Since 2019, Lebanon’s economic crisis has been limiting the capacity of local authorities to provide essential services, including solid waste management collection, treatment, and disposal. In response, the USAID-funded Community Support Program (CSP) has been supporting 57 Lebanese municipalities and local partners, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in Bechmizzine and Amioun, to recover recyclables and decrease the volume of total waste through the provision of updated equipment and technical assistance.

To increase impact, avoid duplication, save on resources, and ensure the sustainability of these interventions,  CSP established a Recyclables Waste Management Community of Practice (RWM CoP) in coordination with the USAID-funded program Diverting Waste by Encouraging Reuse and Recycling (DAWERR). The RWM CoP brings together municipalities and local organizations already benefitting from USAID-funded recyclables management interventions to share lessons learnt and best practices, enhance services to local communities, and discuss innovative recyclable waste management practices. As part of the RWM CoP, CSP had previously provided a new digital database of recyclable waste buyers in Lebanon, and DAWERR introduced an online marketplace for recyclables known as ‘RELIST’, enabling users to directly buy and sell recyclables at the best identified price, thus increasing competition among buyers and revenues of the MRFs.

On November 23, 2023, the Bechmizzine MRF was able to sell its cardboard production to a buyer through the ‘RELIST’ application at a price of $60.8 per ton, marking a $10 increase in revenue per ton compared to previous months. With annual production exceeding 190 tons, this interaction alone is expected to increase BMRF’s yearly income by more than $1,900.

“The recyclables waste management community of practice has played a significant role in sustaining USAID’s assistance to the BMRF. Enhanced revenues will lead to financial feasibility, higher salaries for existing staff, and recruitment opportunities for community members during this economic crisis”, said Fawzi Kalash, Mayor of Bechmizine.