Exploring the feasibility of extended producer responsibility for efficient waste management in Lebanon

Inadequate waste management poses a critical environmental challenge worldwide, particularly affecting global South Countries where limited infrastructure intensifies environmental degradation. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a potential strategy that holds manufacturers accountable for their products' end-of-life management. While EPR has proven successful across Global North countries and is gaining traction in emerging markets, Lebanon has yet to embrace this approach despite its ongoing waste crisis. This study explores EPR's potential in Lebanon through in-depth interviews with stakeholders from the plastic and electronics industries, government bodies, and NGOs. While international companies demonstrated familiarity with EPR principles, many local electronic retailers showed limited understanding. Several obstacles hinder EPR adoption: the pervasive informal waste sector, economic instability, substantial recycling infrastructure costs, knowledge gaps, and weak governance marked by corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency. Despite these challenges, industry stakeholders express keen interest in sustainable waste practices, with some companies already launching voluntary take-back initiatives. Effective EPR implementation in Lebanon requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, manufacturers, NGOs, and communities, supported by strong legislation and enforcement. The findings highlight how EPR can be tailored to assist Lebanon and other Global South countries in overcoming common waste management challenges.