China’s experience in municipal solid waste management –Lessons learned for Algeria

Abstract

Recently, by observing Algerian market, we find that the Chinese products are cornering this market. Since the living standards have risen in Algeria, as well, the purchasing power has increased too. Therefore, this led to the increasing amounts of municipal solid waste in Algeria. And it reached 10 million tons in 2011 and it is projected to reach 18 million tons by 2030. In Algeria, most of waste is treated by open-dumps, uncontrolled dumps and landfill. However, all these methods cause air, water and soil pollution, which is harmful to human health, plants, and animals. Moreover, most developed countries seek to manage waste with minimum negative impacts and provide the natural resources for future generation by reducing the use of these natural resources and reuse and recycle it as most as possible through applying 3R principle (reduce, reuse, recycle). In addition, China has effective experiences in 3R principle. Since Algeria benefit from the consumption of Chinese goods, and as China has efficient waste management; hence, Algeria also can benefit from China’s experiences in this area. In this context, this research paper will present different methods using in municipal solid waste management in China especially in reducing, reusing and waste recycling. Through analyzing the different methods and policies used by Chinese government in managing waste, this research can conclude some healthy methods and ways to reduce and get rid of Algerian waste.