Background and Context 

Location: Casablanca, Morocco 

Resource Stream: Municipal solid waste (MSW), organic waste, and industrial waste 

Challenges: Casablanca faces significant challenges, including over-reliance on landfills, insufficient recycling facilities, and unregulated dumping. The city has limited infrastructure for material recovery and struggles with informal waste management practices, including waste picking by vulnerable groups. 
 

Technologies/Methods Used 

Casablanca employs a range of innovative technologies and approaches:

• Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF): Geocycle processes municipal and industrial waste into SRF, which serves as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for energy-intensive industries. 
• Grinding and Bio-Drying Systems: These technologies enhance landfill efficiency by extending lifespans and reducing environmental impact. 
• Integrated Sorting Centers: Under Casa Baia, centralized facilities for waste sorting and material recovery are being developed to improve recycling rates. 
• Digital Waste Tracking: Plans to implement digital systems for waste monitoring and collection optimization. 
   

Implementation Steps 

• Land Allocation: The municipality dedicated 260 hectares for waste treatment plants and sorting centers, with a $396 million budget for infrastructure development. 
• Private Sector Collaboration: Geocycle and Averda have been instrumental in waste pre-treatment and collection, integrating modern practices into the city's waste management system. 
• Policy and Frameworks: National initiatives, such as the Coalition for Waste Valorization (COVAD), support public-private cooperation in waste management and circular economy promotion. 
• Community Engagement: Efforts to formalize and include waste pickers have improved livelihoods while enhancing waste recovery practices. 
   

Outcomes and Impacts 

Casablanca’s initiatives have resulted in both quantitative and qualitative impacts: 

• Environmental Gains: The production of SRF and other recycling initiatives have reduced landfill waste, limiting soil and groundwater pollution. Bio-drying systems have improved landfill efficiency, extending their operational lifespan. 
• Economic Benefits: The integration of private companies has boosted investments in waste management, while green job opportunities have expanded through formalizing waste picker activities. 
• Social Impact: The inclusion of informal waste workers has improved working conditions, providing stability and recognition for vulnerable groups. 
   

Lessons Learned 

Casablanca’s experience demonstrates the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing urban waste challenges. Innovative technologies like SRF and centralized sorting centers show significant potential for scalability. However, achieving higher recycling rates requires greater investment in infrastructure and community engagement. The focus on integrating informal workers has highlighted the social benefits of inclusive waste management policies.