Palestinians want modern recycling to count West Bank trash crisis : NPR

Key Points:

• Two Palestinian entrepreneurs, Ibrahim Ghazal and Faris Abu Keshek, have launched Scrapcycle Solutions, a recycling startup in the West Bank that processes plastic waste into reusable pellets amid growing garbage disposal challenges.
• Increased Israeli military checkpoints and restrictions following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack have severely hindered waste collection and transport, causing garbage to accumulate and creating health hazards in Palestinian areas.
• The West Bank currently has only two landfills, with Israeli authorities delaying approval for a third, exacerbating waste management issues and adding pressure on Palestinian communities.
• Scrapcycle Solutions has sought international support, including from Japan's JICA and Georgetown University, to expand operations and address the environmental and logistical challenges of waste disposal under occupation.
• Despite significant obstacles, the founders remain committed to their mission, emphasizing resilience and the importance of sustainable waste management for the Palestinian people’s future.