From Rubbish Plastic to Floor Rugs: Syrians Make Living From Recycling

(Photo : by AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images)
Near the village of Hazreh in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. In rebel-held Syria, people there turned plastic waste and transformed into beautiful floor rugs to make a living. Recycling has become an essential source of living amidst the difficulty of finding jobs.

Finding jobs in rebel-held Syria could become challenging. In a new report, Syrians have found opportunities in plastic waste to turn into beautiful floor rugs that could help meet the daily living.

Recently, parts of Syria suffered from a powerful earthquake, making it more difficult for Syrians to deal with the situation.

According to AFP and Phys.org, Syrians managed to find plastic waste and helpful recycling to meet their needs and living.

The reports explained that the conflict in Syria resulted in about 500,000 casualties, causing many Syrians to flee the country or leave their homes.

Life in Syria became more challenging due to available opportunities affected by the conflict. The report noted that about four million Syrians living in the North and Northwest rely on aid to meet their living.

Making a living in recycling in Syria

(Photo : by AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images)
Rubbish trucks in Hazreh in Syria's northwestern Idlib province

However, some Syrians sought more opportunities to make a living from plastic waste.

The report said Syrian Mohammed Behlal, 39 years old, turned to plastic waste to sell that could become recycled.

Also Read: About 200 Million People Under Flooding Threat Due to Plastic Pollution, New Research Warns

Behlal carefully looked for plastic from the rubbish pile of waste using his scythe and bare hands in the Idlib province's village of Hezreh. There could be a possibility that he or his family members could contract.

The report added that Behlal had difficulty finding jobs when he was shot in the leg during the Syrian conflict.

According to the report, the conflict from Syria's civil war forced them to become displaced. He and his two children tirelessly seek more plastic waste despite the foul stench.

(Photo : by AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images)
Floor rugs and recycling

Furthermore, he said he was thankful they could find living in the trash, earning about $7 to $10 a week each with his two children.

On the other hand, the collected plastic wastes or materials are transformed into cheap rugs and mags in a factory in the Northern Idlib province.

According to Farhan Sleiman, 29, they manage to buy plastics from people. He also expressed concerns that the plastic picker could likely get chronic illnesses from the rubbish.

As many Syrians became jobless, the rug-making industry helped Syrians. The factory owner, Khaled Rashu, 34 years old, explained that they have about 30 employees.

Did you know? Syria's earthquake

According to the World Vision report, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Syria and Turkey, causing devastating damage to properties and casualties.

The report explained that about 18 million people in Syria and Turkey were affected, leaving more than 55,000 casualties and 130,000 injuries,

The international communities extended immediate assistance and aid to earthquake-affected areas. Many affected were displaced, with about 50,000 buildings suffering damages from the quakes.