Growing up during the 2016 waste crisis in Lebanon shaped the entire future of Pierre Baaklini. At a time when streets were covered in garbage and communities felt helpless, he saw a deeper meaning behind the chaos. He saw a country drowning in mismanaged waste and a population losing trust in public systems. Instead of looking away, he chose to step forward. This moment became the starting point of a journey that transformed him into one of Lebanon’s strongest environmental voices.
Today, the work of Pierre Baaklini shows how a national disaster can spark a movement built on hope, innovation and resilience.
A Crisis That Sparked a Calling
For many Lebanese citizens, the 2016 waste crisis was a moment of frustration and fear. Garbage piled up in neighborhoods, pollution spread, and people felt abandoned by those responsible for protecting public health. But for Pierre Baaklini, this crisis became a calling.
He witnessed children walking near polluted streets, families living beside rotting waste and communities struggling to stay healthy. This experience pushed him from being an environmental supporter to becoming a full time activist who wanted to build real solutions. He understood that waste is not only a problem. It is also an opportunity to create value, protect communities and restore dignity.
From that moment, he decided to dedicate his life to building practical and trustworthy recycling systems.
From Activist to Changemaker
Entering the waste management sector in Lebanon was extremely challenging. Infrastructure was weak, financial support was almost impossible to secure and many people had lost trust in recycling because previous efforts had failed. But Pierre Baaklini believed that change begins when one person chooses to start.
He began by speaking directly to families, explaining the importance of separating waste and showing how small actions could create big results. He collected recyclables himself, sorted materials manually and worked long hours to prove that sustainable waste management was possible even in difficult conditions.
This early work built the foundation for Lebanon Waste Management and later Drive Throw, projects that would inspire thousands across the country.
Building Lebanon Waste Management and Drive Throw
What started as a small effort slowly grew into one of the most influential environmental movements in Lebanon. Through Lebanon Waste Management and Drive Throw, Pierre Baaklini and his team recycled more than sixty thousand tons of waste and engaged more than one hundred fifty thousand people.
Drive Throw became especially successful because it made recycling simple and easy. It allowed people to drop off sorted recyclables in organized collection points and understand clearly how their efforts were making a difference. This transparency rebuilt trust at a time when many Lebanese people felt let down by past systems.
The impact of these projects proved that practical solutions can rebuild confidence and inspire national participation. The work of Pierre Baaklini showed that even in challenging conditions, communities are willing to take part when they see real results.
A Vision for Regional Circular Economy
Although his journey began in Lebanon, Pierre Baaklini aims to create a model that can influence the entire Middle East and North Africa. He believes the region has incredible potential to adopt circular economy practices if modern infrastructure is developed.
He is currently working on expanding Drive Throw across more Lebanese areas and introducing advanced recycling technologies. This includes new PET washing systems and sorting facilities that can process materials more efficiently.
He hopes to create a sustainable model that turns waste into economic value, creates job opportunities and protects the environment. His long term goal is to position Lebanon as an example of how circular economy can thrive even in countries facing economic and political challenges.
Lessons From a Difficult Journey
Working in the waste sector in Lebanon is never easy. There are financial struggles, political complications and moments when progress seems impossible. But every challenge taught Pierre Baaklini valuable lessons.
He says the most important lesson is that real change does not require permission. It requires persistence. If he waited for perfect conditions or full support, nothing would have happened. Instead, he chose to move forward, adapt quickly and continue building even when the support was limited.
This mindset became the foundation of his leadership. It guided every project and helped him stay committed during difficult moments.
The Legacy He Wants to Create
Pierre Baaklini does not want his achievements to be remembered only as business success. He wants to leave a legacy that inspires people to rethink waste and see it as a valuable resource. He hopes to be remembered as someone who transformed a national crisis into a model for sustainable change.
He dreams of creating systems that will continue to grow long after him. He wants future generations to inherit a cleaner, healthier country and to understand that environmental action is possible in every situation.
A Message to His Younger Self
If he could speak to his younger self, Pierre Baaklini would offer honest and heartfelt advice. He would say to stay patient and trust the process. The journey will not be easy. There will be resistance, doubts and moments when the road feels lonely. But every challenge will build strength and every struggle will shape character.
He would remind himself that one person can start real change and that persistence will always lead to impact.
Inspiring Others Through His Story
Beyond his work in recycling, Pierre Baaklini hopes to inspire people by sharing his lifestyle, struggles and achievements. He believes that telling real stories helps others believe in their own power to create change. His online presence reflects his daily efforts, his challenges and his commitment to a cleaner Lebanon.
Through his journey, he encourages young people to take action in their own communities and to understand that sustainability is not just a responsibility but a chance to build a better future.
His life shows that big transformations often begin with a single step and a belief that change is possible.
Do follow him on Instagram
Read Next – UAE University Admissions Hit Record High This Academic Year
