Beirut, Monday January 20, 2025: Under the framework of the Beirut Critical Environment Recovery, Restoration, and Waste Management Programme—implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financed by the Lebanon Financing Facility (LFF), a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank—a site visit was conducted to the Karantina Sorting Facility (KSF) to assess the ongoing rehabilitation works. Severely damaged and rendered completely inoperative following the Port of Beirut explosion, the facility is expected to be fully rehabilitated by the end of June 2025.

The event was attended by H.E. Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassin; Beirut Governor Judge Marwan Abboud; UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Mrs. Blerta Aliko.  Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation in Lebanon; and World Bank Senior Environmental Specialist, Mrs. Lamia Mansour.
Following the Port of Beirut explosion on 4 August 2020, the Karantina Solid Waste Sorting Facility and the Coral Composting Facility in Borj Hammoud area, which are an integral part of the solid waste management system for Beirut and its surroundings, were significantly damaged.   

As a result, both facilities have been non-operational since the explosion. Consequently, all waste generated in Beirut, the Matn Caza and Kesrouan Caza is currently being directly sent  to the Jdeideh sanitary landfill, without any sorting or treatment. This is leading to large quantities of waste being disposed in the landfill which will reach its capacity much faster than originally planned.  

Rehabilitating these facilities is crucial so that the waste is sorted and recycled, ensuring sound environmental practices and reducing the amount of waste going to landfills. 

Rehabilitation works in the Karantina sorting facility started in June 2024. So far, more than 35% of the rehabilitation works have been completed, including dismantling and demolition of the damaged and deteriorated existing structures. Upon completion of the works, the Karantina Facility will have a capacity to sort 1,250 tons of solid waste per day; which will cover the total quantity of waste currently generated in Beirut and Matn Caza. Rehabilitatig and operationalizing the Karantina Facility is an important step for adopting an integrated solid waste management system in Beirut and Matn Caza, which will be established based on a comprehensive Solid Waste Master Plan under preparation.

In his remarks, H.E. Dr. Nasser Yassin, Minister of Environment of Lebanon, emphasized the importance of rehabilitating the Karantina Sorting Facility, stating: "This Facility plays a crucial role in the integrated solid waste management system of Beirut. Its rehabilitation aligns with our broader Solid Waste Management strategy and represents a continuation of the reforms implemented by the Ministry of Environment across various levels."

Beirut Governor, Judge Marwan Abboud, underscored the importance of the facility in serving the city of Beirut after the Beirut Port explosion, adhering to environmental requirements and safeguards and integrated solid waste management. He stated: "A significant volume of waste is currently being disposed of in landfills; which accelerates reaching their landfilling capacity limits. Projects like this are essential for ensuring sustainable waste management solutions."

UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, Mrs. Blerta Aliko, highlighted the significant progress made and the commitment to quality and efficiency, saying: "We are pleased with the progress achieved so far, and we anticipate the facility's operation starting in June 2025. With support from the World Bank, the European Union, and all LFF donors, we are hopeful that this milestone will become operational as the first direct impact of implementing the national strategy on waste management under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment. Our focus remains on maintaining high standards and ensuring efficiency."

Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation in Lebanon, stated: "We look forward to the successful opening of this facility. A crucial next step will be the approval of the cost recovery project law by the parliament."

On behalf of the World Bank, Mrs. Lamia Mansour reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to supporting local institutions in reestablishing an efficient solid waste management system. She remarked: "We hope that this facility will reinvigorate the sector and contribute to long-term sustainability."

The rehabilitation of the Karantina Sorting Facility represents a key milestone in Lebanon's efforts to enhance its solid waste management infrastructure and promote sustainable environmental practices.

About the Lebanon Financing Facility (LFF) 

Established in December 2020 in the aftermath of the August 4 Port of Beirut explosion disaster and following the launch of the Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Framework (3RF), the LFF is a 5 year multi-donor trust fund that pools grant resources and strengthens the coherence and coordination of financing in support of the immediate socio-economic recovery of vulnerable people and businesses impacted by the explosion. To date, the LFF has received contributions and pledges from the governments of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, and Norway and from the EU. Subject to the commitment of all Lebanese stakeholders to critical reforms, the LFF will build the foundation for medium-term recovery and the sustainable reconstruction of the Port of Beirut and affected neighborhoods. The LFF prioritizes three focus areas of interventions: 1) Socioeconomic and business recovery; 2) Preparing for reform and reconstruction; and 3) Strengthening coordination, monitoring, accountability and oversight of the 3RF. The LFF benefits from the World Bank’s high fiduciary standards, through the application of its fiduciary framework for financial management, procurement, and environmental and social safeguards. The LLF also ensures that programs promote gender equality and community engagement that target women, youth and vulnerable populations.

For more information, please contact: 

In UNDP – Lebanon       | Maryam Sweid‎ | maryam.sweid@undp.org   | +961 ‎(71) 366 212‎ 

About UNDP

UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, including working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.