KU-Wataniya Head Recycling Project

By Nawara Fattahova, Kuwait Times

May 5–KUWAIT — Few companies in Kuwait undertake the responsibility of recycling waste paper which contributes toward uplifts the country from environmental degradation. The Kuwait University, (KU) in cooperation with Wataniya Telecom held a press conference yesterday on waste paper recycling. It was held at KU’s Engineering and Petroleum College.

According to international statistics, Kuwait consumes more paper in relation to its geographic size and population. “We know that paper causes environmental pollution in Kuwait because it is not disposed properly. It is not recycled for reuse, thereby protecting the environment and natural resources,” noted Dr. Osama Al-Omair, head of the project.

The idea of establishing a recycling center originated from this, “This center will be considered the country’s cultural landmark. We need financial support to realize this project. Here, the role of the private sector comes into play. They can participate by supporting such projects. They help protect the environment significantly,” he added.

The project’s first stage will be launched with the support of Wataniya Telecom, in association with the Time Challenging Co. “We have already finished the trial stage, where we gathered information and statistics helping us collect the necessary number of boxes to stack up paper. This will be distributed at the Engineering and Petroleum College,” he added.

Officials plan to expand the project in the future, “We aim to establish a full-fledged recycling center that can process materials like paper, glass, aluminum and metal during the second stage. We want to spread the project to all of KU’s colleges during the third stage,” he concluded.

Talking about the project’s relevance during current times, Dr. Taher Al-Sahaf, Dean of the Engineering and Petroleum College said, “It will set an ideology and environmental agenda for the staff and the students from the Engineering and Petroleum College. They will take the initiative to keep the college’s surroundings clean and preserve the environment at the same time,” he said.

There is considerable awareness in Kuwait regarding recycling. It is also seen that recycled paper is used again. This is the best utilization of waste materials helps which are otherwise left untapped.” Al-Sahaf added.

Wataniya Telecom is spearheading the cause of recycling, “Lending support to different authorities for serving the society better is one of our most important priorities. We will back this project to control the pollution problem which affects everybody in Kuwait,” noted Abdulaziz Al-Balool, PR Manager, Wataniya Telecom.

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