For a cleaner Mediterranean by the year 2020
This initiative is funded by the European Commission through DG EuropeAid.

From Lebanon to the Netherlands: officials visit waste management facilities in Europe

on 13 Jun 2011.

Twelve strategically selected trainees from Lebanon, involved on a daily basis in the research and application of solutions on the problem of waste management in the country, travelled to the Netherlands to participate in an intensive study visit to state of the art waste management facilities in order to further enhance their understanding of ISWM (Integrated Solid Waste Management). The workshop was organized within the framework of the EU funded Horizon 2020 CB/MEP project as a response to the imminent capacity building needs identified in the waste management sector in Lebanon.

Twelve strategically selected trainees from Lebanon, involved on a daily basis in the research and application of solutions on the problem of waste management in the country, travelled to the Netherlands to participate in an intensive study visit to state of the art waste management facilities in order to further enhance their understanding of ISWM (Integrated Solid Waste Management). The workshop was organized within the framework of the EU funded Horizon 2020 CB/MEP project as a response to the imminent capacity building needs identified in the waste management sector in Lebanon.

The main objective of the study visit was to increase the trainees’ understanding of ISWM, integrating Waste to Energy (WtE) and anaerobic digestion options. Participants visited the ATTERO facilities in Groningen and Wijster and the AEB WtE facility in Amsterdam, where they had the opportunity to explore the pros and cons of these solutions, the modalities for implementation and operation and their adaptability to the Lebanese context. They also studied the different types of applied technology and challenged their decision making skills regarding the different ISWM options. Furthermore, the main considerations of the Draft Integrated Solid Waste Management Law were discussed together with cost recovery mechanisms.

The trainees, which were from different relevant ministries, members of parliament and a journalist are expected to meet when back in Lebanon, to develop a planning tool for further investigation and preparation of the envisaged ISWM projects in the country.

The study visit, which was organized by the Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and Sustainable Resource Management (ACR+) with the support of the Confederation of European Waste to Energy Plants (CEWEP) lasted for three days. Further to the on-site visits, the participants had the opportunity to sit in lectures, have in–depth discussions with the facilities’ management staff and benefit from multiple relevant audiovisual materials. More information is available at http://www.h2020.net/en/resources/training-materials/viewcategory/5.html