Egypt's Plastic Waste Problem: An Environmental Crisis

Egypt's plastic production industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. However, the country also faces a significant plastic waste management challenge. Egypt was the tenth-largest producer of plastic waste globally in 2010 and the largest in the Arab world, with plastic pollution affecting its river and coastal waters, including the Nile, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The country is taking steps to address the issue, with the Ministry of Environment coordinating plastic waste reduction strategies and the Ministry of Industry fostering innovation in plastic recycling. Egypt's National Strategy for Reducing Single-Use Plastics aims to reduce plastic bag consumption, with the country ranking first regionally and 14th globally in recycling rates.

Egypt's plastic production industry is growing

The Egyptian government has been taking steps to address the plastic waste problem, with the Ministry of Environment coordinating plastic waste reduction strategies and the Ministry of Industry fostering innovation and competitiveness in plastic manufacturing and recycling. Egypt’s National Strategy for Reducing Single-Use Plastics, launched in 2022, aims to establish a minimum thickness for plastic bags and restrict their free distribution. The goal is to reduce plastic bag consumption to 50 bags per person annually by 2030, a significant decrease from the 565 bags per person used in Cairo in 2023.

Egypt's recycling sector is also making progress, with about 1.5 million tons of plastic recycled in 2022/2023. The country currently operates 28 recycling factories and plans to increase this number to 56. Egypt has invested EGP nine billion (approximately USD 186 million) in developing a waste management system. These efforts are crucial, as Egypt is the largest producer of plastic waste in the Arab world and the largest source of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, with plastic waste impacting the Nile, the Red Sea, and the country's coastal waters.

Egypt's plastic imports have also increased, reaching approximately $4,093,208 million in 2021, a 37.42% rise from 2020. This growth in the plastic production industry has led to a corresponding increase in recycling efforts, with Egypt ranking first regionally and 14th globally in recycling rates. However, the country still faces challenges in plastic waste management, with a late start in implementing strategies compared to other countries. There are important policy gaps to be addressed, and the infrastructure for plastics management remains underdeveloped.

The broader implications of plastic pollution are alarming, with plastic waste threatening biodiversity and global climate goals. If plastic production continues to rise without effective regulatory measures, plastic pollution is expected to triple by 2060, and plastic waste in oceans is projected to triple by 2040.

Plastic waste reduction strategies

Plastic waste is a pressing issue in Egypt, with the country being the largest producer of plastic waste in the Arab world and the largest source of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. The country's plastic production industry has experienced significant growth, contributing about 12% to its GDP, with annual production reaching two million tons. Egypt's imports of plastics and materials also increased by 37.42% from 2020 to 2021, reaching approximately $4,093,208 million.

The Egyptian government has recognised the urgency of the situation and is taking steps to address the plastic waste crisis. The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with other ministries and governates, is implementing strategies to reduce plastic waste and raise awareness about its negative impact. Egypt's National Strategy for Reducing Single-Use Plastics, launched in 2022, aims to protect health and the environment by setting a minimum thickness for plastic bags and curbing their free distribution. The goal is to decrease plastic bag consumption to 100 bags per person per year by 2025 and 50 bags per person per year by 2030.

To achieve these targets, the Egyptian government has invested EGP nine billion (approximately USD 186 million) in developing a waste management system. The Ministry of Environment is working to reduce single-use bags by enforcing proper specifications for bag production. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry is fostering innovation and competitiveness in plastic manufacturing and recycling, with the recycling sector showing promising progress. Egypt currently operates 28 recycling factories and plans to increase this number to 56.

Despite these efforts, Egypt's plastic waste management faces challenges. The country has a poorly functioning system of plastics management, resulting in plastic pollution in its rivers and coastal waters, including the Nile, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt contributes about 43% of the estimated 2.8 million tons of plastic waste leaked into the Mediterranean each year. There are also policy gaps and underdeveloped infrastructure for plastics management, which has led to Egypt ranking 22nd in the Plastics Management Index (PMI).

To further reduce plastic waste, Egypt could consider the following strategies:

• Encourage alternatives to plastic bags: Promote the use of cloth or paper bags instead of plastic bags. Cloth bags are more expensive, but they are reusable and environmentally friendly. Paper bags may not have the same strength as plastic bags, but they can be an option for lighter items.
• Improve waste management: Develop a comprehensive waste management system that includes proper collection, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste. Ensure that the waste generator or holder is responsible for the cost of integrated waste management throughout the plastic's life cycle.
• Engage international organisations: Collaborate with international organisations and environmental non-government organisations (NGOs) that can provide technical and financial assistance for plastics management initiatives. Their support can help fill policy gaps and improve infrastructure.
• Educate the public: Raise awareness about the negative impacts of plastic waste on the environment, economy, and human health. Educate people about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic items to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
• Incentivise recycling: Provide incentives for individuals and businesses to recycle plastic waste, such as tax benefits or rebates. Additionally, ensure that recycled materials are used in new products to promote a circular economy.
• Regulate plastic production: Implement stricter regulations on plastic manufacturing to reduce the environmental impact of production processes. This includes enforcing the use of sustainable and recyclable materials, as well as proper waste disposal methods.

