Beirut landfill closure leaves trash rotting in the street
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, July 28, 2015, 6:37 PM - Mountains of trash are piling up in and around Beirut, Lebanon following the closure of a major landfill site last week. Garbage trucks have stopped picking up the trash because there's nowhere to take it -- leaving things to rot in the summer heat.
Residents are said to be furious with local officials, who were aware the dump was shutting down but did not act quickly enough to find an alternative site.
The trash has triggered health warnings and public protests.
Some frustrated residents have started setting fire to their trash, adding more pollution to the atmosphere.
Bartender Ibrahim Kadi that his business has taken a hit, with customers being driven away by the fumes the trash is producing.
Officials say they're working towards a permanent solution but some residents remain doubtful, according to the New York Times.
Sources: The Huffington Post | The New York Times | Getty Images
IN PHOTOS: TRASH OVERTAKES BEIRUT:
Garbage strike #Beirut. Mountains of trash. #nprontheroad @npr @nprGlobalHealth pic.twitter.com/xxBBxda30v
— Jason Beaubien (@jasonbnpr) July 22, 2015
