Recycling Project in the Za’atari Refugee Camp

My name is Momen AL-Omari and I am in charge of the recycling project in the Za’atari Refugee Camp.

Recycling has various advantages and we anticipate the following results from our efforts: effective use of limited resources, waste reduction to maintain a clean living environment in the camp and; the creation of new revenue opportunities for both male and, female refugees over a broad age ranges.

This project was launched on a trial basis in one of the 12 districts in the camp by a Western international NGO in the summer of 2015. The initiative was then introduced to all districts by November 2016. JEN is responsible for the recycling project in Districts 3, 4 and 5 in cooperation with the Western NGO.

The purpose of this project is to collect the recyclable waste generated in everyday life, such as glass, metals, textile and cardboard boxes, in order to reduce waste. This recyclable waste collected from each household is sent to a recycle centre located away from the residential area in the camp where it is separated according to material.

In the districts in which JEN is active, a total of 24 Syrian women and 18 Syrian men work as guidance staff and recyclable waste collection staff. They have been trained in the details of this recycling project and understand how to communicate with and get a message across to refugees.

This is because separation of waste is unfamiliar to Syrians, we firstly explained them the importance of the project and what kind of waste is to be collected.

[Staff explaining the project to refugees]

After the training, the guidance staff began visiting each household, and also recyclable waste collection staff called at households to collect recyclable waste. The households who understand the significance of this project due to the guidance staff’s explanation help to recycle waste.

We have distributed a rubbish bin to every household to make separation easier. We also monitor the progress of each team and carry out coordination between the team members.

[Distribution of a rubbish bin to every household]

When guidance staff confront issues, for example that some households do not support the project, or cooperate with recyclable waste collection, or that they can not succeed in coordinating communication with recyclable waste collection staff, I offer advice and we try to solve the issue together.

[Group session with female refugees]

When they still cannot solve the issue, I visit the households themselves with the guidance staff to discuss the purpose of the project and persuade them. Thus, the guidance staff has been improving their communication skills by solving this kind of issues one by one.

[Staff meeting about how to explain the project to refugees]

I have been involved in similar activities with humanitarian support organisations including JEN over the last five years, through which I have learned how to communicate with and support refugees who are in a difficult position.

The feeling that I am helping refugees makes me feel proud and gives me inspiration to improve my skills. I would like to further enhance my management skills.

Momen AL-Omari
In charge of the recycling project