What is Solid Waste Management (SWM)?
Solid waste management (SWM) refers to the systematic collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of solid waste in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. It involves the entire process of controlling waste from the point of generation to its final disposal, with the aim of minimizing its impact on public health and the environment. SWM includes various activities such as waste reduction, segregation, recycling, composting, incineration, and landfilling. The goal of SWM is to achieve sustainable waste management practices that optimize the use of resources, minimize waste, and reduce the negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Solid waste management is a significant environmental and health concern in Jordan. The country generates approximately 2.5 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per year, with an annual growth rate of 3%. The majority of this waste is generated in urban areas, including the capital city of Amman.
The current solid waste management system in Jordan is characterized by limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of coordination among stakeholders. Municipalities are responsible for waste collection, with support from Joint Service Councils (JSCs) for transportation over long distances and management of transfer stations and some recycling facilities. The Ministry of Local Administration (MOLA) oversees the National Municipal Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan, while the Ministry of Environment (MoEnv) is responsible for ensuring the environmental sustainability of waste sector activities.
Solid waste figures in Jordan
Jordan Population (2023)
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Collected
Number of Landfills (2 Sanitary)
MSW Generation Growth
Solid Waste Components
MSW Collection Coverage
Solid Waste Generation
MSW final Destination
What are the challenges in SWM section in Jordan?
- Increasing quantities of waste due to the increase in population and the development of their consumption pattern: As the population of Jordan grows and the standard of living improves, the amount of waste generated increases. This puts pressure on waste management infrastructure, which can become overwhelmed.
- High energy prices and the consequent increase in the cost of providing services: Waste management requires a lot of energy, from collection and transportation to disposal. When energy prices are high, it becomes more expensive to provide waste management services, which can lead to reduced services or increased costs for residents.
- Lack of capacities of technical staff working in this field: Proper management of solid waste requires trained personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge. However, Jordan faces a shortage of trained professionals in this field, which can lead to inefficient and ineffective waste management practices.
- Weakness in waste sorting projects and follow-up of their implementation, and poor infrastructure: Proper waste sorting is critical to efficient waste management. However, Jordan has limited infrastructure and a lack of implementation and follow-up on waste sorting projects, leading to improper disposal of recyclable materials and increased waste volumes.
- Weakness in awareness programs: There is a lack of awareness about the importance of waste management among the general public, which can lead to improper waste disposal practices. In addition, there is limited information and education on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, which can help reduce the amount of waste generated.
- Lack of clear policy in dealing with waste: There is a lack of a clear and consistent policy for waste management in Jordan, leading to confusion and inconsistency in waste management practices.
- Widening the gap between revenue collected and amounts spent: Municipalities in Jordan struggle to balance their budgets for waste management services, leading to a gap between the revenue collected and the amount spent on waste management infrastructure and services.
- Waste random disposal in empty yards: Improper disposal of waste in empty lots or yards is a common practice in Jordan, which can lead to environmental pollution, health hazards, and degradation of public spaces.
- Lack of number of transfer stations, their geographical distribution, and the technologies used: Jordan has a limited number of transfer stations and their distribution is uneven across the country. This can lead to inefficient waste collection and transportation and increased costs.
- Lack of legislation implementation: Although Jordan has established laws and regulations related to waste management, their implementation is weak, leading to non-compliance and ineffective waste management practices.
- Weakness in PPP Programs: Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can provide opportunities to improve waste management practices by leveraging private sector expertise and resources. However, Jordan has limited experience with PPP programs, and the implementation of such projects has been limited.
