Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, witnesses the signing of a contract for the management and operation of a non-hazardous waste recycling and treatment plant in Mahalla al-Kubra, aiming to improve the environment and reduce pollution.

Egypt Launches New Waste Management Project in Mahalla al-Kubra to Boost Recycling and Environmental Sustainability

Gharbia Governorate, Egypt – September 2025

In a major step toward improving environmental conditions and reducing pollution, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, and Minister of Local Development, Major General Hisham Amna, witnessed the signing of a key contract for the management and operation of a non-hazardous waste recycling and treatment plant in Mahalla al-Kubra, Gharbia Governorate.

The agreement also includes recycling, treatment, and transfer services for rejected waste to the Sadat sanitary landfill, supporting Egypt's goals to modernize its municipal solid waste management system and meet Vision 2030 sustainability targets.

🤝 Contract Signing Ceremony

The contract was officially signed by:

• Ms. Najwa Al-Asheri, Secretary-General of Gharbia Governorate

• Ms. Amal Al-Bayh, Deputy Chairperson of the contracting company for legal affairs

The signing was held in the presence of:

• Dr. Tarek Rahmi, Governor of Gharbia

• Dr. Mona Shahab, Air Pollution Management Project Coordinator

• Counselor Amr Hatata, Legal Advisor to the Governor

• Engineer Ali Abdel Sattar, Assistant Secretary-General

• Carlos Ballero, Deputy Chairman of the company for operations

• Zainab Hijazi, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability

• Marwa Youssef, Head of Procurement

• Osama Anis, Head of Environment and Sustainability

• Marwa Al-Rifai, Procurement Manager

🌱 Advancing Egypt’s Waste Management System

Dr. Yasmine Fouad reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing solid waste infrastructure in cooperation with key stakeholders, under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

“This project represents a cornerstone in establishing a national waste management industry that supports job creation, private sector participation, and promotes sustainable development,” Fouad stated.

She emphasized the long-term environmental and economic benefits of an integrated solid waste management system, which aligns with Egypt’s broader goals for climate action, pollution control, and green economy development.

🔧 Enabling Private Sector Involvement and Technological Innovation

Major General Hisham Amna highlighted the state’s strategy to involve national private sector companies in managing recycling plants using modern technology. This approach not only preserves the significant investments made in waste infrastructure but also ensures:

• Proper use of waste sorting and recycling equipment

• Maintenance of facilities

• Maximization of recycling output

• Reduction of landfill dependency

“We are creating opportunities for the private sector to deliver innovative waste management solutions, helping to preserve our environment while ensuring the efficient operation of critical infrastructure,” Amna added.

🌍 Supporting Egypt’s Environmental Vision

This project is part of the broader strategy to:

• Develop a sustainable waste management industry

• Support climate resilience and pollution reduction

• Increase recycling rates nationwide

• Minimize the environmental footprint of urban development

• Strengthen public-private partnerships in environmental sectors

By building on existing infrastructure and introducing advanced recycling systems, the new plant in Mahalla al-Kubra serves as a model for similar future projects across Egypt.