumpsite, composing and reducing the amount of waste at the site, and finally covering the site with a thick layer of soil. It was replaced with an engineered landfill designed according to international standards. Plans are in place to rehabilitate the old dumpsite.



It is noteworthy that the project is part of be’ah’s strategy to control environmental damage incurred during traditional waste dumping processes. In this matter, the company has shut down more than 200 traditional dumpsites since 2015 and more closure projects are in progress. The company’s strategy also includes structuring the waste sector and its related services in a sustainable manner, developing the industry, and supporting the national economy. In addition, be'ah works on moving towards sustainable waste management practices as per the international standards by establishing the required infrastructure, restructure the municipal waste collection services and improve public awareness of waste management.

A bird-view aerial picture of Al Buraimi site after its closure.

About be’ah:

Oman Environmental Services Holding Company S.A.O.C “be’ah” was established in 2007. In 2009, Royal Decree No. 46/2009, granted be’ah the mandate and the legal status as the entity responsible for solid waste management in the Sultanate of Oman. be’ah strives towards a vision to conserve the environment of a beautiful Oman for future generations. be’ah’s main objectives are to control environmental damage incurred during traditional waste dumping processes; structure the waste sector and its related services in a sustainable manner; develop the industry; and support the economy. The company acquired three Integrated Management System (IMS) certifications (ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 1400: 2015, and OHSAS 18001: 2007).

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