BiClean Project

“BiClean” is a local waste management project located in the municipality of Bickfaya, in the Maten district of Lebanon.¹

The project envisions “transforming waste into a resource”² by fostering sustainable practices in household waste management, with a focus on sorting at source.³

The project was launched as a response to Bickfaya’s municipal waste crisis, with the aim of creating an environmentally sustainable solution grounded in community engagement.⁴ The core objectives are to promote waste sorting at the source, reduce environmental harm from unsorted waste, enable the reuse of recyclable and organic materials, and support a circular economy at the local level.^{5 6}

To implement the vision and aims of the projects, a sorting facility was implemented and operates within Bickfaya municipality, serving four municipalities in total; Bickfaya, Al-Mhaydtheh, Saqiet Al-Misk, and Bhersaf.⁷
The facility processes eight tons of household waste daily and includes sorting, packaging and preparation for recycling and reuse.⁸ The waste sorting process is implemented through a multi-stage approach:^{9 10}

• Sorting at Source; Household replace traditional bins with three-bin system, each labeled for organic, recyclable, or residual waste. Municipal trucks collect recyclables three times per week.
• Sorting at the facility; Waste bags are opened on a conveyor belt. Materials are manually and mechanically sorted by category.
• Preparation for Recycling and Reuse;
  – Plastic, paper, and aluminum are compressed into bales and sold to recycling plants.
  – Glass is crushed and sent to construction facilities, to be used as a substitute for beach sand.
  – Organic waste is treated and converted into a liquid fertilizer, which is distributed to local farms, supporting sustainable agriculture.

To ensure long-term success, the municipality conducted awareness campaigns and workshops for residents. These outreach efforts emphasized: the importance of sorting at home using the three-bag system (organic waste, recyclable materials, and residual waste). Further, it highlights the environmental and economic benefits of local waste sorting.¹¹

Established and operational in 2019, the project is initiated by the municipality of Bickfaya – Mhaydsseh and funded by municipal resources.¹²