Article 8 of the Saudi Waste Management Law

المادة 8 من نظام إدارة النفايات · الفصل الثاني: أحكام عامة

The article prohibits leaving, burying, burning, sinking or throwing waste of any kind in places other than those designated for it, and leaves the controls to the Implementing Regulations.

Official text (Arabic)

This article has not been amended since the law was issued.

يحظر ترك النفايات بأنواعها أو دفنها أو حرقها أو إغراقها أو رميها؛ في غير الأماكن المخصصة لها. وتحدد اللائحة الضوابط اللازمة لذلك.

This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers

Article 8 explained in plain English

This article addresses everyone, individuals and establishments, and sets a general prohibition on mishandling waste.

The prohibited acts, outside the places designated for waste:

Leaving it.
Burying it.
Burning it.
Sinking it.
Throwing it.

The prohibition covers waste of all kinds, so it is not limited to a particular type such as household or hazardous waste. Under Article 1, waste is all materials that are discarded or disposed of and that affect public health or the environment.

The main restriction in the text is the phrase "in places other than those designated for it". What is prohibited is not disposing of waste in itself, but doing so outside the designated places. The Implementing Regulations set the controls needed for this.

Practical examples include dumping construction debris on vacant land, burning waste in open country, or leaving rubbish after an outing. The article itself does not mention a penalty for these acts.

The article is linked to Article 7, which transfers ownership of waste to the State when it is placed in designated containers, near them or in public places for storage or safe disposal sites. It is also linked to Article 9, which obliges the Center to prepare the comprehensive strategic plan for waste management.

If you have a practical case relating to this provision, it is best to consult a lawyer who specializes in environmental and administrative laws.

Practical example

After renovating his house in Qassim, Salman considered getting rid of the construction debris by dumping it on vacant land outside the neighborhood. This act is prohibited under this article, because it is throwing waste in a place other than those designated for it, and he must dispose of it in the designated places according to the controls of the Implementing Regulations.

Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.

How we write and review content

Criminal Law lawyers: ask a specialist about your case

Describe your situation briefly and we'll suggest a lawyer who specialises in this law