Economic Instruments to Fund Solid Waste Management Services: Analysis and Recommendations for Jordan

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to analyze different types of economic instruments as ways to improve financial sustainability of the solid waste management sector. Through a review of various instruments applied in the world practice this paper intends to encourage the gradual implementation of economic instruments in the solid waste sector of Jordan. The problem analysis of waste management sector shows that Jordan is still unable to properly tackle the problem of waste and makes initial steps to adhere to either national or international standards for environmental protection. Current legislation in the solid waste management sector addresses the waste issues but in generic manner. It indicates responsible agencies, fees for the collection of solid waste and fines in case of noncompliance. The laws relate mainly to the solid waste disposal and landfilling at the expenses of other practices. Thus, it appears that a number of principles are not incorporated in the Jordanian regulatory framework. Ideally, economic instruments should be implemented harmoniously throughout the whole region. However, environmental progress could be significantly delayed if to wait for a comprehensive unified approach. Building on what already exists should have first priority. Each municipality may need to choose those economic instruments that have potential for their own situation. In time, the most cost-effective instruments will become evident and widespread. A set of revenue-generating, revenue-providing and non-revenue instruments is recommended to be given priority for Jordan.

Keywords: municipal solid waste, deposit-refund, tax, product take-back, extended producer responsibility, feed-in tariff for waste-to-energy generation

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-14-16

Publication date:July 31^st 2020