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In 2015 the Lebanese capital Beirut found itself overwhelmed by reeking garbage – its streets piled high with rubbish bags – after politicians closed down the country’s main landfill site. The crisis brought thousands of angry protesters onto the streets, supporting a grassroots anti-government movement called You Stink. And, although the authorities eventually came up with a stop-gap solution, the crisis rumbles on to this day.

Critics say the temporary rubbish dumps that have now been pressed into service are badly sited, and sub-standard. There is concern over some rubbish being dumped close to or even in the sea. And the government’s preferred long term solution – to burn waste – threatens to stoke up new fury over its alleged environmental impact.

However, while the trash mounts up, a number of local activists have taken matters into their own hands – trying to solve the rubbish problem by getting fellow residents to recycle their trash, a rarity in Lebanon so far. Nidale Abou Mrad tells the story of the ordinary citizens taking pride in once troubled neighbourhoods, and stepping in to solve a crisis where their leaders have been found wanting.

Producer: Mike Gallagher

(Photo: Zeinab (centre) and two volunteer recyclers)