Summary

As part of this collaborative effort, Sohar University, in partnership with be’ah through the EJAAD platform, addressed the growing challenge of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generation in Oman. With e-waste levels rising globally and locally, and with the recycling infrastructure in Oman still underdeveloped, this project aimed to generate foundational knowledge to support a more structured and sustainable approach.

The primary objective was to develop a WEEE composition analysis by dismantling and characterizing components, along with conducting a national quantitative assessment of WEEE generated across different regions of Oman.

The study generated important insights and practical outcomes:

• Household WEEE Patterns: Higher-income and larger households in areas such as Muscat and North Al Batinah own more electronic devices, resulting in higher volumes of WEEE.
• Recyclable Material Insights: Key recyclable materials identified included steel, plastic, copper, and printed circuit board (PCB) metals, revealing both economic opportunities and environmental benefits.
• Educational Initiative: Students were trained in e-waste dismantling and recycling, building practical skills and awareness around sustainable waste management.
• Geographic Differences: Urban areas showed higher WEEE generation due to greater electronic usage, while rural areas showed lower output, suggesting the need for tailored waste collection and management strategies.

This initiative supports resource recovery, enhances national waste management strategies, and contributes directly to Oman’s circular economy objectives. By combining education, research, and industrial collaboration, the project lays a strong foundation for a more sustainable and innovative e-waste management system in the Sultanate.

Research Team Members:

Principal Investigator:

Co-Investigators:

· Osama Ibrahim - Sohar University

Other Team Members:

· Mariam AlShibli - Sohar University