Waste & Circular Economy · Greenly Feature
Since 2003, arcenciel has been treating Lebanon's medical waste without incineration, and building an entire circular economy around it, one that runs on more than just good intentions. It runs on jobs.
Lebanon didn't have a safe, environmentally sound way to deal with infectious healthcare waste until arcenciel built one. In 2003, the organization established DEHO, the country's national infectious healthcare waste management network, to fill that gap. Today, it's an integrated system, covering awareness, training, collection, transport, treatment, and advocacy, and it's grown into a trusted partner for healthcare institutions across the country.
The process starts inside the healthcare facilities themselves. Staff segregate infectious waste at the source, after which arcenciel's specialized teams collect and transport it using dedicated vehicles. From there, the waste is treated using autoclave and microwave technology, both of which disinfect the waste without the harmful emissions that come with incineration, the method most commonly used elsewhere.
"This model has enabled us to become a trusted partner for healthcare institutions across the country while contributing to public health and environmental protection."
Chahid Chamoun, Environment Sector, arcenciel
Plastic reduction across arcenciel's restaurant, ecolodge, and farm operations is part of a wider commitment to circular economy principles rather than a standalone initiative. In practice, that means minimizing single-use plastics, promoting reusable alternatives, improving how waste is sorted at the source, and recovering recyclable materials through arcenciel's own recycling network.
The goal, according to Chamoun, goes beyond arcenciel's own footprint. These sites double as demonstration models, meant to show visitors, partners, and local communities what more sustainable practices actually look like in daily operation, not just in a strategy document.
What sets arcenciel's environmental work apart is who runs it. The Environment Sector operates as a social enterprise, built to create employment, vocational training, and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and individuals from vulnerable communities. That shows up across the organization, from furniture refurbishment at La Brocante and Al Manchara, to textile recovery through La Boutique and Inventi Studio, to the healthcare waste network itself.
"Our activities demonstrate that environmental protection and social inclusion are mutually reinforcing. Revenue generated through these activities supports arcenciel's broader social mission while advancing circular economy practices."
Chahid Chamoun, Environment Sector, arcenciel
Lebanon's recent economic and infrastructure instability hasn't made any of this easier. Chamoun points to fluctuating operational costs, limited public-sector resources, inconsistent enforcement of environmental regulations, and volatile markets for recyclable materials, compounded by rising fuel and logistics costs and a dependence on imported equipment.
By leaning harder into partnerships, with municipalities, healthcare institutions, donors, schools, and the private sector, while continuing to invest in awareness, innovation, and operational efficiency, rather than scaling back.
arcenciel's current strategy focuses on expanding its geographical reach and operational capacity, strengthening financial sustainability, and investing in innovation. That includes growing DEHO and DERE services, developing regional hubs, building out digital and e-commerce capabilities for its reuse activities, and investing in new recycling and upcycling technology. Advocacy for stronger national waste management policy remains part of the plan too, alongside deepening partnerships with municipalities and institutions.
About arcenciel
arcenciel is a Lebanese social enterprise operating across environmental and social programs, including Lebanon's national healthcare waste management network. Learn more at arcenciel.org.