Promoting sustainable development through waste recovery: The case of Jijel in Algeria

The current article assesses existing functional modalities of waste management and valorization in Algeria, as well as their current roles in the dynamic of sustainable development, on the basis of state-of-the-art circular economy international best practices (Germany, Sweden, China and Japan.). The work was carried out based mainly on the data of the National Waste Agency (ANSD), from the year 2013 to 2022. Special interest was given to the Wilaya of Jijel. The analysis shows that municipal waste management has significant performance gaps, inadequate source separation of recyclables, and proportional poor logistical coverage (where logistics do exist) for successful waste valorization. Growth and cumulative change indicators provided valuable insights for measuring different components of waste generation dynamics, and observing general periods of rapid change in waste generation. International comparison showed that advanced countries have already strategically implemented strict regulations on sorting, recycling, and to a lesser extent, waste to energy, in waste management, with similar robust public and private sector disposal realities equally applied. By contrast, Algeria continues to struggle to find solutions for these issues, with valorization rates being consistently very low compared to international standards, despite legal and social instruments for action. In conclusion, recommendations were made on how to build enough necessary waste management infrastructure; stimulate, encourage and stimulate local government and community actions; support true opportunity for innovation and investment; and overcome the cultural barriers to awareness/action environmental and social, with full community concerted action and support action. Our ultimate goal is trigger genuine transition to a circular economy based on sound waste management principles where waste is considered as a value which contributes to better quality of life, and individual and societal well-being.