Hundreds of local open-markets are distributed across the Mediterranean region. Local open-market waste management, which represents a big challenge for the area, is directly affected by population growth and concentration, urbanization, and tourism. For instance, the waste flow rate varies from 3 to 5 and 10 to 12 tons per day in the open-markets located in Sfax (Tunisia) and Amman (Jordan), respectively. Because of the large influx of inhabitants expected in urban areas (72% of the population of the Mediterranean region will probably be living in urban areas in 2025), sustainable management is now a priority.
From The University of Jordan, we are proud to announce that we will participate in the co-financed EU project, CEOMED. 6 partners from 5 different countries with a total budget of 3.1M€ aim to reduce municipal waste generation, promote the source-separated collection and the optimal exploitation of its organic component by recovering energy and recycling nutrients. Additionally, the project will train local concerned stakeholders, i.e. consumers, sellers, the informal sector of waste collecting, scholars, farmers, technical and administrative staff, to make sure they have the knowledge and skills to contribute to improving waste management.
The project will lead to the design of new waste management plans in the cities of Amman and Sfax which focus and address separately the waste produced from fruits and vegetables wholesale markets. Following a circular approach, the organic fraction of waste from markets will be treated by a biological process (anaerobic digestion) using the digesters a fertilizer in the farms that provide fresh produces to the local markets.
Who will benefit
§ Managers of 2 local markets in Amman and Sfax
§ Over 900 businesses using the markets daily to buy and sell fresh products
§ 2000-3000 customers of the markets
§ 90 technical and administrative staff from the municipalities of Amman and Sfax
§ Farmers who use the fertilizer produced from the organic waste