With support from international partners such as LIFE (EU), AECID (Spain), and later the French Development Agency(AFD), arcenciel developed a national network for the safe collection, treatment, and disposal of potentially infectious medical waste.

Today, arcenciel treats around 13 tons of healthcare waste per day, working in close partnership with over 90% of the country’s hospitals, laboratories, and care centers (dispensaries, Red Cross, PHCC). The unit operates three treatment centers strategically located in Jisrel Watti, Saida, and Zahle.

The treatment process involves shredding and steam sterilization, transforming infectious waste into safe, inert material that can be handled as regular solid waste. To further reduce environmental impact, arcenciel has installed an optical sorter at the Taanayel center, allowing for the sorting and recovery of recyclable materials from treated waste.

Beyond treatment services, the DEHO unit also provides technical support and training for hospital and laboratory staff, helping healthcare institutions comply with national environmental standards and best practices in healthcare waste management. This work is carried out in coordination with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Public Health, the Syndicate of Hospitals, and municipalities across Lebanon.