Waste Management Reform & Private Sector – Minister Update
- Cairo—Egypt's solid waste management system is seeing marked improvements, driven by collaboration between the government, parliament, and the private sector.
- Fouad, addressing the Local Administration Committee in Parliament, credited Law 202/2020, the waste Management Law, for establishing circular economy practices and boosting private sector participation.MP Ahmed El-Sigini chairs...
- The role of the private sector is expanding, especially in waste-to-energy initiatives.These include landfill gas recovery and sludge-to-power generation.
Egypt’s waste management is undergoing a dramatic conversion! Driven by government initiatives and private sector investment, recycling rates have skyrocketed, reaching an impressive 37% in 2024, with a target of 60% by 2027. Surroundings Minister Yasmine Fouad highlights the pivotal role of Law 202/2020 in fostering a circular economy, and the expansion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes is providing crucial revenue. Learn how the private sector is key, notably regarding waste-to-energy projects. This progress is vital for Egypt’s sustainability goals. News Directory 3 reported live from Cairo on the minister’s update. Discover what’s next for this innovative approach.
Egypt’s Recycling Rate Soars with Private Sector Role in Waste Management
Updated June 18, 2025
Cairo—Egypt’s solid waste management system is seeing marked improvements, driven by collaboration between the government, parliament, and the private sector. Yasmine Fouad, the minister of environment, announced Wednesday that recycling rates have jumped from 10% in 2018 to 37% in 2024. The goal is to hit 60% by 2027.
Fouad, addressing the Local Administration Committee in Parliament, credited Law 202/2020, the waste Management Law, for establishing circular economy practices and boosting private sector participation.MP Ahmed El-Sigini chairs the committee.
The role of the private sector is expanding, especially in waste-to-energy initiatives.These include landfill gas recovery and sludge-to-power generation. A government-approved feed-in tariff, coordinated across multiple ministries, should further incentivize investment.
The Salam landfill site’s gas recovery and the Abu Rawash wastewater treatment plant’s sludge-to-energy project are key examples.
To address funding, Fouad advocated for fully using the law’s embedded financing, including property tax allocations, Local Advancement Fund surpluses, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs.
Egypt launched its first EPR initiative in February, initially targeting single-use plastic bags. It will eventually expand to packaging and metal products, providing a steady revenue stream.
The Waste Management Regulatory Agency has also seen a financial turnaround, now operating as an economic authority with a surplus of 45 million Egyptian pounds.
Fouad reviewed progress in waste collection and recycling contracts and addressed infrastructure needs in Giza and Qalyubeya governorates.
El-sigini commended Fouad’s leadership and her recent appointment to an international environmental position.
“Parliament has been a committed partner in this journey since 2015,” El-Sigini said, stressing the need to build on current gains for long-term sustainability.
What’s next
Egypt plans to continue expanding private sector involvement and fully implement EPR schemes to achieve its 60% recycling target by 2027, ensuring a sustainable waste management system.