Sorting and storing a mountain of waste to protect the health of local residents at Sidon in Lebanon
Avoid an ecological and health disaster in Sidon, Lebanon
Remove the landfill thanks to a sustainable waste management solution
In 2013, SUEZ, together with a local Lebanese company, implemented its expertise to sort, treat and recycle the waste in Sidon. With a budget of $25 million allocated under a United Nations program, SUEZ and its partners decided to wipe the unauthorised landfill off the map of Lebanon. A new waste storage, recycling and sorting site opened after 18 months of work.
We rehabilitated the site according to environmental and societal imperatives, taking care to:
- Categorise waste treatments to better guarantee safety
More than 25 sampling points, some up to 43 km deep, allowed a multi-parameter analysis of the existing waste. Specialised equipment was used to make the area more reliable. A laboratory controls all of the waste.
- Meet global management requirements through a personalised approach
Waste treatment is now part of a genuine regional industry favouring storage, material recovery and energy production from waste
- Clean up the air and treat water to improve the health of the local inhabitants
A program for odor nuisance management, NOSE, and a network for the collection and treatment of biogas have now been implemented. NOSE is an innovative Suez solution that identifies, treats and monitors the odors resulting from treatment operations. In total, more than 120 researchers work on sustainable solutions to enhance the quality of life of local populations.
- Give the people back the use of their land
Rehabilitated as a healthy space, 33,000 m2 were transformed into public gardens, part of which comprises an open-air theatre. Awareness programs encourage everyone to take ownership of these new waste treatment practices.
The waste incineration plant today allows for recycling 95% of the waste produced by Sidon, and the multi-recovery plant more than 85%.
The port has been relocated to a remediated site and the quantity of waste at sea considerably reduced. Beyond waste treatment and recycling facilities, SUEZ developed a project in line with the local culture (processes and plants, public spaces, etc.) and laid the foundations for the sustainable development of this part of the city.