Cairo: Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, convened a meeting with representatives from UGOA to explore joint cooperation strategies aimed at advancing the integrated waste management system. Present at the meeting were Mr. Yasser Abdullah, CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Agency, alongside several other key leaders.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr. Fouad was presented with UGOA’s executive plan designed to bolster the Ministry’s efforts in enhancing the waste system across all republic governorates. The plan also covered ways to support the state’s infrastructure projects in waste management, along with promoting sustainable practices and enhancing investment opportunities in this sector. Discussions included the implementation of Waste Law 202 of 2020, offering technical support and consulting services for waste recycling facilities, integrating the informal sector into the formal waste management framework, and reducing the usage of single-use plastic bags.
Dr. Fouad expressed appreciation for UGOA’s proposals and reviewed past efforts and challenges in the waste sector. She highlighted the sector’s progress following the Waste Management Regulation Law, which emphasizes a circular economy approach and private sector participation. This, she noted, signifies a major shift towards safe waste management, reducing waste generation, and fostering new investment possibilities. Efforts to support factories in recycling and producing alternative fuel RDF were discussed, along with potential collaboration with UGOA for technical support.
The Minister also addressed the integration of the informal sector into formal systems through a cooperation protocol with the Ministries of Environment, Labor, and Social Solidarity. This aims to transition informal workers into the formal workforce, providing them with social and health insurance, while involving private sector companies in waste collection and street cleaning. Plans for 27 governorates were outlined, detailing private sector operating contracts for collection, transportation, and recycling operations.
Further, Dr. Fouad tackled the issue of plastics and efforts to curtail single-use plastic bags, noting the Cabinet’s approval of extended producer responsibility for plastic shopping bags. This decision also includes incentives for importing and producing environmentally friendly alternatives.
UGOA representatives expressed gratitude to the Minister for the opportunity to present their proposals, highlighting their commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions that align with national environmental sustainability and development goals. As an Egyptian company specializing in waste management and recycling, UGOA shared its successful project experiences across the Middle East and North Africa.
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Fouad announced plans to develop a roadmap to implement UGOA’s vision, reinforcing public-private sector partnerships to support the state’s transition to a green economy and achieve environmental sustainability, while encouraging innovations in waste management and recycling.