Solid Waste Management in the City of Al-Bayda: Towards Sustainable Solutions for Enhancing Environmental Efficiency

Abstract

Al-Bayda city is in the Green Mountain region in eastern Libya and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Its population is estimated at around 230,000, and it produces more than 160 tons of waste daily, most of which is household waste. The municipal sanitation department is making significant efforts to manage and quickly dispose of this waste, yet many challenges remain.
    
This study aims to analyze the practical reality of waste management in Al-Bayda and identify the main obstacles facing the system. Several procedures were followed to analyze the quantities of waste produced, sorting processes, and daily volume measurements, by monitoring the operations of waste collection trucks.
The study concluded that the city's waste management system requires a comprehensive update, including improvements in collection, transportation, and disposal methods. This should be achieved by establishing a permanent administrative structure based on qualified personnel and modern equipment. The study also recommends introducing new technologies for waste collection and storage, as well as raising public environmental awareness about the importance of household sorting and encouraging regulated recycling practices. It emphasizes that implementing a well-structured state plan would require only limited resources compared to the expected benefits.