Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali said on Monday that “rigorous administrative procedures govern the import permits for non-hazardous waste,” noting that 416 permits have been issued since 2016.
In response to a question during the oral question session at the Lower House on “the impact of waste importation on the environment and health,” Benali pointed out that “the Ministry grants three types of import permits for this waste, while the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued additional permits.”
“Requests for these permits come from national industrial companies seeking to meet their needs for raw materials and energy,” the Minister noted, adding that these permits include used tires, plastics, and textiles.
She also stated that “the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal regulates the waste import process, which Morocco has ratified.” The minister also mentioned the ongoing discussion around circular economy, recycling, and the recovery of non-hazardous waste.
Benali highlighted that “the circular economy is a cornerstone of the national sustainable development strategy, developed through a series of consultations at regional and local levels.” “Recycling and recovery of non-hazardous waste are central to the interests of the new generation of economic players.”
The minister urged Moroccan companies that import such waste to adhere to energy efficiency standards and environmental preservation.