World wide waste

From discarded plastic buckets to the production of rugs and prayer mats, the journey begins at the Hijazi Straw Mat Factory in Gaza. In a place where dealing with plastic waste is not just a choice but a necessity, the factory's story reflects the resourcefulness of its people.

In the past, Hijazi used to import virgin plastic from Saudi Arabia, but since 2007, blockades have made such imports nearly impossible. With essential supplies dwindling while trash piles up, people across Gaza have turned to creative ways of sustaining their businesses using materials reclaimed from landfills.

So, how do you manage waste in a conflict zone? We ventured into the Gaza Strip to witness firsthand how individuals make their livelihood from global waste. Almost daily, donkey carts loaded with plastic buckets arrive at the factory. Workers meticulously cut the buckets to fit into shredders, followed by washing to remove dirt and residue. The pieces then enter the dryer, spinning out excess water.

Remarkably, this recycled plastic retains its strength despite its lightweight nature. It's collected in bags and transported upstairs via a lift. The plastic fragments are loaded into a hopper and heated to their melting point, with dyes adjusting the color. The resulting malleable substance is extruded into long strands, cooled by water until they solidify. These strands are then cut into granules, which are collected in large sacks.

These granules are sent back downstairs, heated again, and fed into machines designed for mat production. The machines precision-cut the plastic threads to the ideal size for weaving. Workers gather the filaments and transport them to the weaving machines. The factory can produce up to 500 meters of mats each day, a significant decrease from its earlier years when it operated round-the-clock with nearly 30 employees.

Now, there's only one shift a day, often dictated by the ongoing conflict. Israeli airstrikes have damaged the factory multiple times, with the most recent incident occurring in May 2023. Unfortunately, rebuilding has proven difficult due to the scarcity and high cost of essential materials like cement, which was largely banned until 2021.

Despite these challenges, the factory persists. Operating in a conflict zone means unreliable electricity, averaging just 14 hours a day. Gaza's power primarily relies on an old diesel-powered plant and power lines from Israel. However, diesel is costly, and storing it poses difficulties.

The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places globally, has been under occupation since 1967. Since Hamas took control in 2007, Israel, the United States, and the European Union have labeled it a terrorist organization, leading to severe restrictions on the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. This blockade has not only hindered the flow of materials for weapons but also essential items needed to maintain infrastructure.

Over time, the shortage of building materials, fuel, machinery parts, and even medical equipment has led to massive piles of garbage in Gaza. The territory generates over 2,000 metric tons of solid waste daily, overwhelming recycling centers. The blockade also impedes waste shipment to other countries for processing, leaving landfills as the primary disposal method, often leading to uncontrollable fires.

Illegal dump sites have emerged as a desperate source of income for trash pickers, who sometimes burn electronic waste to extract valuable metals. This practice releases toxic smoke linked to increased cancer rates and respiratory problems, particularly affecting Gaza's children.

Despite the waste crisis, some have found ingenious ways to repurpose discarded materials. One individual began recycling paper waste into trays for transporting eggs, employing seven people in the process. This innovative approach, unlike the struggles at the mat factory, shows that creativity can thrive even in challenging circumstances.

More than 60 percent of Gazans face food insecurity, and the blockade has isolated them from the rest of the world. Still, they possess a unique 25-mile stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Along this coast, an artist collective established the "C Is Ours Cafe," using recycled materials extensively. They run a community center that teaches locals how to reuse items, and the cafe allows customers to donate waste instead of cash.

Despite the ongoing conflict, these artists have built a small oasis by the ocean, working on community art projects and providing a modest income for those involved. While reminders of war persist, there is hope on the horizon as they consider opening more community centers, particularly for children.

The conflict has transformed Ali and Yad, along with many other Palestinians, into unexpected recyclers, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.