Recovery of recyclables of municipal solid waste: the case of Jordan

Abstract

The low recyclable recovery (RR) rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) (7·0%) in Jordan compared to the average recovery rate of the members of the EU (42%) indicates the necessity of changing the current practices of RR being implemented in Jordan where the latest national strategy of MSW management, launched by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in May 2015, aims to achieve an RR rate of 50% by the year 2034. This research aims to identify the attributes of an efficient and successful RR programme and recommend an implementable plan for RR that can achieve the target of 50% earlier than the year 2034. Practices of RR currently being implemented in Jordan are analysed and compared with successful practices implemented in developed countries. A public–private partnership is suggested to establish and operate semi-mechanical RR facilities that use the resources currently owned and operated by Joint Service Councils and local municipalities. Utilising the current resources enables the country to achieve the 50% RR rate goal. The rough financial analysis conducted clearly indicates that the 20% RR rate of plastic alone can offset the deficit in the municipality budget resulting from MSW management in Jordan.