Plastic waste in Egypt's waterways

Egypt's waterways are heavily polluted with plastic waste, with the country being the largest source of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, contributing to 43% of the total plastic waste leaked into the sea annually. The Nile and the Red Sea are also affected by this issue. The plastic waste in Egypt's waterways is a result of a poorly functioning system of plastics management and the lack of effective regulatory measures. The country's plastic production industry has been growing rapidly, with annual production reaching two million tons, and per capita plastic consumption reaching 25 kilograms in 2012.

Egypt's plastic waste problem is not limited to its waterways, as the streets and tourist areas of its cities are also littered with discarded plastic bottles, bags, and other plastic items. This has led to negative impacts on the environment and the economy, with cleanup operations being conducted in areas such as the beaches of Alexandria Governorate and the natural reserves in Sharm El-Sheikh. The country has also been ranked low in the Plastics Management Index (PMI), which compares the efforts of 25 countries in managing their plastics lifecycle.

The Egyptian government has recognized the weaknesses in domestic plastics management and has been taking action in recent years to address the issue. The Ministry of Environment has coordinated plastic waste reduction strategies, and the Ministry of Industry has fostered innovation and competitiveness in plastic manufacturing and recycling. Egypt’s National Strategy for Reducing Single-Use Plastics, launched in 2022, aims to reduce the health and environmental impacts of plastic bags by establishing a minimum thickness and restricting their free distribution. The strategy sets a target of reducing plastic bag consumption to 100 bags per person per year by 2025 and 50 bags per person per year by 2030.

Despite these efforts, the broader implications of plastic pollution remain concerning. If plastic production continues to rise without effective regulatory measures, plastic pollution is expected to triple by 2060, with plastic waste in oceans potentially tripling by 2040. This will have significant impacts on biodiversity, with an estimated 19 to 23 million tons of plastic entering aquatic ecosystems annually, affecting marine life and organisms on land and in rivers.

Egypt's plastic recycling efforts

Egypt has been taking significant steps to reduce plastic use and improve its recycling efforts, especially when it comes to single-use plastics. The country's recycling sector is making strides, with about 1.5 million tons of plastic recycled in 2022/2023, and Egypt ranks first in the region and 14th globally in recycling rates. Despite these positive developments, Egypt's plastic waste challenge remains a pressing issue. The country is awash with plastic, with plastic waste littering city streets, tourist areas, and its river and coastal waters, including the Nile, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Of the estimated 2.8 million tons of plastic waste leaked into the Mediterranean each year, Egypt is the largest source, accounting for 43% of the total, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The Egyptian government has recognised the urgency of the situation and has been taking action in recent years to address the weaknesses in domestic plastics management. Notable measures include the 2020 Waste Management Act and local bans on single-use plastics in areas like the Red Sea Governorate. The Ministry of Environment has been coordinating plastic waste reduction strategies, while the Ministry of Industry fosters innovation and competitiveness in plastic manufacturing and recycling. Egypt’s National Strategy for Reducing Single-Use Plastics, launched in 2022, aims to establish a minimum thickness for plastic bags and restrict their free distribution to reduce consumption to 50 bags per person annually by 2030, a significant decrease from 565 bags per person in Cairo in 2023.

The government has also invested EGP nine billion (approximately USD 186 million) in developing a waste management system, including constructing recycling plants and landfills. Integrated waste management models have been established in several cities, and there are plans to build a transfer station in Gharbia to ensure the sustainable operation of the governorate’s recycling plant. These initiatives demonstrate Egypt's commitment to tackling its plastic waste problem and promoting sustainable practices.

In addition to government efforts, several Egyptian companies have approached the plastic packaging waste challenge as an opportunity to explore sustainable industry practices and market opportunities. For example, Clipsico Pack, a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial packaging materials in Egypt, has been working to integrate more sustainable practices. The company now produces 100% of its strapping belts from used water bottles and 70% of its stretch films from post-industrial recycled materials. VeryNile, another Egyptian company, has dedicated its efforts to collecting, recycling, and upcycling plastic wastes dumped in river waters. These initiatives showcase the private sector's contribution to Egypt's plastic recycling efforts and the exploration of sustainable practices.

Plastic pollution's impact on Egypt's biodiversity

Egypt's plastic waste problem is a pressing issue. The country's imports of plastics and materials reached approximately $4,093,208 million in 2021, a 37.42% increase from 2020. The country's plastic waste ends up in landfills, littering city streets and tourist areas, and polluting the Nile, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt is the largest source of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, accounting for 43% of the total waste leaked into the sea each year.

Plastic pollution has a detrimental impact on Egypt's biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life on Earth, encompassing different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems and habitats they form. Egypt's plastic waste pollutes these natural habitats, harming wildlife and contributing to climate change. The pollution is released into the atmosphere, and water and soil become contaminated with microplastics and toxic chemicals.

Larger plastic debris, such as nets and bags, can entangle marine life, leading to injury or death. Animals may also ingest plastic, mistaking it for food, which can block their digestive systems and cause gastric obstructions and ulcers. This ingestion of plastic impacts over 800 animal species, and 100,000 turtles and marine mammals die from macroplastic pollution annually. Seabirds are even more severely affected, with over one million dying from plastic ingestion each year.

The accumulation of plastic waste can alter natural environments, making them inhospitable for native species. Plastic waste and microplastics in the soil can prevent plants from properly absorbing nutrients, impacting the health of ecosystems and the food security of humans and other organisms. Egypt has recognized the weaknesses in its domestic plastics management and is taking steps to address the issue, including drafting policy measures and mobilizing stakeholders in capacity-building initiatives.

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