Waste Volume in Morocco Could Reach 12 Million Tons by 2020 (Report)

Rabat, 09/12/2016 (MAP) – The volume of waste in Morocco could reach 12 million tons by 2020, almost double the rate compared to 2014, said the 2017 strategic report of the Royal Institute of Strategic Studies (IRES).

According to the World Bank, the economic costs of environmental degradation in Morocco, linked to poor performance in solid waste management, account for almost 0.5% of GDP, as household and similar wastes are directly landfilled, in black spots or in watercourses, without any form of treatment or control, the report said.

Despite Morocco’s efforts, the recycling of waste remains limited and does not exceed 10% at the national level. Concerning medical and pharmaceutical waste, it is estimated at 21,000 tons per year.

To remedy the situation, the document stressed the paramount importance of setting up appropriate mechanism and tools and strengthening national capacities for the treatment and recycling of waste, as part of the development of the circular economy.