15% rise expected in waste production in Amman during Eid

AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Thursday said garbage production in the capital is expected to increase by nearly 15 per cent during the Eid Al Adha holiday.

To this end, all of the municipality’s sanitation workers will be working around-the-clock on three shifts during Eid Al Adha, which begins Monday, September 12.

“Waste production and collection is expected to reach a record high on Arafa Day on September 11,” GAM Environment Executive Director Yousef Dalabih said, who attributed the anticipated rise in garbage production to the surge in commercial activities on this day.

Waste production and collection will increase by 60 per cent on Arafa Day, Dalabih expected, noting that the percentage will rise by 15 per cent during the Eid holiday, which starts on Sunday and ends on Thursday.

“A total of 5,000 tonnes of waste are expected to be collected on Arafa Day and 3,500 tonnes are expected to be collected during Eid Al Adha,” Dalabih said.

GAM’s sanitation workers collect an average of 3,100 tonnes of household waste each day, according to the official.

“Therefore, the municipality’s 5,000 sanitation workers will be working around-the-clock on three shifts,” he added.

A total of 4,100 street cleaners will be working during the holiday, while the remainder will be working at the Ghabawi Landfill, markets and locations designated by GAM for selling sheep.

September 12, or the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijja, will be the first day of Eid Al Adha. By celebrating Eid Al Adha, or the feast of the sacrifice, Muslims mark the end of Hajj, or the greater pilgrimage to Mecca.

The key Hajj ritual is Arafa Day, when millions of pilgrims ascend Arafat Mount from morning till sunset.