Tunisia and Japan Launch Pilot Project in Béja to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Household Waste

Tunisia and Japan have launched a pilot project in Béja aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated by household waste. The initiative leverages Japanese Fukuoka technology, applied to a waste treatment cell at the Béja waste treatment facility.

Innovative Aeration System to Reduce Methane Emissions

Inaugurated on Friday, October 2, 2026, by Environment Minister Habib Abid, in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to Tunisia Saito Jun, the project involves installing an aeration system within the waste cell. This system enables continuous air circulation without requiring additional energy consumption.

The primary objective is to accelerate the decomposition of organic waste, thereby reducing methane production and emissions. Methane is one of the main greenhouse gases emitted from the waste sector. According to the Ministry of Environment, one ton of methane has a climate impact equivalent to approximately 28 tons of CO₂.

Aligning with National Climate Goals

This project is part of Tunisia’s broader efforts to meet its national climate objectives while testing technologies that could be scaled up for wider waste management applications.

Additional Sanitation and Infrastructure Projects

The ministerial visit to Béja also covered several ongoing sanitation projects, including:

• Completion of the Oued Zarga Wastewater Treatment Plant: This includes 21 km of sewer networks and the connection of 1,200 residential units.
• Connection of 500 Residential Units: In three popular neighborhoods, improving access to sanitation services for local communities.

Future Plans for 2027 and Beyond

Authorities have outlined further plans for 2027, which include:

• Sanitation improvements in four additional neighborhoods.
• Renewal of equipment at the Teboursouk, Testour, and Nefza treatment stations.
• Development of new wastewater treatment plants in Goubellat and Zahret Medine.
• Ongoing sewer network construction in Goubellat, which currently stands at 80% completion.

Continued Pollution Control Efforts

The Ministry of Environment confirmed that control operations targeting pollution sources in the Medjerda river basin will continue. These efforts involve a coordinated team comprising the Ministries of Environment, Interior, Health, and Agriculture, ensuring a comprehensive approach to environmental protection and public health.