Morocco suspends waste imports after huge controversy over deal with Italy

Morocco decided on Thursday to suspend waste imports after huge controversy over a deal with Italy.

An agreement to import waste from Italy to Morocco for energy production by a cement plant has stirred heated controversy in Morocco this week.

Thousands of Moroccans signed a petition demanding the annulment of the agreement, and the Ministry of Environment's attempts to reassure the public did not allay rising tensions.

The Moroccan government said it will suspend the use of the current waste cargo imported from Italy until the investigations finish to take a final decision on this matter, government spokesperson Mustapha El Khalfi said at a press briefing following the weekly cabinet meeting.

The agreement angered ecologists and civil society members who fear the country will become Europe's dumping site.

The Ministry of Environment attempted in vain to reassure the public that the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) waste is used as fuel and its import is legal.

It explained that imported RDF waste is a harmless industrial energy source, but failed to convince local associations and subdue their discontent.

The RDF is produced by shredding and dehydrating solid waste via waste converting technology.

The Moroccan Coalition for Climate Justice called on the government to publish all the agreement-related documents in order to ensure compliance with local regulations and international protocols. Endit