Ziad Abishaker:
Transforming Beirut's Waste into Hope
Beirut, LB
2023
In the bustling streets of Beirut, where the echoes of the city’s vibrant life mix with the challenges of a country in constant crisis, Ziad Abishaker stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. As an environmental and industrial engineer with over 15 years dedicated to waste management, Ziad has crafted a narrative not just of waste, but of potential and opportunity.
We meet in his office, which stands as a showroom for his life and work, adorned with various products made from recycled materials – each item a testament to his dedication and creativity. Often referred to as the “waste king of Beirut,” Ziad himself prefers the humbler title of “garbage man.” His journey in waste management began with a simple yet profound realization during his studies in the U.S. – that waste is not merely something to be disposed of, but a resource to be valued and reused. This insight has driven his career and led to significant innovations in recycling and sustainability in Lebanon.
Ziad’s approach is deeply personal and community-focused and extend into several pragmatic solutions that visibly impact Beirut’s landscape. One of his notable initiatives includes the installation of street recycling bins across the city. This project, supported by private sector partnerships, facilitates community recycling efforts by making it easier for residents to dispose of recyclables properly.
Another project that showcases Ziad’s commitment to practical environmental solutions involves replacing manhole covers with ones made from recycled plastics. It is a project that not only prevents injuries and accidents caused by open holes but also tackles the issue of metal theft, turning a problem into an opportunity for sustainable development.
Moreover, Ziad has also played a crucial role in reviving a glass factory that was on the brink of closure. After the destruction of a major glass manufacturing plant during the 2006 Lebanon-Israel conflict, Ziad devised a business model that would sustain the glass blowing industry in Lebanon by redirecting the flow of green glass waste to local glass blowers … to only name a few of his projects.
But his work extends beyond the technical aspects of recycling. During the critical days of the October 17 revolution, Ziad led community cleanup efforts in Beirut’s Martyr Square. Every morning, he organized groups to sort and recycle the waste from the previous night’s protests—a testament to his belief in community resilience and the power of collective action.
When Ziad speaks of waste with an almost romantic fervor, he draws one into his vision where garbage is not an end but a beginning. His narratives are not just educational; they are calls to action imbued with humor and relatability that resonate with his audience.
Despite the overwhelming challenges posed by systemic corruption, which often stifles wider application of his innovative models, Ziad remains undeterred. He continues to push for sustainable practices, advocating for solutions that integrate environmental management with community development.
Ziad Abishaker’s story is not simply one of managing waste but of transforming it into a catalyst for change. In a city marked by its historical and contemporary struggles, his efforts offer a narrative of hope, showing that with passion and persistence, the foundations for a sustainable future can indeed be laid, one piece of recycled material at a time.
