A mechanical and biological treatment facility (MBT) in Bar Elias was established by the Council for Development and Reconstruction and financed by the European Union.
The facility’s technology embraces two stages: mechanical treatment and biological treatment.
Mechanical treatment aims at sorting recyclable materials and separating possible contaminants like batteries and other organic waste. This operation uses material like sieves, conveyor belts, magnetic separators, sorting drums, ballistic separators and shredders for downsizing.
As for the biological stage relies on composting for aerobic treatment of the waste using a series of windrows which ultimately results in a humus-like product that is biologically stabilized, reducing potential harmful emissions
The office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) received financing by the government to support the operation and maintenance of the sorting facility. The evaluation of the tenders was held on April 30th, 2018, and the contract was awarded to “Hammoud Establishment for Trading and Contracting”. Operations begun on July 1st 2018 when the facility started receiving household solid waste from the municipalities of Bar Elias, Kob Elias and Al Marj.
Facts and figures about the facility:
• Capacity: 150 Tons/day.
• Minimum quantity of sorted recyclable materials during the mechanical treatment of the waste: 10%.
• Minimum quantity of compost produced from the biological treatment of the organic wastes: 20%
• Maximum quantity of the rejects sent to landfill: 35%.