Improving Jordan's law towards sustainable solid and hazardous waste management: Lessons from USA's environmental laws

Abstract

Problem statement: Improper handling of solid and hazardous waste will impact the living standards of a community in normal days and when disasters occur such misuse could disperse response and recovery activities due to natural or man-made disasters. Approach: This study discussed the Jordanian solid and hazardous waste management policies in light of USA equivalent ones with the intention to improve solid and hazardous waste management policies in Jordan. Results: It was found that establishing a council on environmental quality, special environmental court, a trust fund are the most actions which could improve the solid and hazardous waste management policies in Jordan. Moreover, introducing environmental taxation incentives, intensifying violation penalties, increasing public environmental awareness are strong motives which could improve the environmental conditions in Jordan. Conclusion/Recommendations: It is important to develop the Jordanian environmental laws in light of worldwide interest with improving environmental conditions for human being. © 2010 Science Publications.