Only 8% of household and similar waste is recycled and recovered in Tunisia, while 20% is dumped in nature and 70% is buried in landfills described as “controlled,» according to data published by the Ibn Khaldun Forum for Development (FIKD). These figures illustrate the poor management of waste, despite its economic importance, particularly in terms of renewable energy production. Tunisia produces nearly 2.8 million tonnes of household and similar waste and almost 350,000 tonnes of industrial waste classified as hazardous. One third of this waste should be treated in an environmentally sound manner. According to the document, the rest of this industrial waste remains largely stored near factories. The hazardous waste treatment centre in Jradou (Zaghouan governorate) has been closed since the 2011 revolution due to the refusal of the local population. Household and industrial waste continues to be a major source of unhygienic conditions in both urban and rural areas, and of deterioration of the environment and quality of life. The forum focused on the lack of systems for quantifying, characterising and analysing waste, both nationally and within municipalities, despite huge efforts. It added that waste management as it is currently practised, especially at the institutional and organisational level, is one of the main obstacles to promoting efficient waste management. The FIKD proposed the development and implementation of a global, integrated management strategy that would promote the reduction and recovery of waste, and that would effectively involve all stakeholders, namely municipalities, environmental structures, the population, businesses, consumers, the media and research institutions. It also recommended the introduction of a waste management fee for all producers, based on the quantities and qualities produced.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse