Amman: The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Monday launched a solid waste sorting-at-source project at Sultan Market in the Tlaa Al-Ali area, as part of the Solid Waste Management in Jordan (SOWAS) program, funded by the German government and the European Union and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
According to Jordan News Agency, Acting Chairman of the GAM Committee Ziad Al-Reihani emphasized that developing environmental services and solid waste management is a national priority, highlighting GAM's dedication to advancing sustainable waste solutions. He stated that the initiative aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision, national waste sector strategies, the Sustainable Development Goals, and internationally recognized best practices, stressing the need to embed waste sorting behaviors at the community level.
The project is part of GAM's broader efforts to modernize solid waste management systems, promote circular economy principles, and expand sorting-at-source programs under a phased plan aimed at covering all districts of the capital in the coming years. Deputy City Manager for Districts and Environmental Affairs Mohammad Al-Faouri noted that the initiative marks a shift in environmental service delivery by introducing modern collection and sorting technologies, strengthening cooperation with international partners, and improving service quality across the municipality.
Executive Director of Environmental Studies and Projects Suha Al-Shishani commented that expanding sorting-at-source initiatives requires enhanced monitoring and operational frameworks and stronger coordination among municipal departments. She described the project as a foundational step toward a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.
Director of Environmental Studies and Awareness Bassem Al-Hawamdeh stated that the department oversaw the project's technical preparation in cooperation with GIZ, including field assessments, identification of operational requirements, design of the operational model, development of a separate collection program, and preparation of community awareness plans. He added that the project introduces a pilot system using dual-color metal containers, with green bins for recyclable materials and gray bins for residual waste, along with a pilot separate collection scheme aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and reinforcing circular economy practices.
The GIZ project team mentioned that the partnership with GAM seeks to support circular economy objectives, reduce landfill waste, lower emissions, build national capacities, and enhance community engagement.