Algerian Town Aims to Introduce Selective Waste Sorting

The municipality of Oued Ghir in Algeria has announced plans to introduce selective waste sorting in a bid to improve the living environment and preserve the environment. The initiative, which aims to promote a culture of waste sorting at source, will begin with the collection of cardboard and paper from local businesses. A designated person has been appointed by the municipality to collect these materials from commercial premises.

In a note addressed to local business owners, the President of the Oued Ghir Municipal People's Assembly (APC) explained that the designated person will collect cardboard and paper from businesses, provided they are separated from other waste and folded for easy handling. The goal is to ensure the success of this operation and promote a culture of responsible waste management among residents and businesses.

The designated agent will also conduct regular tours of the neighborhoods to monitor the implementation of the selective waste sorting initiative. The municipality has emphasized that its long-term priority is to move towards waste valorization, which involves converting waste into valuable resources. This project is expected to create employment and wealth while reducing waste.

As part of the waste valorization project, each neighborhood in Oued Ghir will be equipped with special bins for collecting plastic PET and PHD products. The management of these waste materials will be entrusted to young unemployed people, providing them with job opportunities and helping to reduce waste in the town.

To ensure the success of the selective waste sorting initiative, the municipality plans to distribute a guide to residents, providing them with clear instructions on how to sort their waste effectively. This move is expected to encourage residents to take an active role in waste management and promote a culture of environmental responsibility.

However, the Oued Ghir municipality has expressed disappointment over the limited funding allocated to it under the 2020 Communal Development Plan (PCD). The municipality received only 17 million Algerian dinars (approximately $125,000 USD) for a population of 35,000 inhabitants, which the municipality considers "derisory and insignificant."

Despite the funding challenges, the Oued Ghir municipality remains committed to implementing its waste management projects, including the selective waste sorting initiative and the waste valorization project. The municipality hopes that with the support of residents and businesses, it can create a cleaner and healthier environment for the community.

Key points

• The municipality of Oued Ghir has appointed a person to collect cardboard and paper from local businesses as part of its selective waste sorting initiative.
• The municipality plans to equip each neighborhood with special bins for collecting plastic PET and PHD products, which will be managed by young unemployed people.
• The municipality received limited funding of 17 million Algerian dinars under the 2020 Communal Development Plan, which it considers insufficient for its waste management projects.