Egypt is taking bold steps to overhaul its waste management system under the leadership of Acting Environment Minister and Local Development Minister Manal Awad. Chairing her first session since assuming the environment portfolio, Awad led the third meeting of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority’s board following its recent reformation. The session brought together key stakeholders, including Yasser Abdullah, head of the Waste Management Authority, and representatives from various ministries and technical experts, to approve a series of strategic reforms aimed at improving environmental sustainability and regulatory efficiency.
Among the most significant decisions was the approval of amendments to Waste Law No. 202 of 2020, which now includes streamlined procedures for licensing and appeals. A new category of independent licenses was introduced for companies handling construction and demolition waste, with a digital monitoring system to ensure proper disposal at designated sites. Awad emphasized the importance of coordination with the Housing Ministry and the Industrial Development Authority to allocate specific areas within new urban communities and industrial zones for this type of waste, reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to structured and accountable waste handling.
In a move to combat the environmental hazards of open-air burning, the board also approved a reduction in license fees for rice straw collection. This incentive is designed to encourage contractors to continue collecting crop residue, which has historically contributed to seasonal air pollution. The initiative will be supported by integrated data systems involving the agriculture and planning ministries, enhancing oversight and enabling more effective waste tracking and management.
The board also reviewed the “Port Said Initiative,” a pilot project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which focuses on reducing waste generation, particularly plastics. The success of this initiative prompted recommendations to replicate it across other governorates, aligning with Egypt’s broader goals of pollution reduction and environmental resilience. Awad reaffirmed the board’s role in driving national environmental policy and underscored the importance of collaborative governance in achieving a cleaner, more sustainable future for Egypt.