Estimation of Potential E-waste Generation in Jordan

Abstract

Electronic waste (E-waste) has recently been perceived to be a problem confined to Jordan. The changing of economic scenarios and global technological development has contributed the amount of E-waste becomming part of the waste stream in Jordan. The necessary regulations regarding E-waste are not yet in place. Therefore, a reliable estimation of E-waste generation is crucial to policymakers. Considering the limited available data, this paper describes the current and future estimation of E-waste generation in Jordan, namely cell phones, personal computers, TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. Jordan is estimated to generate about 16,874 tons of E-waste in the year 2015, as compared to the present generation of 15,211 tones, accounting for about 0.7% of all municipal solid wastes dumped in the country. The average amount of E-waste produced per capita indicates it is estimated to grow from 2.38 kg/capita in 2012 to 2.48 kg/capita in 2015. Over a span of 5 years, from 2007 to 2012, a total of 84,533 tones became obsolete. In the 3 years prior to 2015, it is projected that an additional 49,153 tones will become obsolete.