Abstract:
Over the years, global solid waste mismanagement has escalated to unparalleled
extents. The ramifications stemming from the global waste crisis have also been
manifested in noticeable ways, either through direct or indirect consequences. The reuse
principle of the circular economy model holds the ability to impede the solid waste
conundrum. However, additional research is required on reuse to enhance the transition
towards a more circular economy. In addition, the informal sector also plays a
significant role within this context, yet there also exists a noticeable gap regarding their
integration or formalization. Accordingly, a semi-structured interview has been
conducted to enable a comprehensive understanding of the solid waste reuse practices in
Lebanon and an assessment of the informal sector’s role. The findings of the research
reveal that the reuse and repair market has been characterized as an unfamiliar market.
Furthermore, the informal sector’s involvement has brought about significant
consequences. As for the management structure of the informal sector within the
domain, the findings indicate that formalizing or integrating the informal sector gives
rise to several challenges and a broader implication that extends beyond the solid waste
sector and becomes a matter of political, national, governmental, and even regional
accountability. Therefore, in order to conceptualize a potential framework or way to
proceed, it has been deduced that the most effective strategy for supervising the
informal sector, given the prevailing conditions and circumstances, lies in regulating the
SWM sector in itself. This will elevate the status of the SWM industry, resulting in a
gradual decline of the informal sector as it becomes financially unviable for them to
sustain their operations.
