Why waste waste? Going green in southern Lebanon

AYTARUN, Lebanon (AFP) — The large building near the border with Israel was already earmarked to be a green pioneer in Lebanon when it was blown apart by two missiles during the short sharp summer war of 2006.

Now the demolished building has been rebuilt -- and with it a ground-breaking environmental project has risen from its own ashes.

In a country with serious waste management problems, the war-ravaged small town of Aytarun in the south lies in the vanguard of recycling, setting an example it is hoped will be followed by others.

Located just metres (yards) from the frontier, Aytarun was devastated by the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in July and August two years ago.

On the village's edge is the Centre for Solid Waste Management, a 700-square-metre (875-square-yard) structure rebuilt with Italian assistance after the conflict.

The centre refuses ...