Not In My Backyard: The impact of waste disposal sites on communities in Jordan

Overview

Waste disposal sites across Jordan pose serious risks to the environment and to public health if not managed safely. Municipal waste decomposing in open landfills also takes an environmental and socio-economic toll on neighbouring communities. While the Government of Jordan is planning to reduce the number of operational landfills and improve waste management services, persistent issues associated with unsustainable waste practices and their associated effects on the wellbeing of surrounding communities and the environment need to be addressed. Guaranteeing a sustainable waste management scheme for communities in Jordan should include increased consideration of the long-term effects that waste disposal sites have on neighbouring communities.