Challenge description

With approximately 100 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most densely populated country in the Middle East. In 2011, the volume of municipal solid waste amounted to around 22 million tons per year and this figure is forecast to rise by 3.4% each year due to population growth and changing patterns of consumption. The regulatory framework and the expansion of services and infrastructure cannot keep up with these growth rates.

It is estimated that only 60% of the waste produced is actually collected, of which less than 20% is recycled or properly disposed of. While public spaces in some municipalities are kept clean, the situation in other parts of the country is precarious. A significant portion of the waste is disposed into canals, rivers, streets or open areas without any treatment or preventive measures. This causes water, soil and air pollution and spoils the landscape. It also poses a serious risk to public and animal health and negatively impacts the economy, especially the tourism sector. A 2002 World Bank study estimated the cost of economic loss from inadequate waste management at between 0.4% and 0.7% of the gross domestic product.

Despite international support, the institutions responsible for waste collection and disposal are not yet able to perform their complex tasks. The legal framework is inadequate, and the allocation of responsibilities and tasks remains unclear. The sector is significantly under-financed and there is an enormous need for sustainable investments and services. [GIZ]

Challenge vision

Cairo’s trash is a commodity, just like oil or wheat, amounting to about 22 million tons annually. Of this amount, potentially 5 million tons can be converted into Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), and 4 million tons can be turned into organic fertilizer. This is only one example of how there are many opportunities that exist within the field of solid waste management that can be met with innovation and investment. 

How can a tech-enabled solution disrupt solid waste management in Egypt?

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES:  

• Your team may combine technology with innovative business models, rethinking about the opportunity of solid waste management through the lens of the circular economy;

• Your team can consider how to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of the following four stages when addressing an opportunity in solid waste management:
  • Collection: The process in which different types of waste are disposed and how they are prepared for transfer and transportation. 
  • Transportation: Once collected, this process covers how waste reaches the treatment facilities.
  • Separation and Treatment: The process by which waste is separated into different elements.
  • Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
    
    
• Your team can address a general issue faced within the solid waste management sector, or alternatively, may consider focusing on a particular type of solid waste material, including the following:
  • Agricultural
  • Municipal
  • Industrial (hazardous, non-hazardous)
  • Construction demolition
    
    
• The idea must be feasible and business model viable (applicable to the real world and is a business opportunity that can attract investment). Available city data and local sensitivities should be considered.
  
  
• These solutions may also latch onto or partner with existing corporations, old-guard industry and manufactures. 

• Teams can consult solid waste management experts (coaches/mentors) who will be located on-premise.