Hazardous waste management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has become a critical environmental, economic, and public health issue, shaped by rapid industrialization, demographic growth, urban expansion, and increasing consumption patterns. Hazardous waste, defined as waste exhibiting toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable properties requires specialized handling, treatment, and disposal systems to prevent harm to ecosystems and human health [1]. Globally, between 300 and 500 million tonnes of hazardous waste are generated annually, reflecting the scale of the challenge [2]. Within the MENA region, although comprehensive data remain fragmented, available evidence suggests that hazardous waste streams are rising significantly due to industrial development, oil and gas activities, healthcare expansion, and the growth of chemical industries.
The broader waste management context in MENA provides an important backdrop. The region generates more than 155 million tonnes of waste annually, with per capita generation exceeding the global average, and projections indicate a near doubling by 2050 if current trends persist [3]. However, only about 10% of waste is recycled or recovered, while approximately 67% is mismanaged, often through open dumping or uncontrolled landfilling [3]. Hazardous waste, though representing a smaller fraction by volume, poses disproportionately higher risks due to its toxicity and persistence. ESCWA reports highlight the lack of harmonized data and inconsistent reporting across Arab countries, making regional estimation difficult and indicating institutional weaknesses in monitoring systems [4].
Key Challenges
One of the defining challenges in hazardous waste management in MENA is the insufficiency of regulatory and institutional frameworks. While many countries have adopted legislation aligned with international conventions such as the Basel Convention and regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on hazardous substances transport, enforcement remains uneven. Scientific studies highlight gaps in legal frameworks, limited compliance monitoring, and weak institutional coordination as major barriers [5]. In several countries, hazardous industrial waste is still mixed with municipal solid waste, reflecting inadequate segregation practices and limited awareness among generators and operators [5]. This practice increases environmental contamination risks, particularly for groundwater and soil.
Financial constraints further exacerbate the situation. Waste management systems in MENA are often underfunded, with investments primarily directed toward collection rather than treatment or safe disposal. The World Bank estimates that the region currently spends about USD 7.7 billion annually on waste management, a figure that would need to triple by 2050 to achieve sustainable systems [3]. Hazardous waste treatment facilities such as incinerators, secure landfills, and physico-chemical treatment plants require high capital and operational expenditures, which many countries struggle to mobilize. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), widely used in Europe, remain underdeveloped in many MENA countries, limiting access to advanced technologies and operational expertise.
In contrast, benchmarks from the European Union (EU) illustrate the effectiveness of integrated hazardous waste management systems. The EU generates around 100 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually, representing about 4% of total waste, and has developed comprehensive regulatory frameworks emphasizing the waste hierarchy ; prevention, minimization, recycling, recovery, and safe disposal [6]. Strict tracking, classification, and reporting systems have improved treatment outcomes and reduced environmental impacts. This model provides a valuable reference for MENA countries aiming to strengthen governance and regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure gaps remain a major constraint in the region. Many countries rely heavily on landfilling, often without adequate environmental safeguards such as liners, leachate collection, or landfill gas management systems. This is particularly problematic in arid regions where groundwater resources are scarce and vulnerable to contamination. Industrial hubs, especially in oil-producing countries, generate hazardous streams such as oily sludge, chemical residues, and heavy metals that require advanced treatment technologies. While some countries have invested in modern facilities, others still lack basic infrastructure.
Major Opportunities
Despite these challenges, the MENA region presents important opportunities, particularly within the transition toward a circular economy. It is estimated that up to 83% of waste could be reused, recycled, or recovered [3]. Certain hazardous waste streams, such as used oils and solvents, can be valorized through recycling and energy recovery. European operators such as Indaver demonstrate how integrated systems combining treatment, recovery, and safe disposal can be both environmentally and economically viable. Such models could be adapted through technology transfer and regional partnerships.
Regional cooperation offers another strategic opportunity. Given disparities in infrastructure and expertise, shared treatment facilities and regional hubs could improve efficiency and reduce costs. ESCWA and UNDP emphasize the importance of harmonizing regulations and promoting knowledge exchange across countries [4]. The Basel Convention framework already provides a basis for controlled transboundary movement of hazardous waste, which could be leveraged more effectively.
Digitalization is also emerging as a key enabler. The lack of reliable data is a recurring issue in the region [4]. Implementing electronic tracking systems, similar to those in the EU, would improve transparency and enforcement. These systems allow real-time monitoring of hazardous waste flows from generation to disposal, reducing illegal practices and enhancing accountability.
Capacity building remains essential. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and UNDP have supported training programs in environmental governance and hazardous waste management [7]. Strengthening institutional capacities, training professionals, and raising awareness among industries and the public are critical for improving practices. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular, require targeted support to manage hazardous waste safely.
Public awareness and stakeholder engagement are equally important. In many MENA countries, knowledge of hazardous waste risks remains limited. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, successfully implemented in Europe, could help shift responsibility upstream and encourage eco-design and waste reduction.
Climate change considerations further highlight the urgency of proper hazardous waste management. Poor practices contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation, while also exacerbating vulnerabilities in water-scarce regions. Integrating waste management into climate strategies can unlock additional financing and align with international commitments.
Economically, improving hazardous waste management offers significant benefits. Environmental degradation costs in the Arab region are estimated at up to 0.5% of GDP [8]. Investments in modern systems can generate jobs, recover valuable materials, and reduce healthcare costs. The sector already employs hundreds of thousands of workers, and formalization could enhance productivity and social inclusion.
Technological innovation is another key driver. Advanced treatment technologies such as high-temperature incineration, plasma gasification, and chemical stabilization provide effective solutions for various hazardous waste streams. Research and development, supported by universities and international partnerships, can adapt these technologies to regional conditions.
Bottom Line
Hazardous waste management in the MENA region faces substantial structural challenges but also presents significant opportunities for transformation. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, investing in infrastructure, enhancing data systems, and fostering regional cooperation are essential steps. Learning from international benchmarks and leveraging partnerships with global organizations can accelerate progress. Ultimately, improving hazardous waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic opportunity for sustainable development and economic resilience in the region.
References
[1] US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), Waste Identification (Hazardous Waste Identification under RCRA), Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, available at: https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/web/html/index-57.html
[2] UNEP & ISWA, Global Waste Management Outlook, 2015.
[3] World Bank, Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa, 2022.
[4] ESCWA, Compendium of Environment Statistics in the ESCWA Region, 2011.
[5] Kaza, S., Yao, L.C., Bhada-Tata, P., Van Woerden, F., 2018. What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050. World Bank, Washington, DC.
[6] European Environment Agency (EEA), Hazardous waste generation and treatment in Europe, EEA Report No 17/2016, 2016.
[7] UNEP, Basel Convention Technical Guidelines on Hazardous Waste Management, updated editions.
[8] ESCWA, Innovative and Appropriate Technologies for Waste Management in the Arab Region, 2015.
