via Trella

Illegal dumping is not new in Lebanon but it has increased drastically ever since the garbage crisis has begun. In fact, while few municipalities and towns chose to start recycling and reduce waste, others decided to dump and burn their garbage in illegal places or even worse in nature. To name few, Broumanna, Beit Mery and Dekwaneh are handling the garbage crisis in the worst possible way and the officials and concerned ministries aren’t doing to stop them. There’s currently an online petition urging Broumanna municipality to stop dumping and burning but I don’t think it will get anywhere.

Burning trash is a very serious problem as it adds to air pollution, creates an unpleasant smell especially when burning plastic, rubber or painted material and can produce a range of poisonous compounds. Moreover, fire can spread to buildings and trees and damage public properties. Municipalities who claim that they have no other option but to burn are either corrupt or incompetent as the solution is out there and quite simple: Recycle!

Everyone knows by now the country’s existing recycling companies as the lists have been circulating for weeks. Recycling should start at home and the municipality should handle the rest. Recycling will reduce trash, generate profit and make everyone’s life better.

Overall, the Lebanese are getting more and more fed up with their government, the #YouStink campaign is still going strong, everyone is talking about recycling but I wouldn’t call this garbage crisis a blessing in disguise yet as dumping and burning trash is on the rise and no one is taking action against them.

I think we should do what the Naameh residents did by protesting against our own municipalities and forcing them to recycle and properly manage their waste.

via Dalal Mawad

via Romeo