Title: A modern waste management strategy for reducing urban air pollution in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Authors: Abdullah Alsaluli

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Taif University, Alhuwaya District, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Urban air pollution is a global problem and poor air quality has a negative impact on health. Existing waste management practices in Taif, Saudi Arabia, significantly contribute to increasing levels of air pollutants and steps must be taken to reduce air pollution levels. The purpose of this study was to develop effective modern waste management strategies to reduce air pollution in Taif based on a circular economy of prevention, reuse and recycling. The city's current waste collection, sorting and recycling practices relative to population density and pollution exposure were evaluated and found to be inadequate. The study used correlational hospital studies and community time series analysis to highlight the relationship between respiratory diseases and air pollutants. To achieve better air quality in Taif, solid waste collection in densely populated areas must be improved by increasing the number and use of on-street recycling containers and specific waste collection sites.

Keywords: air pollution; circular economy; respiratory diseases; Saudi Arabia; Taif; waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2023.131147

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2023 Vol.31 No.4, pp.514 - 524

Received: 04 May 2020
Accepted: 13 Oct 2020
Published online: 01 Jun 2023 *

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