“Ras Beirut Btifroz” Campaign

The “Ras Beirut Btifroz” Campaign is a community-driven waste management initiative dedicated to promoting waste sorting at source in Ras Beirut District of Beirut, Lebanon.¹

The main objective of the initiative is to establish a network of buildings that actively sort recyclable waste, encouraging sustainable practices at household and community levels.² This initiative seeks to reduce urban waste pollution, support local recycling efforts, and strengthen community engagement and environmental awareness.³ By fostering collaboration among residents, commercial establishments, and NGOs, the project demonstrates a scalable model of community-based environmental stewardship.⁴
The initiative began in 2018 with 25 buildings. By 2019, the number had grown to 65 buildings, and by 2020, the campaign had expanded to include 85 buildings, reaching approximately 1,200 households.⁵ Participation also extended to commercial venues, including Café Younes, broadening its impact beyond residential waste management.⁶

Between 2018 and 2020, the campaign successfully achieved total recyclable waste collected 59,478 kilograms of paper, cardboard, plastic, tins, cans, and aluminum. Besides, revenue generated from recyclables $11,478 in the first 18 months.⁷

The collection is carried out by Arcenciel, with buildings contributing a $16 fee per collection. These fees cover operational costs, while proceeds from the sale of recyclables finance sorting, handling, packing, and transportation, and Arcenciel’s broader community and environmental projects.⁸
A key component of the campaign is the reinvestment of 50% of recycling revenue into public urban improvement projects in Ras Beirut, reinforcing the link between personal environmental responsibility and shared public benefits. Two notable interventions include:⁹

• Public Tawleh Installation: A permanent concrete backgammon (tawleh) table was installed at Jeanne d’Arc Street – Makhoul Intersection, providing a free, accessible recreational amenity. Game kits are available at the nearby Le Sage corner shop for community use.
• Recycled Ping Pong Table: A ping pong table fabricated by District D using recycled materials is currently being finalized. This intervention not only encourages play and social interaction but also reclaims underutilized public spaces, including sidewalks. Community tournaments will be organized to activate the space and increase visibility.

Training sessions were held for residents of participating buildings, offering practical guidance on how to properly sort waste at home. These workshops aimed to ensure consistency, prevent contamination, and build long-term behavioral change around sustainable waste practices.¹⁰

Launched in 2018, the project is part of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Neighborhood Initiative,^{i 11} in collaboration with the AUB Nature Conservation Center (NCC) and the non-profit organization Arcenciel, with support from the Municipality of Beirut.¹²