In celebration of International E-Waste Day 2025, Egypt reaffirmed its strong commitment to sustainable environmental practices through a national push to safely manage and recycle electronic waste.
Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, led the official activities, highlighting the Ministry of Environment’s ongoing efforts to establish a robust, eco-friendly system for managing electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) across the country.
Raising Awareness, Encouraging Action
Dr. Awad stressed that the annual observance aims to raise awareness of the environmental and health risks of e-waste, while encouraging responsible recycling of devices like mobile phones, laptops, and chargers. The initiative also seeks to mobilize public and private sectors to play an active role in waste collection and recycling, in line with Egypt’s vision for a sustainable and circular economy.
National Projects and Green Economy Impact
Dr. Awad described e-waste recycling as a promising national sector, one that offers economic incentives, creates green jobs, and aligns with Egypt’s 2050 National Climate Change Strategy.
The Ministry of Environment, through the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, has supported the formalization of informal scrap dealers, helping them transition into licensed, environmentally compliant recycling facilities. Egypt now has:
- 38 licensed factories with operational production lines for e-waste and electrical appliance recycling
- 5 specialized factories dedicated to cable recycling
- Regular environmental audits for these facilities to ensure regulatory compliance and improve efficiency
Certified Recycling and Producer Responsibility
To further regulate the industry, the ministry has published a list of certified e-waste recycling companies, which are now the exclusive buyers of electronic waste from public and private auctions. These companies operate under strict environmental permits and industrial licenses in accordance with Law No. 202 of 2020 for waste management.
Dr. Awad also confirmed that mobile network operators and governmental bodies were formally notified to ensure compliance with regulations and to prevent e-waste from falling into the hands of unlicensed traders.
Additionally, environmental inspection teams—comprising representatives from the Waste Management Regulatory Authority and the Industrial Development Authority—have reviewed 27 factories to provide technical support and improve operations.
Global Collaboration and Expert Support
In cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, an international expert has been brought in to evaluate local facilities and provide strategic guidance on improving recycling technologies and workflows.
Egypt has also drawn from international best practices, especially from the European Union, incorporating the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle into its legal framework. This ensures that manufacturers are responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.
International Funding and Clean Air Initiatives
Egypt’s efforts are bolstered by a $9.13 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), allocated under the “Cairo Clean Air and Climate Change Project” (GCCC). The project focuses on:
- Controlling harmful emissions from the open burning of e-waste and healthcare waste
- Supporting Egypt’s POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) National Action Plan
- Complying with the Stockholm Convention and Minamata Convention on environmental protection
- Promoting circular economy practices and clean production methods
Looking Ahead: A National Model for E-Waste Management
Dr. Awad concluded that Egypt is taking firm steps toward establishing a nationally integrated, sustainable e-waste management system—one that is built on:
- Strong environmental policies
- Industrial modernization
- Community engagement
- Advanced recycling technologies
These combined efforts are paving the way for greener industries, a healthier environment, and a sustainable future for all Egyptians.
