Cabinet approves garbage incineration, landfilling

BEIRUT — In a decisive move to tackle Lebanon’s ongoing waste crisis, the Cabinet has approved a comprehensive plan to establish 25 sanitary landfills and three waste incinerators, one of which will be located in Beirut. The plan, aimed at addressing the country’s waste management issues in the medium to long term, was announced by Environment Minister Fadi Jreissati following a three-hour Cabinet session dedicated to the waste issue.

The approved plan includes a mandate for sorting garbage at the source, a measure long demanded by environmentalists. Households will now be responsible for separating their waste into categories such as organic materials, recyclables, and general refuse. This step is seen as crucial for the successful implementation of both landfilling and incineration processes.

Despite the plan’s approval, it has faced significant opposition from various MPs, local politicians, activists, and experts. Concerns primarily revolve around Lebanon’s current capacity to safely manage incineration technology, which produces toxic substances that require careful handling. Jreissati himself has expressed doubts about the government’s ability to oversee such operations, highlighting the need for credible oversight bodies.

The European Union has also voiced opposition to the incineration aspect of the plan, citing an insufficient regulatory framework and concerns over potential corruption. Consequently, the EU has declined to provide funding or oversight for the incinerator projects, forcing Lebanese officials to seek alternative sources of support.

In addition to the incinerators, the Cabinet has approved the creation of multiple landfills, though the exact locations for many of these sites remain under discussion. Previous attempts to establish new landfill sites have faced local opposition, leading to delays and ongoing challenges in waste management.

The Cabinet’s decision marks a critical step towards resolving Lebanon’s waste management crisis, though its implementation will require overcoming significant logistical, environmental, and political hurdles.