Morocco unveils ambitious waste recovery plan to drive circular economy

MOROCCO – The Kingdom of Morocco has launched a comprehensive waste recovery plan aimed at transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.

Unveiled by Leila Benali, Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the National Household Waste Recovery Plan (2024–2025) commits 1.88 billion dirhams (€180 million) to build infrastructure, rehabilitate old landfills, and promote sustainable waste recovery practices across the country.

With household waste volumes rising steadily, Morocco’s outdated and often poorly regulated disposal practices are under growing pressure.

The new strategy seeks to overhaul the sector through improved governance, targeted investment, and greater involvement of local authorities and communities.

At its core, the plan targets 100% professional collection and cleaning of domestic waste, while also boosting local technical capacity.

Over the next two years, Morocco will construct 50 provincial waste disposal and recovery centers and close 233 unregulated landfills, many of which have posed environmental and health hazards.

“This action plan aims to significantly improve waste management outcomes by creating a structured framework for local authorities and modernizing essential services,” said Minister Benali.

The plan builds upon the 2019 National Waste Reduction and Recovery Strategy, which set 2030 targets for recycling 20% of household waste and 25% of industrial waste, recovering 10% of waste for energy and controlling 60% of construction and demolition waste.

To coordinate implementation, a formal agreement was signed in December 2024 between the Ministries of Energy Transition and Interior and Morocco’s 12 regional governments. It allows municipalities to develop selective waste collection systems with state support.

However, challenges remain. Weak governance in under-resourced regions, limited private sector accountability, and gaps in monitoring mechanisms could slow progress.

The plan’s success will depend on real local engagement and a shift in waste-related behaviors.

Energy recovery is a key focus. A separate agreement with the cement industry aims to reduce landfill volumes by 45% and produce 660,000 tonnes of alternative fuels by 2030.

Yet concerns linger over industrial emissions and the environmental impact of waste-to-energy processes.

To address hazardous waste, Morocco is developing systems for batteries, lubricating oils, and e-waste, building on a 2019 agreement for IT equipment recovery. Efforts are also underway to expand plastic, paper, and tire recycling initiatives.

Beyond environmental gains, the plan is expected to generate green jobs, particularly by integrating informal waste pickers into formal recycling networks through dedicated social support schemes.

As Morocco aligns its efforts with global sustainability commitments, its circular economy strategy stands as both a national imperative and a regional example.

Still, achieving its ambitious targets will require sustained financing, regulatory reform, capacity-building, and public engagement.

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