Tunisia’s Capital Joins National Initiative to Collect and Recycle Used Cooking Oil
Illustration generated by artificial intelligence
The municipality of Tunis has recently signed up for the national program for the collection and valorisation of used domestic oils. The move aligns with the Tunisian government’s pledge to cut carbon emissions and curb waste generation.
Key Points announced on 25 February 2026
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of collection points | 120‑liter containers will be installed in apartment buildings and residential complexes that have a managing syndicate, after signing dedicated collection agreements. |
| Large‑scale receptacles for households | Big bins will be distributed to residents so they can store used vegetable oil for later processing within the circular‑economy framework. |
| Incentive app launch | A new mobile application will let citizens create personal accounts, earn points based on the quantity of oil they deliver, and exchange those points for rewards such as cleaning products. This aims to boost participation and lower environmental impact on everyday life. |
| Call to action from waste‑management authorities | Abir Sassi, Director of Recycling and Valorisation at the National Waste Management Agency, urged citizens—especially housewives—to collect used vegetable oil, avoid pouring it down drains, and deliver it to authorised collection, transport, recycling and valorisation facilities. |
| Scale of the problem | Tunisia generates ≈ 88 000 tonnes of used oil waste annually, with 60 % (≈ 50 000 tonnes) coming from households. |
Why This Matters
- Carbon reduction: Proper oil recycling prevents greenhouse‑gas emissions associated with improper disposal.
- Circular economy: Turning waste oil into biodiesel, soaps, or other value‑added products keeps resources in use longer.
- Public health: Preventing oil from entering sewage systems reduces blockages and protects water quality.
How Residents Can Participate
- Collect used cooking oil in the provided large containers.
- Deposit the oil at the 120‑liter collection points installed in their building.
- Register on the municipal app, log the amount delivered, and accumulate points.
- Redeem points for eco‑friendly rewards (e.g., cleaning supplies).
Looking Ahead
The municipality plans to monitor the program’s impact through the app’s data analytics, adjusting collection schedules and expanding the network of certified recycling facilities as needed. By turning a common household waste into a resource, Tunis aims to set a benchmark for sustainable urban management across Tunisia.
For more information, visit the municipality’s official website or download the “Tunis Oil Recycling” app from your preferred app store.
