Characterization and Integrated Management of Municipal Waste in Tizi-Ouzou Villages (Algeria)

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the management of municipal solid wastes in the region of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria). The evaluation of the current waste management plan and the quantitative and typological characterization of the waste deposit allowed us to highlight the inadequacy of the adopted strategy considering the specificities of the region: both in terms of topography, eccentricity and dispersion of villages and dwellings and in terms of resources. The results of the characterization reveal that over 60% of the waste is organic waste. Our proposed solution involves sorting waste at the household level and transporting it to sorting-composting areas. Following an extensive period of awareness-raising efforts and collaboration with village committees and local associations, we have observed encouraging levels of cooperation from residents. As a result, 67 of the 1500 villages in the region of Tizi-Ouzou have adopted this new plan since 2014. Our study highlighted the efficiency of an integrated and participatory waste management strategy. Therefore, we strongly recommend involving local communities in waste management practices, as this approach produces better results.