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Successful delegation trip and workshop on waste management in Alexandria

 

From 26 to 28 August 2024, RETech conducted a delegation trip to Alexandria, Egypt, as part of its BMUV mission. In cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, a comprehensive 3-day programme was organised on site. The German delegation consisting of Dr Abdallah Nassour (University of Rostock), Sebastian Frisch (BlackForest Solutions GmbH), Christophe Pautrat (Landbell Group), Dr Giuliano Quattrocolo (Compost Systems GmbH), Dr Ayman Elnaas (CDM Smith) and Luise Billen (German RETech Partnership e.V.) met 50 Egyptian stakeholders in Alexandria, which enabled an intensive exchange of knowledge and experience. The aim was to develop innovative approaches for minimising landfilling, increasing recycling rates and optimising collection and transport systems and to promote long-term cooperation.

On the first day, Nahdet Misr Environmental Services gave a detailed overview of its waste management activities in Alexandria, including collection and transport, sorting and treatment, composting and the production of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). There was also a tour of the El Hammam landfill, which provided a practical insight into waste management in the region.

On the second day, the conference opened with welcoming speeches by high-ranking Egyptian personalities, including the Minister of Local Development, the Minister of Finance and five Egyptian governors. The thematic presentations by the German delegates emphasised the central importance of effective waste management. The high level of participation and numerous questions emphasised the great interest in the topic.

On the third day, the points from the conference day were discussed in more depth in a workshop with the Waste Management Regulatory Authority (WMRA), GIZ Egypt, Nahdet Misr and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. Topics such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), the role of municipalities, composting and waste-to-energy were at the centre of the discussions, and concrete next steps for more in-depth cooperation were agreed.

This delegation trip and the accompanying workshop represented a further milestone in the cooperation between Alexandria and RETech. They contributed significantly to the networking of stakeholders and the development of sustainable waste management solutions that could serve as a model for other cities in Egypt.

Lessons learnt:

  • Financing & EPR: Effective financing and strict regulations, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), are crucial for sustainable waste management. Collaboration with the Waste Management Regulatory Authority (Egypt) (WMRA) to develop an EPR pilot project is being sought.
  • Role of municipalities: Municipalities play a key role in enforcing regulations and implementing waste management strategies. 
  • Training & standards: Well-trained professionals and clear standards are essential for effective waste management.
  • Composting: Proper composting is critical to a functioning circular economy as it reduces methane emissions and minimises landfill.
  • Waste-to-Energy: This technology is of great importance for comprehensive waste management as it taps into renewable energy sources and offers economic benefits.