Algeria facing its waste: management tools and barriers towards what perspectives?

Abstract

Nowadays a real environmental concern by the Algerian authorities through the development of several measures. Nevertheless, despite the taking of numerous regulatory, institutional and operational measures, the management is inoperative, particularly in the treatment component. The aim of this article is to highlight the situation and the perspectives of the management of household and similar waste (DMA) in Algeria and a reflection on the solutions. Analysis of data provided by Algerian organizations and national and international references to understand the barriers that prevent sustainable waste management despite the efforts of the state.

The result shows that of the 13 million tonnes of waste produced in 2018 only 1% of waste is composted, around 10% is recycled, 82% is eliminated (NWA, 2019). A multitude of obstacles namely the implementation of legislation, lack of technical know-how and the lack of specialized skills in municipal structures.

The move from illegal landfill to technical landfill (CET) and controlled landfill (DC) paved the way for waste recovery and the emergence of a circular economy. The forecast for the 15 years (2035) is to reach 50% in composting and 25% in recycling (SNGID, 2035). The study recommends the professionalization of the sector and the development of public-private partnership as well as the use of the integration of skills training in the university (professionalizing master's degree).