Adopting Circular Economy Models for Healthcare Waste Management: Issues and Prospects in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The current research explores key determinants of the uptake of circular economy (CE) principles in healthcare waste management in Saudi Arabian healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a mixed-method exploratory research strategy from 165 respondents including healthcare practitioners, waste management professionals, and regulatory officials. Findings show that the key challenges to CE adoption are infrastructural constraints, poor regulatory enforcement, financial constraints, and technological integration limitations. Though awareness of CE principles is present, actual application is low, particularly in rural or small facilities. Smart waste monitoring, automated segregation, and policy-based incentives were identified as main enablers by the participants. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 was considered to be promising for sustainable waste management strategies, although gaps exist in local implementation and institutional preparedness. This study contributes new findings to the intersection of healthcare sustainability, national policy, and environmental conservation in Saudi Arabia.