Investigating the Feasibility of Integrating Extended Producer Responsibility for Efficient Waste Management in Lebanon

Abstract

Waste mismanagement is considered a global environmental concern, especially in the Global South countries. Several environmental initiatives were held to enhance the path towards a more sustainable management of waste. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), with its multi-various schemes, is considered a pivotal approach to sustainable management that has been successfully adopted for different waste streams in various Global North countries and is in the process of implementation in some Global South countries. The EPR approach requires producers to take on the financial and/or physical responsibilities of managing their waste in the post-consumer phase. Despite its wider adoption, Lebanon, which is in a serious waste crisis, still lacks such environmental regulations and concepts. This thesis aims to investigate the feasibility of integrating EPR into Lebanon’s waste management system by assessing the understanding of this concept among the plastic and electronic industries and their role in contributing to sustainable waste management, investigating the challenges that might be encountered in the adoption of EPR in Lebanon, and exploring the opportunities and steps to address these challenges and prepare for seamless integration of EPR. In-depth interviews were conducted with representatives from different sectors, including plastic, electronics, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. The findings revealed a notable gap in EPR knowledge. While electronic retailers often lack an understanding of EPR, enterprises operating in international marketplaces display higher expertise and proactive participation. The primary challenges to EPR adoption in Lebanon are several. The informal sector, which dominates the waste collection, poses a significant structural problem due to its irregular operations and lack of connection with official institutions. Lebanon's financial instability, as well as the high costs of recycling infrastructure and procedures, prevent both government and private sector participation. Inefficient legislative systems and weak legislative frameworks are considered regulatory barriers to implementing EPR, which are exacerbated by the corruption and inadequacies of public administration. Despite these challenges, stakeholders are eager to implement sustainable waste management solutions. Some industries are already launching voluntary take-back programs. The study emphasizes that effective EPR implementation in Lebanon needs clear cooperation between the government, producers, NGOs, and local communities, as well as a robust legal framework and enforcement.