This project enables refugees to earn money by collecting recyclable waste in refugee camps, helping to improve hygienic conditions for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
This waste management project delivers tailored training sessions to the communities in refugee camps in the Bekaa region in Lebanon. Those interested are taught how to sort waste at the source, recycle it, and compost organic waste for agricultural purposes. The project facilitates efficient collection, sorting and selling of waste to external companies, while creating economic opportunities and improved living conditions for refugees. As recyclable waste makes up 20% of the total waste generated by the region’s refugee camps, processing and selling this waste can become a sustainable livelihood for some of the refugee camp residents.
Arcenciel puts all of its experience, know-how, and potential in serving the community for better waste management in Lebanon.
Pierre Issa – Board Member, Arcenciel
Arcenciel initiates these waste management projects in the camps, and, once successful and self-sustaining, the waste management systems are continued by the camp communities. Based on the lessons learned from these projects, arcenciel has been able to develop and produce a set of guidelines for various UN agencies dedicated to waste management in refugee camps, which will be utilized in camps across Lebanon and elsewhere.
Why you should care
Finding effective and sustainable waste management systems is key to maintaining adequate living standards in refugee camps, especially when you consider that over 65 million people around the world were displaced from their homes in 2015. By raising awareness, increasing skills and providing simple equipment like collection bins, this project has proven successful in developing small-scale models for solving waste management challenges and providing refugees with a source of income.
How the Global Goals are addressed
No Poverty
Turning recyclable waste into a resource offers basic economic opportunities to refugees, which could be the first step out of poverty for many.
Good Health and Well-Being
The project is helping to collect, recycle and treat waste, much of which would otherwise remain in the camps, affecting hygiene, polluting water and emitting toxic gases.
Reduced Inequalities
Arcenciel works to provide economic opportunities for those who have lost almost everything through fleeing their home country or region. This initiative also improves the quality of life within refugee camps.
Arcenciel
Arcenciel is a Lebanese based non-profit organization established in 1985 during the Lebanese civil war. With five core programs, being implemented at 12 centers across Lebanon, Arcenciel’s main goal is to work with every person in need. Arcenciel aims to advance national policies in all the sectors in which it is active, while keeping a non-confessional and apolitical stance.
Global Goals addressed