Characterization of solid waste from commercial activities and services in the municipality of Annaba, Algeria

Physical characterization of waste from commercial activities and services was carried out during two seasons (dry season, summer and rainy season, winter) in 2017. A sample for each activity was selected for waste collection at source, taking into account the division of Annaba municipality into 5 administrative sectors and 315 districts. On average over the two seasons, commercial activities and services in Annaba produce a daily quantity of 9,54 Tons/Day, it is composed mainly of organic matter with 45% of the quantity, paper: 23%, plastic: 18%, 7% metal and 3% glass, as well as minute quantities of fine matter, combustibles, textiles, special waste, composites and non-combustible materials. The quantity and composition of waste vary according to the type of activity, catering, and food trade activities are the most important generators of waste. Variations in the daily quantities and waste composition of certain activities according to sectors and seasons have been observed; these variations could be influenced by several factors, such as the number of inhabitants, the attractiveness of the city center and the attractiveness of tourism. Organic matter, plastic, paper/cardboard, metal, glass, and textiles are considered as waste to be valorized, composting organic waste and paper remains the first solution to be implemented in waste management plans. Nevertheless, recycling for the other components seems just as interesting. This study highlights the sources of waste production and makes local authorities aware of the need to better organize waste management. Implications: A physical characterization of solid waste from commercial and service activities in the municipality of Annaba has made it possible to provide a database on an unknown source of commercial waste, to determine its recovery potential and to identify its source of generation, which should help to overcome data gaps and enable local decision-makers to better assess and anticipate waste management: The aim is to resize collection methods by focusing on selective sorting and to consider new perspectives for waste recovery in order to reduce landfilling.