This article forms part of a series of publications under SIRCLES project to support circular economy opportunities for employment and social inclusion in our partner territories in Palestine, Lebanon, Spain, Tunisia, Italy, Greece, and Jordan.

The Rene Moawad Foundation, SIRCLES project’s partner in Lebanon, inaugurated the pilot compost facility in Hbaline on November 9th, 2022. The inauguration was attended by the Vice-President of the Union Mayor Khaled Sadaka, Heads of the Municipalities of the Jbeil District, RMF executive director Michel Moawad, SIRCLES project partners from Spain, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Tunisia and Palestine and the beneficiaries of the project.

The compost facility is a great step towards the future and has major environmental and social impact on the residents of the area. It aims to treat 600 tons of waste and create 27 job opportunities to the residents of the region and builds the capacities of the residents in biowaste management. In addition, the project has an agricultural impact as it will provide “grade A” compost to the farmers of the region free of charge. There is no doubt that the situation regarding waste management in Lebanon is unfortunate and this is why this pilot is of utmost importance. Beit a pilot project, but a very important one because it is proving that it is possible to manage waste in a different manner that respects the environment. According to RMF Executive Director Michel Moawad: “This project is creating more and more a culture of respecting the environment and promoting circular economy which is a very important model.”

Finally, two of the trainees gave testimonials about their experience with SIRCLES project which created job opportunities for them. Charbel Saliba said “I had doubts that SIRCLES project was going to work in Lebanon, because of people’s mentality regarding waste management. Nobody, including me, knew about compost and its benefits. I am happy to say now that I started composting and teaching my entourage on compost and its benefits.”