Summary

This application focuses on an initiative aiming at improving the collection of waste in the city of Khosoos. It assisted the formalization of informal waste collectors through one NGO and three private sector companies, and supported ten of the poorest collectors with motorized tricycles for waste collection. The initiative constructed a transfer station within the neighborhood, where the informal waste collectors can transfer their waste.

Actions and Implementation

The transfer station was designed according to the local needs with access to informal waste collectors. Specific training has been delivered on the maneuvering of the trucks with containers and the operation of the transfer station. The initiative provided institutional and technical support to the newly formalized informal waste collectors and supported them to negotiate their contractual agreement with the Governorate.

Outcomes and Impacts

The main outcomes of the initiatives included: •Income of the marginalized and most needy informal waste collectors’ households has been increased •Collection workers have been formalized, empowered, better integrated and their negotiating powers enhanced •Working conditions of informal waste operators improved •Transfer station reduced duration of one collection tour by approximately 50 percent and capacity of existing waste collection has increased •Reduction of illegal dumping on the outskirts of the city by collection vehicles and hence reduction of health hazards & environment contamination •Better awareness of the public achieved

Sustainability and Scalability

Transfer stations are being considered in the National solid waste management strategy framework in Egypt. The integration of the informal sector is promoted by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and is being piloted in some areas in Cairo. Qalyubeya Governorate has started the planning of an additional transfer station.

Gender and Social Inclusivity

The forging of the partnership between the Governorate and the informal collectors required mediation and efforts to build trust.

Innovative Initiative

Local use of moto-tricycles instead of donkey carts increased the efficiency of the system. The construction of a modern but simple transfer station helped transfer waste disposal to designated landfill sites instead of on empty lots or in the Nile River. Schools were main partners for the awareness activities since they are excellent catalyst for positive behavioral change. Thus this initiative is considered revolutionary although awareness campaigns are evolutionary by nature.

Resources devoted to delivery

The project was implemented by GIZ/PDP in partnership with Qalyubeya Governorate through a fund by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) with a total amount of $5 million. The transfer station received a budget close to $420,000, and the motorized tricycles received around $30,000. Formalization measures required technical and managerial support from PDP. Teachers and students volunteered time and resources to undertake awareness campaigns.