The production of olive oil generates liquid waste (Olive Mill Wastewater) and solid waste (Pomace exhausted) whose anarchic rejection can threaten the environment. Under these conditions, the search for the performance technology for the treatment of the organic fraction of these residues is becomes an urgent necessity. In this perspective, an investigation was conducted on qualitative characterization (physicochemical parameters and indicators of pollution) of olive residues in order to assess their suitability for energy recovery in the delegation of Kalaa Kebira (Sousse, Tunisia).

The samples of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW) (including acidic pH, EC too high, a ratio COD/BOD₅ indicating ease of biodegradation and strong wealth MOX) and exhausted pomace (particularly dry, rich in carbon and in crude fiber and poor in nitrogen) ensure that the implementation of anaerobic digestion process (or Biomethanation) of olive biomass is feasible. In this respect, the methanogenic potential may be considered variable between 253810 and 1045100 m³ of biogas (Case of OMW) and valued at 129.4 10⁶ MJ  (Case of pomace). In addition, the pomace has properties ensuring energy recovery primarily by combustion (heat capacity estimated at 20593 MJ).