Project's presentation and history.

Ecoserv is a non-profit organization established in 2018 that focuses on electronic and other toxic waste. The e-waste harms are still grossly misunderstood by a large majority of the Lebanese population and constitute a big challenge to all institutions. Ecoserv’s mission is to create the needed awareness, and lead by example on how to safely dispose of and recycle electronic waste.

 

Ecoserv collects all end-of-life, and defective electronic products for recycling/disposal with environmentally sound processes. Ecoserv is currently the only organism in Lebanon to issue a signed and sealed ‘Certificate of disposal/recycling’ of the items that may contain hazardous material from its internationally certified recycling partner.          

How did the idea of a green business occur to you?

Dr. Gaby Kassab, President of Ecoserv, is an industrial engineer by formation, with a Masters in Econometrics and a PhD in Strategic Planning from Columbia University. He held Regional Director and CEO positions throughout his long career with leading international Telco and IT corporations where he experienced first-hand the numerous challenges of finding creative solutions for e-waste proper treatment and safe disposal.

 

As Ecoserv founder, Dr. Kassab aims to provide sustainable green solutions for the Lebanese society especially in the field of technology and electronics where he can use his knowledge and rich experience to provide focused services previously inexistent in the country.      

How did you become green entrepreneurs?

E-waste is considered toxic and can become quite hazardous and a threat to human health and environment alike if it is not dispose of properly. This solid waste category has been grossly mismanaged so far in Lebanon. Contracted solid waste companies neither have the mandate nor the capability to handle e-waste, which ends up crushed and haphazardly dumped in landfills.

Ecoserv was founded based on the need to promote and apply good environmental practices and safe disposal of toxic waste among the Lebanese communities. The NGO is constantly working on creating a positive impact on collective social behavior though extensive awareness programs and activities. 

How do you think green businesses can help Lebanon and its citizens?

Lebanon is in dire need for green businesses and initiatives to face all the environmental and economic challenges the country is dealing with. We are firm believers that local communities can be major contributors to the circular economy and overall environmental outlook. Ecoserv is among the major players in actively focusing the effort on awareness, Corporate Social Responsibility, and encouraging circular economy thinking bound to create much needed green jobs.    

 

In the past couple of years, Ecoserv has established agreements with private institutions (Banks, IT/Electronics companies, Universities, Schools, Hospitals, Clubs, ...) and Public bodies (Municipalities, Port authority, ...) to offer its services that include collection and safe disposal of e-waste.

Moreover, to make it easier on households to properly dispose of their electronic waste, Ecoserv has put together a network of dropzones (currently over 110 drop locations) spread out all over the Lebanese territory.

How do you think green businesses can help Lebanon and its citizens?

Ecoserv was able to divert hazardous e-waste from landfills, create awareness on this growing type of waste effluent and create new focused environmental jobs for an eventual self-sufficient system to handle e-waste in Lebanon.

 

It is also important to mention that after August 4, Ecoserv participated actively in the relief efforts carried out in Beirut devastated with the help of volunteers as a way to give back to local communities by conducting surveys and collecting damaged electronics. 

How do you see the future of your business?

Ecoserv has a positive outlook on its future even though Lebanon is experiencing hard times. Ecoserv is always striving to expand its network by creating new local and international partnerships to better serve the local community.

 

In the times of Covid-19, we are currently applying strict safety measures during the collection and dismantling processes to ensure the safety of our workers and to avoid possible contamination. We also adapted our awareness sessions to include virtual meetings, workshops and webinars. 

Why did you choose to partner with Fondation Diane?

Ecoserv has a positive outlook on its future even though Lebanon is experiencing hard times. Ecoserv is always striving to expand its network by creating new local and international partnerships to better serve the local community.

 

In the times of Covid-19, we are currently applying strict safety measures during the collection and dismantling processes to ensure the safety of our workers and to avoid possible contamination. We also adapted our awareness sessions to include virtual meetings, workshops and webinars.                        

Do you appreciate Fondation Diane, and why?

Fondation Diane is one of the leading associations in Lebanon with a central vision of creating green eco-citizens, a green well equipped industrial hub, and build a platform to inform citizens about eco-friendly initiatives and markets.

Ecoserv is proud to collaborate with Fondation Diane and be part of its noble quest to constantly strive towards empowered green initiatives while scouting for brand new sectors and processes to create a disruptive impact on the stale environmental practices in Lebanon. 

Do you have a message for future entrepreneurs?

Ecoserv believes that Lebanon needs more disruptive environmental initiatives to better preserve what is left of the Lebanese natural, cultural, and green resources heritage.

It is essential that future entrepreneurs think outside the box and find workable methodologies to establish new specializations (i.e. in the field of renewable energy,..), expand and develop new markets, and hopefully find the strength and resolve to keep pushing forward for Lebanon, and never falter in the face of what sometimes feels as unsurmountable challenges.