In the peripheral areas of Casablanca, where the air is thick with heavy fumes and the soil bears the marks of chronic pollution, a disturbing reality emerges behind official narratives on ecology. According to a survey published on Monday, February 2, by the institutional site Journalism Fund, the European “circular economy,” touted as a sustainable solution, is accompanied by a far less virtuous phenomenon: the massive export of waste to countries like Morocco, under the guise of reusable goods or industrial scraps.
The mechanism, described as “a new scheme of codependence,” relies on a simple logic: what Europe no longer wants to manage at home crosses the sea to be treated elsewhere, in less costly and less regulated conditions. Officially, these are goods intended for recycling or reuse. In reality, the survey indicates a strategy that allows European companies to reduce their disposal costs while transferring environmental and health risks to countries with weaker regulations and oversight.
Waste Declared as Goods
According to the cited data, Morocco plays a significant role in this system. Since 2016, over 2.5 million tons of European waste have reportedly entered the country. A significant portion of these flows is recorded as reusable clothing, representing 93% of the volumes, yet declared at extremely low values, around €0.10 per kilogram. For the survey, these amounts do not correspond to a normal trade of second-hand goods: they rather suggest that companies are paying for a “clean-up” service disguised as a commercial transaction.
This practice hinges on a blurry line between what is considered a product and what falls under waste. The survey highlights the existence of regulatory “grey areas,” where certain customs codes allow non-recyclable, even hazardous materials, to be passed under categories that evade strict environmental controls. The waste then changes its status on paper, crossing the border as an ordinary commodity.
Mediouna: A Symbol of Human and Health Costs
In Mediouna, a commune near Casablanca, the reality described contrasts sharply with the narrative of virtuous recycling. According to Journalism Fund, air pollution in the region greatly exceeds thresholds recommended by the World Health Organization, affecting around 14,000 residents, including hundreds of scavengers working without protective gear.
The survey also warns about groundwater contamination. Very high levels of cadmium and excessive concentrations of nitrates are reported, illustrating a direct risk to public health and water resources. Beyond the unbreathable air, a long-lasting pollution of soil and water is thus being established, with potentially irreversible consequences.
Underestimated Climate Impact
The problem extends beyond visible waste. A satellite study from 2025 cited in the survey reveals a significant gap between reported emissions and actual observed emissions, particularly regarding methane. The Casablanca landfill would thus be classified among the sites where releases are most underestimated. Methane is a particularly potent greenhouse gas, intensifying the climate dimension of this crisis.
An Unrelenting Economic Logic
At the heart of the system lies an economic rationale. According to the estimates mentioned, treating a ton of waste in Europe would cost around €100, compared to €36 in Morocco. This discrepancy can be explained by looser procedures and less strict protection requirements, making waste export financially attractive.
The survey also highlights an accelerating effect leading up to a European ban on waste exports to non-OECD countries set for 2026. In this context, Morocco reportedly requested as early as the beginning of 2025 to remain among the allowed destinations, even as shipments have intensified.
Between Ecological Discourse and Environmental Dumping
Ultimately, what the survey describes is a profound gap between the vocabulary of the “circular economy” and a more brutal reality: a transfer of pollution, health risks, and water pressure to less protected territories. Behind the promise of responsible recycling lies a mechanism of environmental dumping, where Morocco increasingly finds itself in the role of a receptacle.
The question at hand is not just about trade or recycling but about environmental and health sovereignty. As the country continues to import what others refuse to handle at home, it risks paying a far higher price in the long run than what is reflected in customs invoices.
