Doha, Qatar: Qatar is making significant strides in advancing its circular economy by expanding the recycling and reuse of construction materials across major infrastructure projects.
The country’s latest sustainability achievements, announced by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), highlight record levels of recycled asphalt, excavation, demolition, and backfilling materials, reinforcing national efforts to enhance resource efficiency, reduce waste, and support the environmental objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Overall, Ashghal recycled 5,571,008 tonnes of construction materials during 2025, achieving an overall recycling rate of 63 percent, more than double its target of 30 percent.
Ashghal said the achievements reflect its continued commitment to environmental sustainability and the efficient use of resources throughout 2025.
The figures demonstrate the successful implementation of circular economy principles, whereby construction materials that would otherwise become waste are recovered, recycled, and reused in infrastructure projects, reducing dependence on virgin raw materials and minimising environmental impacts.
According to the figures shared by Ashghal on X, 49,987 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) were recycled and reused in road construction projects during 2025, achieving a nine percent recycling rate, exceeding the authority’s target of five percent.
In foundation works, Ashghal recycled 766,174 tonnes of excavation and demolition waste, recording a 91 percent recycling rate, substantially surpassing the target of 20 percent. The authority said the initiative has significantly reduced construction waste sent to landfills while maximising the value of recovered materials.
Ashghal also reused 4,498,916 tonnes of excavation and demolition materials in backfilling operations, achieving an 89 percent recycling rate, compared with a target of 20 percent. In addition, 255,417 tonnes of recycled materials were used in pipe and cable bedding works, resulting in a 51 percent recycling rate, well above the authority’s five percent target.
The authority noted that these achievements support Qatar’s transition towards a green and circular economy by promoting sustainable construction practices, conserving natural resources, and reducing the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects.
The latest results are aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, which identifies environmental development as one of the country’s four key pillars. Through the adoption of circular economy practices, Qatar is integrating sustainability into infrastructure development by encouraging the recovery, recycling, and reuse of valuable construction materials.
Over the past decade, Qatar has invested significantly in modern waste management and recycling infrastructure, including specialised facilities for processing construction and demolition waste. These investments have strengthened the country’s capacity to recover millions of tonnes of recyclable materials while reducing landfill disposal and supporting a low-carbon economy.
Alongside Ashghal’s initiatives, government entities have expanded programmes promoting recycling, resource efficiency, treated wastewater reuse, green building standards, and energy-efficient infrastructure, further advancing Qatar’s environmental sustainability agenda.
Ashghal’s 2025 achievements demonstrate how circular economy principles are being translated into practical outcomes across the country’s infrastructure sector. By consistently exceeding its recycling targets, the authority is helping reinforce Qatar’s position as a regional leader in sustainable infrastructure while supporting long-term economic diversification and environmental stewardship.
