The Solid Waste Management Scene in Greater Beirut

Abstract

The magnitude of the solid waste problem in Beirut (Lebanon) is apparent to any onlooker. Waste collection has improved recently but is frequently incomplete and sometimes sporadic. Considerable labour problems exist and are made worse by the disruption from the aftermath of civil war. The most suitable future disposal methods have not been fully studied, and existing disposal sites and plants are near to saturation or collapse. In order to start a new waste management study correctly, the first step was to analyse the waste composition, characteristics and generation rates. The authors attempt to show that some form of incineration with energy recovery may be the preferred disposal option given the current local prevailing social conditions. Composting is argued to be the next choice. Direct landfill of untreated waste is the choice for the present time, but its continuance is open to question if new landfills are not identified and permitted to be used. © 1996 ISWA