Proposing a solid waste management plan in Tripoli, North Lebanon: An individual awareness based solution

Abstract

AbstractSolid waste management plans are usually well applied in developed countries, where each country has its unique policy convenient to its urban system. In Lebanon, the problem of solid waste has always been a concern, but the problem escalated dramatically in recent years in different regions in Lebanon with a varying impact on the health of inhabitants and to the environment. There are many reasons that lead to this escalation, one being the consumption‐based lifestyle of the population with little knowledge of how individuals can be part of the solution. This research investigates the lifestyle and the awareness level of residents in Tripoli, Lebanon to understand their effect on solid waste accumulation in the city. The area of study is within Al Maarad region, inhabited by middle to high class population with university level education. The research shows the observation results of the solid waste collection patterns in the selected region, along with a questionnaire that tests the level of awareness of the population sample. The outcome of the observation and the responses of the responding sample showed that the people are aware that their lifestyle is a major cause in the waste accumulation, but they lack the ideas or incentives for contributing to the solution. The people are willing to be part of solving the solid waste crisis with a proper management plan.