Scrap sellers, exporters, their workers and their families protested at the Nahr Abou Ali intersection in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, on April 9, 2025. (Credit: Michel Hallak)
Scrap metal sellers and their families protested today at the Nahr Abou Ali intersection in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, in response to the decision by North Lebanon Governor Ramzi Nohra to close all scrap metal depots in Tripoli.
This decision leaves more than 15,000 workers without a means of livelihood in a region where scrap depots have become an important part of the local economy, reported L'Orient-Le Jour's correspondent in the north, Michel Hallak, on Wednesday. These depots recover and process various types of scrap, as well as plastics, which are then sold or exported.
The problem lies in the fact that they are often set up in violation of current regulations and pose environmental issues. The owners of some scrap depots have been criticized for incinerating toxic materials without measures to limit air pollution, such as burning rubber tires to extract copper.
In response to these concerns, Ramzi Nohra ordered the closure of these depots on March 3.
All roads leading to the Nahr Abou Ali intersection were blocked. Protesters then marched on foot to the Tripoli port, blocking its entrances and exits, as well as the Mina highway in both directions, causing major congestion. The Lebanese Army and security forces arrived and partially reopened some roads. Protesters gathered near the port entrance and distributed a statement defending their position.
“We have always operated within the law and contributed significantly to the national economy. Our trade has been vital for thousands of families in Tripoli, Zghorta, Akkar and surrounding areas. We reject the governor's decision alleging environmental pollution and tire burning, as we have been wronged by the law in many ways,” the statement read. Protesters further claim that the fires for which scrap sellers have been blamed were caused by residents burning waste. “We support the closure of any depot violating the law, but most of our depots are licensed and comply with regulations. We protest to reverse this decision and allow us to continue our work,” the statement added.
Business owners also spoke to the media, stating that the decision to close businesses, whether licensed or not, was due to fires causing pollution, mainly from the Sunday market depot, our correspondent reported.
“The decision harms the economy and the livelihoods of more than 15,000 people, 90 percent of whom are Lebanese. Our work represents 30 percent of the port's activities. If the depots close, we will not be able to transport our goods. We are licensed businesses and call for the reversal of this decision,” the statement concluded.
The protest ended with a new blockade of the Nahr Abou Ali intersection. After mediators intervened, a meeting was scheduled at the Serail of Tripoli and the roads were reopened.
In March, at least three major fires were reported in the heart of Tripoli. Scrap depot owners were incinerating a mix of tires, electrical cables, scrap metal and plastic or metal waste in illegal dumps located in urban areas to extract copper or iron, which they then resold for a few dollars, our correspondent in the north reported.