Exploring Waste Tyres Problems and Sustainable Waste Management in the Tunisian Context

Abstract

Aims and Place of Study: Waste tyres represent one of the environmentally damaging fractions of the solid waste stream in Tunisia, where the problem of inefficient waste tyre management is endemic. This is easily identified by the piles of accumulating tyre waste located on both sides of many streets and in illegal places. therefore, the efficient management of this solid waste category is important given the large quantities generated annually. The difficulties represented by waste tyres in waste management stem from the physical and chemical characteristics of the tyres. Significant environmental problems can also arise due to improper management and disposal of waste tyres. However, in many Global South countries, including Tunisia, the management of waste tyres has not received adequate interest, and the waste tyres' processing, treatment and disposal are still nascent. Methodology: This study attempts to establish the actions of stakeholders who have the responsibility for waste tyre management as an aspect of solid waste in Tunisia. This study also assesses and analyses important aspects of waste tyres management in Tunisia. A combination of two methods is employed in the present investigation: qualitative and quantitative, to determine the factors influencing the effective performance of tyre waste management practice in Tunisia. Data for the present research study was gained using relevant published literature, scientific journals, academic sources, other third sector sources such as government statistical data, and research derived from governments and other agencies and field observations. In addition to the semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in waste management, other interviews with actors including governmental, private, academic institutions and NGOs were carried out. Results and Conclusion: The outcomes of this investigation and assessment are a wide-range outline concerning the participants that are important in tyre waste management and a set of aspects affecting the management of waste tyres. The information provided by this study is very critical for reviewing and updating the methods and tools to update waste tyres data and trends to improve tyre waste management system efficiency and suggesting management options of recovering and recycling this waste stream that is most sustainable and beneficial to the environment from a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective, for the Tunisian context. About current Tunisia’s waste tyre management systems, they have to be improved by introducing specific legislation, with sustainable finance, on the disposal of waste tyres and forming schemes to oversee and manage the country's waste tyre activities. The research has enabled the researcher to produce a set of recommendations to improve the management of waste tyres sustainably in Tunisia.