The importation of non-hazardous waste into Morocco has sparked criticism of the authorities. To clarify the situation, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development wanted to emphasize the importance of these imports for the national economy and the environment. Framed by a strict legal framework and international standards, these imports contribute to the circular economy by recovering waste in industrial and energy processes. This system generates economic benefits, reduces polluting emissions, and supports job creation, while strengthening sustainability.
Morocco has recently been at the heart of a debate regarding the importation of non-hazardous waste. Information and criticism circulated in the media and on social networks, targeting the administrative and governmental authorities responsible for managing the energy and environment sectors. A need to clarify the situation and provide an overview of the importance of these imports for the national economy, as well as their role in promoting the circular economy and protecting the environment, is made to feel.
A strict legal framework and rigorous regulations
The ministry stressed that the importation of non-hazardous waste into Morocco is governed by a strict legal framework, guaranteeing that these operations comply with international and national standards to protect the environment and public health. These imports are governed by the provisions of the Basel Convention, which Morocco has ratified, as well as by national laws such as Law No. 00-28 relating to waste management and their elimination.
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According to these legislative texts, the importation of non-hazardous waste requires authorizations from the competent authorities, on the basis of strict procedures including the presentation of technical documents and analyzes proving that these wastes are neither harmful to the environment nor to public health. Since 2016, 416 licenses have been granted to companies that import this waste to recover it in industrial or energy processes.
Morocco sources mainly from European countries with advanced sorting and processing systems, ensuring that imported waste is of high quality and non-hazardous. Despite media controversies, Morocco imports a relatively small amount of waste compared to other similar economies.
The role of non-hazardous waste in promoting the circular economy
The circular economy is a modern concept aimed at reducing waste and maximizing the use of resources. The importation of non-hazardous waste is part of this logic, because these wastes are used as raw or complementary materials in various Moroccan industries.
For example, plastic and metal waste and used tires are recycled to make plastic pipes for drip irrigation, plastic crates, or to produce alternative energy in cement kilns. This process not only contributes to reducing the consumption of imported raw materials, but also to reducing polluting emissions linked to the use of fossil fuels.
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On the other hand, the importation of this waste constitutes a profitable and inexpensive operation for economic actors. Although importation generates initial costs, the use of these wastes in production or energy recovery processes generates economic benefits by reducing production costs and optimizing the use of resources.
Multiple economic and social benefits
The importation and recovery of non-hazardous waste are essential pillars to support the national economy. In addition to their environmental role, these activities strengthen Morocco’s green and circular economy by creating new jobs and improving the trade balance.
Estimates indicate that the importation and valorization of non-hazardous waste creates more than 9,500 direct and indirect jobs in the metallurgical industry, with forecasts reaching 60,000 jobs by 2030. Additionally, it reduces Morocco’s dependence to imported raw materials, using waste as a substitute for expensive or rare materials. For example, using scrap tires as an alternative fuel in cement plants can reduce energy bills by more than $20 per ton of fossil fuel, thereby easing pressure on foreign currency reserves.
In addition, the use of these wastes in industrial processes helps reduce emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, thereby improving air quality and preserving the environment. According to studies, the use of these wastes significantly reduces emissions of certain pollutants, compared to the use of traditional fossil fuels.
Sustainability and innovation in waste management
The importation of non-hazardous waste is not limited to economic and environmental benefits, but also encourages innovation and sustainability in various industrial sectors. Morocco seeks to adopt sustainable practices in waste management by developing new recycling and recovery technologies, which strengthens the competitiveness of national industries and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals.
In this context, non-hazardous waste recovery sectors are part of a national strategy aimed at promoting the green economy and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. These sectors cover 13 different sectors, with significant potential to create added value for the national economy, by improving the trade balance and creating new jobs.
The importation of non-hazardous waste into Morocco is therefore part of a strategic vision aimed at balancing economic development and environmental protection. Despite criticism, Morocco remains committed to applying strict standards guaranteeing the safety of these operations and maximizing benefits for the economy and society.
With this in mind, Morocco aspires to strengthen its leading role in the field of the circular economy and sustainability, by optimizing the use of available resources and ensuring sustainable development for the well-being of future generations.
