Solid Waste Management systems are a vital policy regionally and on a global level. The AASTMT has had a pivotal role in influencing the policy and implementing roadmap towards improving the systems of solid waste management in Egypt. But first, what is solid waste management? Solid waste management refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing solid waste. The benefits of developing a Solid Waste Management system stem from the facts that it saves government money, improves public health and reduces pollution issues. All of which are essential pillars to the prosperity of our nations and the world at large. Over the last 4 years AASTMT has partnered with the Egyptian Government in embracing a fully effective new solid waste management system. This took place through different profound pillars that are discussed next.

AASTMT has supervised all stages of establishing 23 safe sanitary landfills in various cities of Egypt, which include design, construction, testing and operation. It has delivered them to 16 Governorates, several of which already started working. AASTMT is currently supervising the operation of the largest project among them. The latest project was completed this year in the city of Bir al-Abd on an area of ​​5 acres and includes administration, electricity, control and guard buildings, a fuel station, a truck scale, roads, fences, a leachate treatment pond, and a safe sanitary burial cell with a capacity of 60 thousand tons.

Infrastructure Development

One of the most distinguished achievements of AASTMT is that it contributed to the Egyptian state’s plan for the development of the Sinai. This took place thorough the project that was handed over to North Sinai Governorate.  This serves 100,000 residents of the governorate. Specifically, three other sanitary landfills were delivered and operated in the cities of Al-Arish, Al-Tur, and Sharm El-Sheikh, bringing the number of projects implemented in the Sinai to four projects.

Training and Construction

AASTMT has trained no less than one thousand five hundred individuals working in the 27 Governorates and branches of the Environmental Affairs Agency on integrated solid waste management through thirty training courses that the Academy held in various governorates of Egypt during the past two years, the most recent of which was the training course at the Saqqara Training Center for workers in North and South Sinai and Suez governorates and the Red Sea Governates. This training qualified workers in the environmental and cleanness departments in the governorates to begin operating 10 sanitary landfills independently and without the need for other parties to operate, which reduces the system’s operating expenses to ensure the sustainability of the service provided to the Egyptian citizen and prevent pollution and contributes to raising the level of public health and preserving the environment.

AASTMT contributed radically to the implementation of modern technologies and international standards in the field of waste management

The Academy contributed radically to the implementation of global systems and modern technologies in the field of waste management, as it spread awareness among decision-makers working in various state agencies on the best global strategies for managing waste of all types (municipal, agricultural, industrial, and hazardous) with the aim of directing the Egyptian state’s plans towards the optimal direction for integrated management. waste and achieving the best financial return from the Egyptian government’s investments in this field.

Local Manufacturing

The Academy contributed radically to the implementation of global systems and modern technologies in the field of waste management, as it spread awareness among decision-makers working in various state agencies on the best global strategies for managing waste of all types (municipal, agricultural, industrial, and hazardous) with the aim of directing the Egyptian state’s plans towards the optimal direction for integrated management of waste and achieving the best financial return from the Egyptian Government’s investments in this field.

Policy reform

One of the most important contributions of the Academy in supporting the Egyptian government in the field of waste management is directing the government’s plan towards localizing the recycling industry in Egypt. This was done by persuading and urging officials and decision makers to direct the available budgets towards local manufacturing of waste sorting and recycling lines instead of importing it from abroad with the aim of reducing The cost of production and reducing the burden on the Egyptian government to provide hard currency for importing recycling plants.

The Academy also contributed to reviewing and amending the designs of recycling lines and adding the necessary machines to them in a way that is appropriate for the type of waste generated in Egypt, which varies from one region to another according to population density, social level, and location, whether rural, urban, or densely populated cities. The Academy will also supervise the manufacturing and installation in the coming period. New factories and the establishment of recycling complexes in the governorates.

On a final note, there is a dire need for Solid Waste Management Strategies that bring positive outcomes to the development of our society. For more than 50 years AASTMT has been committed towards empowering generations and communities. Today, AASTMT plays a vital role in the road towards an Egyptian Sustainable Solid Waste Management System.  Through Continuous efforts of research (read more about our scientific research here), education (read more about our degrees here) and consultancy, AASTMT continues to innovate in helping to bring positive change through sustainable approaches. AASTMT aspires to continue to raise generations that foster positive impact and responsible global citizenship (check our AASTMT alumni efforts).