The role of the informal sector towards sustainable waste management practices in developing countries: Case study in Jordan

Waste management is a growing environmental concern worldwide due to its carbon footprint as well as the rising waste quantities coupled with the increasing global population. Waste management is particularly challenging in developing countries due to the inadequacy of waste collection and disposal practices. This study aims to characterize and investigate the role of the informal recycling sector in Jordan from technical, economic, and social perspectives. Informal recycling plays a vital role in Jordan’s waste management sector; however, recent strategies have discussed eliminating or regulating this sector under the government’s umbrella. Several interviews were conducted with government officials and workers in the informal recycling sector in Jordan, and it was concluded that recycling in Jordan does not exceed 10%, which is mainly attributed to informal recycling. It was also inferred that informal scavengers typically belong to socially marginalized groups in Jordan, and they experience harsh socioeconomic conditions because of this profession. Informal recycling workers also expressed their concerns towards the governmental plans to regulate their profession; as this may increase the financial burdens associated with taxing and social security.