Sorted waste collected from the pilgrimage sites will be sold to companies that handle recycling.
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Thousands of cleaners were busy separating plastic from other rubbish as more than two million Muslims wrapped up a pilgrimage to Makkah that presents a huge environmental challenge for Saudi Arabia. The Mamuniya camp in Mina was dotted with colour-coded barrels — black for organic waste and blue for cans and plastics for recycling. It was all part of an initiative to reduce the environmental footprint of the haj, one of the world’s largest annual gatherings. More than 42,000 tonnes of waste is produced during the pilgrimage, according to Mohammed al-Saati, head of sanitation for the Makkah municipality. “We’re facing some real challenges, primarily the sheer volume of waste produced … along with the number of pilgrims, the limited space around the holy sites, different nationalities and the weather,” Saati said. “Islam as a religion does not encourage excess,” he added. “Pilgrims can be friends of the environment. It starts by raising awareness back home.”
The Haj drew nearly 2.4 million Muslims from around the world this year, according to official Saudi figures. More than 13,000 sanitation workers and supervisors were hired during the pilgrimage season, which saw temperatures rise to 44 degrees Celsius.
A handful of camps in the town of Mina, the site of the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual during Haj, began to implement plans to turn “green”, cutting back on waste and encouraging pilgrims to do their part. Banners hanging near the Kaaba also featured the recycle logo this year. Authorities aimed to cut waste volumes by two-thirds by 2030, Saati said, with a plan that speaks to both environmental ethics and religious belief.
Sorted waste collected from the pilgrimage sites will be sold to companies that handle recycling. All proceeds will be given to charity in standing with the Muslim belief in “sadaqah,” or voluntary donations.
Signs encouraging pilgrims to sort their waste could be seen across the Mamuniya camp — along with signs reading “Sadaqah, not litter.” “The idea of an environmentally friendly camp is really important to us, to preserve the sanctity of the site,” said Hatem Mumena, the camp’s general manager.
(Extracted from thejakartapost.com)
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