The Environment Unit

The Environment Unit, part of the Operations Division of the Lod Municipality, provides guidance and supervision on environmental issues and promotes sustainability values in the both the community and educational institutions. The unit works in cooperation with all relevant parties, including the Ministry of Environmental Protection, neighboring local authorities, the Water Company, the Drainage and Sewage Authority, the Israel Police, the Israel Fire and Rescue services, public institutions, and more.

• Chairman of the Environmental Quality Committee – Shabtai Katash, Adv. / Acting Chairman Akram Saklala, Adv.
• Environmental Quality Portfolio Holder – Shabtai Katash, Adv.
   

The Unit's Vision

1. Reducing environmental risks in the City of Lod and taking action to remediate and rehabilitate environmental hazards.
2. Raising awareness and educating residents on issues of sustainability, recycling, and waste separation at the source.
3. Public awareness, environmental education, and community involvement in environmental projects.
4. Integrating environmental values into future projects in the city.
5. Making environmental information accessible to city residents.

Issues handled by the Environmental Unit

• Industries - Supervision and control of industries in matters of air emissions, industrial wastewater, industrial waste, and toxic waste.
• Monitoring and oversight of hazardous materials licenses and emission permits.
• Environmental planning – Environmental planning is integrated and involved in all planning processes promoted by the municipality, incorporating environmental considerations into every plan that is promoted, and promoting issues related to green building in the city.
• Enforcement – Handling environmental hazards such as noise pollution, radiation, air pollution, odors, fires, and littering in open areas.
• Recycling and waste - Environmental treatment of waste and activities to reduce waste at source for various streams, including implementation of the Packaging Law and increasing recycling rates in the City of Lod.
• Business Licensing - Handling business licensing and providing environmental guidelines to businesses, while dealing with and enforcing compliance for businesses that do not comply with environmental guidelines.
• Environmental Education - Initiating and leading environmental education programs in the community and in educational and municipal institutions, establishing education and information centers for use by the education system, the general public, and those operating community gardens.
• Emergencies - Handling and preparing for incidents involving hazardous materials, earthquakes, war, etc.
• Environmental Committees - Presenting the activities of the Environmental Unit at four environmental committees per year, in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council members.
• Compiling and publishing up-to-date environmental data for the public.
• Organizing various environmental events throughout the year, such as clean-up days, activities during Sukkot, Tu Bishvat, and more.

Residents' inquiries regarding environmental issues are forwarded to the Environmental Unit by contacting the Lod Municipal Call Center at 106 or 08-9279900.