The Role of Informal Sector in Waste Management, A Case Study; Tafila-Jordan

Abstract

Scavengers play a major role in the waste management process in developing countries. This study analyzed the informal recycling activities carried out by scavenger in the Tafila region of Jordan. The results show that scavengers have an important role in the informal solid waste management (SWM) especially in term of waste reduction, minimization and material recovery. Significant values from the scavenged material make the scavenging somewhat a profitable business for poor people and could track more in the future. Socially scavenging tends to be acceptable in the community, especially with the increasing of the poverty and employments rates and became more acceptable in rural areas as it is already in urban areas. Despite the low level of education, the awareness for the negative health effect from working with waste was very high. The organizing of the scavenger work is suggested, since it would improve their working environment, income and living conditions. Therefore it should increase their contribution significantly to resource recovery.