The challenge
Since 2002, waste management in Tunisia has become less and less efficient, despite the existence of Eco-Lef, a state-run system for the disposal of packaging. Increasing volumes of waste and a sharp decline in landfill capacities have underscored Tunisia’s need to develop its waste management toward a sustainable circular economy. However, the country has lacked the relevant experience and know-how to be able to set up a waste disposal system with effective extended producer responsibility and secure financing. At the same time, Tunisia has experienced a decline in its political stability. It has spent periods without a government, and policy and administration responsibilities have changed frequently, with the result that decisions and reforms have been postponed again and again.
For cyclos and envero, two companies specialising in waste management solutions and especially EPR systems, the project was intended as a gateway to the markets of the Maghreb, as other countries face similar challenges and specific project experience confers major advantages.
Project approach
The project aimed to produce a draft law that would, among other things, ensure long-term financing for measures such as the development of collection logistics and the creation and operation of sorting and recycling facilities, independently of municipal funds. The costs of the system would be borne by the companies that sell packaged goods on the Tunisian market.
The following activities are just some of those implemented between 2017 and 2021, with a total budget of almost EUR 375,000:
- Analysis of weaknesses in the existing system – including an international comparison of other EPR systems; awareness raising among the relevant actors; and development of proposed solutions
- Development of an EPR model with the waste management sector
- Getting the companies whose packaging contributes most to environmental pollution to participate and assume the main financial burden
- Drawing up proposals for a draft law
GIZ supported the project with its local networks, while cyclos and envero applied their sector expertise, led the stakeholder dialogues, and then prepared the draft law.
Working with the national waste authority, producers, ministries and civil society representatives, we have succeeded in raising some key points for the further development of the Eco-Lef law, which the various actors are willing to support. Now we’re hoping for calmer political conditions that will make it possible to pass the law.
Tunisia has good institutional structures that provide the basis for sustainable waste management and the circular economy. The further development of Eco-Lef in line with international approaches could contribute significantly to establishing responsibility, securing financing for recycling and disposal, and alleviating the burden on responsible ministries and municipalities.
Results
Key elements of a framework law for the introduction of an EPR system have been agreed and submitted to the national waste authority ANGed (Agence Nationale de Gestion des Déchets) and the GIZ office in Tunisia. Their inclusion in the legislative process will be pursued as soon as the country’s political situation allows. The project also supported the Ministry in developing an integrated waste management strategy that includes a circular economy with EPR as the main instrument.
For their part, the two consulting firms have benefited from the chance to network with key players and expand their country-specific know-how in Tunisia, which they intend to use profitably for future projects in North Africa.
develoPPP Classic
develoPPP Classic is aimed at medium-sized and large companies that want to invest sustainably in a developing or emerging country and expand their operational activities locally. Suitable projects receive technical and financial support of up to two million euros in public funding.
Project partners
