Jordan (JO)

Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.

Capital: Amman

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: JOD (JD)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 39)

Emergency: 911

Recycling & Waste in Jordan

Bin system, bottle deposits, special disposal, and common mistakes.

Formal recycling infrastructure in Jordan is limited compared to Europe. There is no mandatory household waste separation system, and most municipal solid waste goes to landfill. However, Jordan faces significant environmental challenges (limited water, land scarcity) driving policy focus on waste management improvement. Private recycling initiatives, NGO programmes, and some supermarket collection points exist. The government's National Environment Strategy targets improved recycling rates through 2030.

The Bin System

General Waste

Green

Nifayat Amma (نفايات عامة)

Accepts

✓All household waste
✓Food scraps
✓Mixed packaging
✓Non-recyclable items

Not accepted

✗Construction debris
✗Hazardous materials
✗Electronic waste (take to dedicated points)

Recyclables

Blue

Nifayat Qabila lil-Itada (نفايات قابلة للإعادة)

Accepts

✓Clean plastic bottles
✓Paper and cardboard
✓Glass bottles
✓Metal cans

Not accepted

✗Dirty packaging
✗Food-contaminated items
✗Polystyrene

Special Disposal

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Carrefour Jordan, participating electronics retailers, and periodic Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) collection drives.

Arabiaa company organises e-waste collection in Amman. The National Centre for Sustainable Development has e-waste collection drives.

Medical Waste / Medications

Return unused medications to any Jordan pharmacy (صيدلية). Medical waste from home (used syringes) in puncture-proof container to a pharmacy or clinic.

Batteries

Battery collection bins at Carrefour and some electronics stores. Tape terminals before disposal in regular waste if no collection point available.

Used Cooking Oil

Arabiaa Recycling (arabiaa.com) and Recycle.jo accept used cooking oil. Do not pour down drains.

Construction Debris

Private waste contractors or Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) designated debris collection points. Must not go in household bins.

Tyres

Used tyres at tyre shops and some petrol stations. Tyre replacement shops typically accept old tyres.

Bulk Waste

Arrange collection through the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) or a private waste contractor for large items (furniture, appliances). Contact GAM for bulk waste disposal locations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

! Mixing recyclables with general waste — blue bins are available in some Amman areas but not all.
! Pouring cooking oil down the drain — it damages pipes and water systems.
! Disposing of e-waste in general bins — take to Carrefour or electronics retailers.
! Leaving rubbish at scenic sites (Petra, Wadi Rum) — pack out all waste.

Practical Tips

→ Separate your recyclables (plastic bottles, cans, cardboard) and take them to a blue bin or recycling collection point when available.
→ Recycle.jo app allows requesting recyclable materials pickup from your home in some Amman areas.
→ The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) runs periodic environmental campaigns — check the GAM Facebook page for collection events.
→ Water conservation is critically important in Jordan — one of the world's most water-scarce nations. Fix leaks and avoid wasting tap water.
→ Reduce single-use plastic: reusable shopping bags are increasingly common. Many supermarkets offer reusable bag options.
→ Jordan's landscape is stunning but litter is a significant issue. Carry your rubbish until you find a bin — especially in Wadi Rum, Petra, and nature reserves.
→ The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN / Wild Jordan) organises nature clean-up events — a great way to volunteer.