THE SOLID-WASTE MANAGEMENT SCENE IN GREATER BEIRUT

The magnitude of the solid waste problem in Beirut (Lebanon) is appare nt to any onlooker. Waste collection has improved recently but is freq uently incomplete and sometimes sporadic. Considerable labour problems exist and are made worse by the disruption from the aftermath of civi l war. The most suitable future disposal methods have not been fully s tudied, and existing disposal sites and plants are near to saturation or collapse. In order to start a new waste management study correctly, the first step was to analyse the waste composition, characteristics and generation rates. The authors attempt to show that some form of in cineration with energy recovery may be the preferred disposal option g iven the current local prevailing social conditions. Composting is arg ued to be the next choice. Direct landfill of untreated waste is the c hoice for the present time, but its continuance is open to question if new landfills are not identified and permitted to be used. (C) 1996 I SWA.