Lebanon's rubbish mountain

This vast rubbish dump on the seafront of the Lebanese city of Sidon is more than 20m high and 300m long. Bulldozers still pile more waste onto it every day. Photo: Mohamed El-Sarji

The dump has grown unchecked for 25 years. The country is again plunged into deep political crisis and concern for the environment is not a priority.

The dump has partially collapsed into the sea at least twice. Mediterranean currents have swept waste onto beaches as far afield as Turkey and France. Photo: Mohamed El-Sarji

Local fishermen find it hard to make a living when their nets catch nothing but litter. The stench and flies around the dump can make life very unpleasant. Photo: Mohamed Zaatari

The waste from the rubbish dump also threatens marine life. Sea turtles can choke on white plastic bags, thinking they are jellyfish. Photo: Mohamed El-Sarji

These photos of the seabed were taken 5km off the coast of Sidon. Toxic liquids seeping from the dump are said to be more harmful than the rubbish itself. Photo: Mohamed El-Sarji

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