Inauguration of a Non-Organic Waste Sorting Center in Majdal Anjar

Majdal Anjar Municipality

majdel anjar

2019-07-27

Majdal Anjar, July 27, 2019 – The Municipality of Majdal Anjar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and ANERA (American Near East Refugee Aid), launched a project for sorting non-organic waste in Majdal Anjar. This initiative is part of the "Community-Based Solid Waste Management Project" implemented in the Bekaa region.

Due to the environmental and health challenges facing Majdal Anjar caused by the solid waste crisis in the area, and the increased pressure on local infrastructure resulting from the presence of approximately 18,000 Syrian refugees in the town, solid waste management was identified as a priority area for intervention.

Minister of Social Affairs Richard Kouyoumjian emphasized that the waste crisis is a national issue requiring urgent solutions due to its severe impact on both people and the environment. He noted that a country’s approach to waste management reflects its level of development. Kouyoumjian highlighted the importance of the Host Communities Support Program (HCSP), which aims to enhance community security, promote economic recovery, foster social stability, and create jobs in an inclusive manner. He stressed the importance of partnerships with local authorities in implementing projects across various sectors to achieve sustainable development. He also pointed out that this program partially addresses national crises such as the waste issue in ways that contribute to local sustainable development and job creation.
He added, “We will continue to seek increased support for this program because we believe the best way to help Lebanon handle the refugee crisis is by strengthening its infrastructure, creating job opportunities, and boosting the local economy, which benefits both Lebanese citizens and refugees.”

To address this urgent need, the Ministries of Social Affairs and Environment joined forces with the Municipality of Majdal Anjar, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, local Lebanese communities, and refugees to tackle this shared problem.

Minister of Environment Fadi Jreissati said, “Today is an excellent example of the international community standing with refugee-hosting environments. Addressing the waste issue requires bold action. Municipal unions and districts must collaborate and work together on waste treatment. Such cooperation will yield long-term benefits.”

This community-based project addresses the waste management crisis by providing a comprehensive solid waste management system, including source sorting, distribution of waste bins to households, and awareness sessions on sorting principles and solid waste management for both Lebanese residents and refugees. The project also supports the municipality by improving waste collection and transportation to the sorting center.

Majdal Anjar Mayor Saeed Yassine noted, “Since the beginning of the crisis, refugees have formed half of Majdal Anjar’s population. After more than eight years, both refugee and Lebanese families have grown, causing our infrastructure to bear more than twice its capacity, leading to environmental, social, and livelihood challenges. The Municipality of Majdal Anjar, with the help of the international community, continues to address these challenges. Despite the burdens and disruptions caused by the displacement, no significant discriminatory tensions or conflicts have been recorded in Majdal Anjar.” Yassine thanked the donors, supporters, and implementers for their contributions to the establishment and equipping of the solid waste sorting facility.

The project included constructing and equipping a new center for sorting non-organic waste, where all recyclable household waste collected is sorted. This reduces the total waste generated by the communities residing in Majdal Anjar, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly town.

According to UNHCR Deputy Representative in Lebanon, Emmanuel Gignac, “UNHCR is fully aware of the implications of hosting such a large number of refugees in a small country like Lebanon. Together with its partners, it is doing its utmost to alleviate the pressure on local host communities and Lebanon’s infrastructure. This joint solid waste management project is a testament to UNHCR and the international community’s commitment to supporting Lebanese governmental institutions and local authorities.”

UNDP Resident Representative Celine Moyroud stated, “We work with municipalities to identify urgent needs and find sustainable solutions to the challenges they face, including the solid waste crisis. This project, focusing on non-organic waste sorting, goes beyond infrastructure and involves a range of awareness initiatives on source sorting while strengthening the municipality’s and community’s capacities.”

The project design phase began in 2017, and construction of the center started in late 2018. Over 39,000 people will benefit from this project, including 21,000 Lebanese citizens and 18,000 Syrian refugees.

“For us, this project is an integral part of a comprehensive environmental-health program. Through it, we have built the capacities of local authorities, engaged both host and refugee communities, created jobs, and raised awareness about source sorting in homes, schools, and businesses. We recognize that waste management is one of the most critical issues in our country, and it is our duty as development practitioners to address environmental and health risks for ourselves and for our children,” said Samar Al-Yasir, ANERA Representative.

For more information, please contact:
UNHCR: Lisa Abou Khaled, aboukhal@unhcr.org, +961 71 880 070