The environmental sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is facing several challenges today. MENA is facing several challenges today: the main ones are climate change, water scarcity, and solid waste management. The increase in the quantity of waste has become a daily problem for everyone in the world.
This is also the case in MENA countries, especially in the absence of an adequate and sustainable management system. Population growth in urban centers, planning deficiencies, lack of proper disposal, limited collection services, use of inappropriate technologies, and inadequate financing are considered to be the main obstacles facing the solid waste management sector in the region. In addition to the organic fraction, which accounts for most of the solid waste generated, the amount of packaging waste, especially plastic, is increasing exponentially.
This guide is designed to be used primarily at the national level; however, the approach can be adapted to include decision makers at the local level. Private sector stakeholders, as well as academics, researchers, and NGOs, can use this guide to develop solutions tailored to the contexts of their respective countries and regions.