BEIRUT— Lebanon has launched its first public hospital-based facility to safely treat infectious healthcare waste at Karantina Governmental University Hospital in Beirut, marking a major step for public health and environmental protection.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the facility will serve hospitals across Beirut and Mount Lebanon.

It will reduce landfill pressure, prevent unsafe waste disposal, and improve infection control standards in public hospitals.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Health Dr. Rakan Nassereddine, Minister of Environment Dr. Tamara El Zein, Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Lebanon, UNDP Resident Representative Blerta Aliko, and other government and international officials.

“This project shows that cooperation, especially between ministries, is key to success,” said Dr. Nassereddine. “It ensures medical waste is treated safely, protecting both public health and the environment.”

Dr. El Zein said Lebanon’s waste crisis is not only a technical issue but also a matter of governance, management, and funding.

She highlighted recent reforms: a cost recovery law, updates to the national waste strategy, creation of a national waste management authority, and digital tools to increase transparency and traceability.

Lebanon produces over 12,000 tons of hazardous healthcare waste each year, but only about 60% is treated safely. The new facility can treat up to seven tons per day and is expected to be fully operational by April 2026.

The project is part of TaDWIR (Towards a Decentralised Waste Management Integrated Response), an EU-funded UNDP initiative that aims to improve Lebanon’s waste management, covering healthcare, municipal, and hazardous waste.