Smart Management Of Household Waste Using Artificial Intelligence In Urban Areas: A Promising Sector In The Circular Economy – The Case Of Oran

Abstract

Cities are a key component in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, as they inhabit more than 55% of the world’s population and contribute over 70% of global carbon emissions. In this context, the need to integrate sustainable urban planning and waste management is essential as a pivotal strategy for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)[1], and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Waste management is a cornerstone in the transition from the traditional linear economy to the circular economy, which is defined as “a regenerative industrial economic system that aims to preserve the value of products and materials for as long as possible by giving them a second life.[2]” Oran is the second capital of Algeria and a major economic and commercial hub, placing it at the forefront of national economic activity. Oran is experiencing profound demographic and economic transformations. Its population has exceeded 1.5 million, and its urban expansion has accelerated, supported by various development projects. This has been accompanied by significant environmental challenges that threaten the achievement of sustainable development goals.

It is a model of accelerated urban transformation in the Mediterranean region and, like other cities on both shores, it faces increasing climate risks. Studies indicate that unregulated urban expansion in Oran has consumed more than 35% of the agricultural land surrounding the city over the past decade[3]. Furthermore, the percentage of green spaces does not exceed 2.5 square meters per capita, far below the World Health Organization’s standards (12 square meters per capita)[4], which impacts the deterioration of infrastructure, ecosystems, and the quality of urban life.

Oran produces more than 0.8 kg of household waste per person per day, at an annual rate of nearly half a million tons. Despite ongoing efforts, the recycling rate does not exceed 5% of the total waste produced, with approximately 2% to 5% of plastic, 0.2% of metals, and 0.5% of cardboard and paper.

Oran represents a case study of the complexities of household waste management in major Algerian cities. The city suffers from a deteriorating urban landscape due to rapid urban growth, a weak infrastructure for sorting at the source, and a near-total reliance on technical landfills, which in turn face saturation issues and the risk of environmental contamination. Collection and transportation operations also pose another obstacle due to a shortage and deterioration of vehicles, the insufficient quantity and quality of containers, and their poor distribution, leading to waste accumulation, especially in densely populated and unorganized neighborhoods. The human factor also plays a major role in complicating the process (through the lack of sorting at the source at the household level). Oran also lacks organic composting units, with the exception of two: one at the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in El Kerma and the other at the technical landfill center in Hassi Bounif. There are also no centers or units for producing bioenergy or exploiting waste and lost biogas from technical landfill centers. This reflects Algeria’s lagging behind in waste management and renewable energy exploitation, despite Algeria’s attempts to encourage investment in renewable energy through the new Investment Law 22-18 on investment in Algeria. In light of these challenges, Oran can adopt an integrated planning approach aimed at improving waste collection (quantitatively and qualitatively) into separate functional recycling companies and cooperatives or local communities. This allows them to operate under sanitary conditions and receive legal protection, thereby integrating them into the circular economy, improving their social status, and ensuring their health and safety.

Oran also has the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of other Mediterranean cities, such as Marseille (France) and Barcelona (Spain), as they are very similar in geographical, urban, and economic characteristics. This allows for the adoption of innovative waste management technologies and the building of effective partnerships with the private sector, research institutions, and local authorities, thus promoting sustainable urban governance and environmental resilience.