The WES-BCA project is supporting the Legal Framework on Plastic Waste Management in Lebanon with a focus on establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for single-use packaging plastics
Phasing out single-use plastics (SUPs) is indeed a challenging issue in the Mediterranean region.
The EU funded “Water and Environment Support-Biodiversity and Climate Action (WES-BCA) in the Neighbourhood South region” project is to support the development of a national legal framework for plastic waste reduction in Lebanon, focusing on initiating an EPR scheme for selected single-use plastics (SUPs), especially packaging waste.
Following a Kick-off Meeting held on 25/07/2025, WES-BCA organised a hybrid Inception Meeting of its Environment Activity in Lebanon on the 25th of November 2025, in Beirut. The meeting aimed to exchange on the current state of plastic waste management in Lebanon and the region, and to lay the groundwork for WES-BCA support in advancing SUP phase-out and the implementation of an EPR scheme through technical and legal guidance for drafting the relevant legal framework and preparing associated policy recommendations.
The representative of H.E. Dr. Tamara El Zein, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Elise Noujeim, Advisor to the Minister, in her opening speech, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to build a cleaner and more circular economy-driven Lebanon.
“The Ministry of Environment is prioritizing the EPR system. We hope that the WES-BCA project will not only support the national legal framework for the EPR system but also strengthen national capacities, engage all stakeholders, ensure its effective implementation, and support efforts to reduce plastic waste.”
Eng. Bassam Sabbagh, Head of Urban Environment Service of the Ministry of Environment, WES-BCA Environment Focal Point, expressed his confidence that the collaboration of the WES-BCA would be productive for the final design and implementation of the Green Agenda in Lebanon.
Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation in Lebanon, emphasized the importance of the WES-BCA project, funded by the EU, and its notable impact on the field of environment, which involved many Lebanese key stakeholders, that would contribute to the development of EU Green Deal in the Mediterranean region.
Professor Michael Scoullos, Team Leader, WES-BCA, underlined the commitment of WES-BCA to support Lebanon in a spirit of solidarity, through close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, the EU Delegation to Lebanon and all relevant stakeholders, in promoting the EPR Legislation on SUPs and its implementation in a meaningful way.
The team of WES-BCA environment experts presented the findings from the previous WES project activities on phasing out SUPs and exploring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, alongside other national initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste to key stakeholders.
They reviewed the current state of plastic waste management in Lebanon and the region, to lay the groundwork for finalizing the action plan of the WES-BCA activity “Advancing EPR and Action Planning for Plastic Waste Reduction in Lebanon”.
The activity will also enhance national capacities and stakeholders’ engagement through targeted workshops and consultations, promoting source separation, recycling technologies, and alignment with ongoing initiatives supporting EPR implementation for single-use plastic packaging.
The activity will be concluded with the WES-BCA Consultation Workshop to Support EPR Rollout for Selected SUPs, by the end of 2026.
You may find the activity’s deliverables and related information here:
You may also watch the WES videos on “Plastic Pollution and Single-Use Plastics” and “Circular Economy & Waste Reduction”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUpeayWUUmY&t=32s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Ut55YZGJA&t=56s
Lebanon has long faced challenges in solid waste management, but recent years have seen renewed government efforts to establish a more sustainable system.
Since the 2018 Law 80 on integrated solid waste management, progress has continued with the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy (2024), promoting waste reduction, recycling, and the elimination of open dumping and burning.
The Ministry of Environment is advancing key reforms, including a cost recovery system, draft EPR decrees for e-waste, batteries, and plastics, and a national roadmap for plastic waste management. Supported by partners such as the EU, World Bank, UNDP, and UN-Habitat, these initiatives aim to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure, and foster producer responsibility.
During the previous phase, the groundwork was laid through national activities that identified suitable EPR models, developed a Plastic Take-Back roadmap, and promoted the reduction of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) via voluntary agreements with the private sector. Building on these achievements, Lebanon is now moving toward practical EPR implementation to reduce plastic pollution, enhance recycling, and protect public health and the environment.
