The Cases of Hasbaya, Chebaa, and Rashaya el Foukhar
This report presents the findings of a two-phase study on working conditions in municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Lebanon, with a focus on the areas of Hasbaya, Chebaa, and Rachaya El Foukhar in South-Lebanon.
The first phase of the study, completed in September 2024 by MORES s.a.r.l. (Management Of Resources and Environmental Solutions) – a consulting firm providing services in sustainable development and the environment –assessed the challenges faced by waste workers. Data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and field visits.
The second phase, conducted in 2025 by consultant Abdo Nassar, built upon this foundation. It updated the assessment following the escalation in Israeli attacks in late 2024 and political developments in Lebanon. It further analyzes the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors affecting the sector using a PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) framework and responsibility mapping.
This report compiles the findings of both phases that form part of the Waste or Resource consortium project aimed at reducing the environmental and health impacts of MSW while promoting sustainable waste management and decent job creation.
The study calls for immediate measures to enforce the existing regulations as a start and to formalize employment, enhance wages and working conditions, and provide training and safety equipment, as well as ensure strategic investments for waste management infrastructure is conducted alongside active community engagement.
These improvements can be effectively realized at the local level, if the Lebanese government approves the cost recovery law that empowers municipalities to collect fees and sustainably finance waste services. Successful implementation of these recommendations will depend on strong political will, secured funding, capacity building across stakeholders, and an efficient waste management system based on the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy aligned with international labor and environmental standards.