Event
Washington, DC
16 - 19 Sep
NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum 2025
Our head of operations for MEA, Bassem Idriss, shares his thoughts and insights from the region on the pressing topic of remediation and how soil washing technology can help lead the way in this space.
Our purpose - to create our best world, a ton at a time - is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment to finding smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable ways to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Having project-managed the integration of CDE wash plants into the world’s largest soil remediation initiative in Kuwait, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation in wet processing is redefining environmental remediation - delivering scalable, efficient, and sustainable solutions to some of the most complex contamination challenges.
The Hydrocarbon Challenge
One of those challenges is hydrocarbon contamination. Whether caused by industrial activity, conflict, or natural disasters, oil-contaminated soil and sand pose serious risks to ecosystems, human health, and economic development. Traditional remediation methods like thermal desorption and bioremediation have their place, but they come with limitations - high energy use, slow processing times, and sensitivity to climate conditions.
That’s where soil washing comes in. At CDE, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with teams across the Middle East, where we have been pioneering this approach, delivering major projects in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In Kuwait, our equipment has helped treat over eight million tonnes of contaminated soil - part of the world’s largest anthropogenic oil spill cleanup. In Saudi Arabia, we’ve delivered a state-of-the-art wash plant that’s now processing a wide range of oily waste materials, proving just how adaptable and effective this technology can be.
These projects have shown that soil oil washing works with greater than 10% tonnes per hour or less than 1% tonnes per hour levels of contamination.
The Benefits of Washing
What makes washing so effective is its versatility and efficiency. Our semi-mobile systems can process anything from 25tph up to 250tph, with low energy requirements and fast deployment. The semi-modular design means we can relocate and scale as needed, making it ideal for remediation projects. And with a return on investment averaging just 16 months, it’s not only environmentally sound - it’s economically viable!
We’re seeing a real shift in the industry. More and more, companies and governments are looking for alternatives that balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.
Washing offers that balance.
- It reduces long-term environmental liabilities
- Supports regulatory compliance
- Enables the recovery of high-grade, contaminant-free materials with a significantly lower carbon footprint.
Helping to Shape the Future
In Saudi Arabia, this aligns perfectly with Vision 2030. The country has set ambitious goals for sustainability, including diverting 81% of municipal solid waste and 60% of construction and demolition waste from landfill by 2035. Our partnership with waste management companies in the region is helping to drive that transition, showcasing the potential of low-ESG remediation solutions.
The impact goes beyond just cleaning soil. In Kuwait, the washed soil is being reused for backfill, enabling revegetation and redevelopment. In Saudi Arabia, it’s being repurposed for low-cost landfill or future construction. This is the circular economy in action - turning waste into a resource and restoring land for future generations.
As someone who’s witnessed the impact from the ground, I genuinely believe washing works. It’s not just a technology - it’s a mindset. One that prioritises sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
As we continue to expand our presence across the Middle East, I’m proud to lead a team that’s helping to shape the future of soil remediation.
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