On June 20, 2024, the USAID Lebanon Diverting Waste by Encouraging Reuse and Recycling (DAWERR) activity celebrated the completion of the first phase of construction for the Qaraoun Composting Facility. In partnership with the Qaraoun Municipality, this facility will manage organic waste from more than 10,000 residents. Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin, Director General of the Ministry of Industry Engineer Chantal Akl, Qaraoun Mayor Yehia Daher, heads of neighboring municipalities, religious authorities, community members, and representatives from local community-based organizations and international organizations in Lebanon attended the event, along with DAWERR partners Compost Baladi and ECODIT Liban.
DAWERR is a five-year activity implemented by ECODIT, which supports USAID/Lebanon’s work to develop sustainable processes for composting organic waste, reduce the amount of solid waste that goes to landfills, and improve existing recycling efforts throughout rural areas in Lebanon. By 2025, DAWERR aims to divert 56% of waste in the target municipalities, establish 30 public-private partnerships to support improved Solid Waste Management (SWM), create 100 sustainable full-time jobs in recycling value chains, and generate financial returns from composting and recycling.
The Qaraoun Composting Facility is a critical component of DAWERR’s work to improve SWM in Lebanon. This facility complements the existing village Material Recovery Facility, where recyclables are collected and stored, and will be managed and operated by the Qaraoun municipality. The recently completed construction work encompasses essential components such as curing areas, office reception, restroom facilities, bunkers for organic waste treatment, reception areas, and storage facilities for carbon materials. Further enhancements, including the installation of steel structures, electromechanical systems, and landscaping, are scheduled for completion by September 2024.
In addition to constructing the composting facility, DAWERR is collaborating with the Qaraoun Municipality and local community-based organizations to develop and implement a comprehensive SWM plan. This plan encompasses waste sorting, selective collection, awareness, social behavioral change, and treatment of organic waste through the establishment of a state-of-the-art composting facility.
“The United States, through USAID, has long championed the use of strategic partnerships and targeted interventions to empower municipalities across Lebanon to effectively manage their waste, which in turn fosters inclusive growth and improves the quality of life for all citizens,” said USAID Lebanon Mission Director Julie Southfield. “We take pride in our investments in the Qaraoun Composting Facility, representing a comprehensive model for solid waste management, addressing both recyclable and organic waste. This serves as a compelling example for other municipalities, offering a replicable model that embodies best practices in waste management and environmental stewardship.”
Jad Sakr, DAWERR Chief of Party added, “Through meticulous planning, regulatory approvals, and extensive community engagement efforts, DAWERR is paving the way for other municipalities to adopt localized solutions for solid waste management, particularly for the treatment and valorization of organic waste.”
ECODIT is a U.S. women-owned small business with over 30 years of experience working with governments, businesses, and local communities to advance environmentally and socially responsible development around the world. To learn more about ECODIT, visit www.ecodit.com and follow the firm’s social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.