Lebanon’s recycling sector is emerging as a market with untapped potential, offering both pressing challenges and promising opportunities. With annual revenues estimated between $65 million and $272 million, the industry is being driven by private companies, NGOs, and informal collectors. Yet inefficiencies in collection, sorting, and processing continue to hinder growth.
According to a UNDP report, Lebanon produces around 6,500 tons of municipal solid waste daily, of which 11.5% is plastic—roughly 750 tons every day. This adds up to 272,000 tons annually, most of which ends up in uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills, while only about 9% is recycled.
Sources of Plastic Waste
Plastic waste in Lebanon comes from diverse sectors, underscoring the breadth of the challenge: households and supermarkets generate single-use packaging; restaurants and hotels contribute disposables; hospitals produce non-hazardous medical plastics; while agriculture and industry add greenhouse covers, irrigation pipes, and industrial off-cuts.
Regional Context
The issue is not unique to Lebanon. Across the Levant, plastic recycling data is scarce, but trends indicate high waste generation and low recycling rates. In the GCC, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are scaling up efforts significantly. Saudi Arabia recycled 1.79 million tons of plastics in 2024, while the UAE recycled 840,000 tons in 2020, both signaling momentum toward a circular economy.
Active Players in Lebanon
Despite structural barriers, several local organizations are spearheading change.
Lebanon Waste Management (LWM) runs collection and sorting programs like “Drive-Throw.”
PlastiLab turns recycled plastics into market-ready products.
Cedar Environmental works with municipalities on complex plastic recycling.
Arcenciel and tech-driven apps like Live Love Recycle, Yalla Return, and Nadeera are digitizing the sector and incentivizing consumer participation.
Opportunities Ahead
Experts say Lebanon’s recycling market could grow significantly if structural gaps are addressed. The lack of national policy frameworks creates space for private-led initiatives to set standards. Meanwhile, outdated infrastructure presents investment opportunities in advanced processing technologies. Data scarcity highlights the need for smart tracking solutions, while rising costs may accelerate innovation in decentralized recycling and circular economy models.
A Regional Hub in the Making
With GCC countries investing heavily in recycling infrastructure and Lebanon’s market still underdeveloped, the Middle East offers strong prospects for technology providers, investors, and cross-border partnerships. Industry observers note that if Lebanon can overcome logistical and regulatory challenges, it could position itself as a key player in the region’s shift toward sustainable resource management.
Sources: Report Linker, Statista, Berytech
