Informal sector of recovery recyclable waste in Morocco: Case of Mohammedia

摘要

The average rate of solid waste collection in Morocco goes well beyond 70% in urban areas. Almost all of this waste is transported to uncontrolled landfills without source sorting and without any management of waste receptor sites. Managing household waste at source (sorting and recovery) is currently the main concern for all municipalities. Recovery and recycling of reusable products generate a significant added value estimated at several million dirhams per year, a source of income for several thousands of people, mostly from the poorer classes. The present study aims at giving an in-depth diagnosis of solid waste recycling activities in the city of Mohammedia, to show that solid waste is a source of raw materials that must be exploited. Indeed, upstream and downstream sorting is practiced through unorganized rag pickers and waste collectors challenging the expected valorization of such waste.