Waste management in Zaatari refugee camp / Mafraq - Jordan

Abstract

Jordan population have increased 3 million in the last five years. 1.5 Million are refugees from Syria. 800 thousand are inside refugee camps in the northern part of Jordan. 100 thousand are situated in Zaatari camp which is located 10 kilometres east of Mafraq city. This enormous influx increased solid waste volume generated by 480 tons daily. The additional waste generation has exacerbated preexisting pressures on waste management, in which service capacities in northern municipalities were already exceeded, funding already fell short of need, and collection supplies were already inefficient. USAID estimated the total fiscal cost for municipal governments originating from the Syrian refugee crisis amounted to around $25.4 million in 2013 and $33.0 million in 2014. The main problem in the camps nowadays that people live under very bad conditions and the generated waste is creating environmental and health problems. Different organization together with Jordanian government work to find solution to these problems. Unfortunately these efforts is restricted by the limitation of funding.

According to the political and economical situation the crises will not be solved and refugees will not return back home soon. Thus, these campus are gradually evolving into a permanent settlement. Proper waste management is critical to preserving refugees’ health and well-being and to protect the environment. The aim of this paper is to identify the challenges facing waste management in Zaatari camp. Furthermore, to suggest proper solution through comparing different waste management solutions considering the existing waste management in Mafraq area.