Egypt Grand Challenges:

We here in Egypt have eleven grand challenges to deal with

and they are:
1. Recycle garbage and waste for economic and environmental
purposes.
2. Deal with urban congestion and its consequences.
3. Work to eradicate public health issues/disease.
4. Increase the industrial and agricultural areas of Egypt.
5. Address and reduce pollution fouling our air, water and soil.
6. Improve uses of arid areas.
7. Manage and increase the sources of clean water.
8. Deal with population growth and its consequences.
9. Improve the scientific and technologic environment for all.
10.Reduce and adapt to the effect of climate change.
11.Improve the use of alternative energy.

But the related challenge to our startup topic that we are

dealing with are only:
 Recycle garbage and waste for economic and environmental
purposes.
 Address and reduce pollution fouling our air, water and soil.
 INDEX

Environmental Pollution
 Types of environmental pollution
 Effects
 Causes
 Why does pollution matter?

Ecological science
 Definition
 Importance

Pollutant Health effects at very high levels

Garbage
 Garbology
 Types of garbage
 What happens to garbage?
 Garbage amount in Egypt
 Effects of improper waste management and rubbish removal

Recycling
 Recycling waste materials
 Steps to Recycling Materials
 Benefits of Recycling
 Environmental Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the environment that cause harm or
discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or that damage the environment, which
can come in the form of chemical substances, or energy such as noise, heat or light.
Pollutants can be naturally occurring substances or energies, but are considered
contaminants when in excess of natural levels.

Environmental pollution takes place when the environment cannot process and
neutralize harmful by-products of human activities (poisonous gas emissions) in due
course without any structural or functional damage to its system.

Pollution occurs, on the one hand, because the natural environment does not know how
to decompose the unnaturally generated elements (i.e., anthropogenic pollutants), and,
on the other, there is a lack of knowledge on the part of humans on how to decompose
these pollutants artificially. It may last many years during which the nature will attempt
to decompose the pollutants; in one of the worst cases – that of radioactive pollutants –
it may take as long as thousands of years for the decomposition of such pollutants to be
completed.
Types of environmental pollution
Generally speaking, there are many types of environmental pollution, but the most
important ones are:

Air pollution - some of the most notable are sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon
monoxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, with radioactive
pollutants probably among the most destructive ones (specifically when produced by
nuclear explosions)

Water pollution - includes insecticides and herbicides, food processing waste, pollutants
from livestock operations, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, chemical waste
and others
Soil pollution (contamination) - hydrocarbons, solvents and heavy metals
In modern industrialized societies, fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) transcended virtually all
imaginable barriers and firmly established themselves in our everyday lives. Not only do
we use fossil fuels for our obvious everyday needs (such as filling a car), as well as in the
power-generating industry, they (specifically oil) are also present in such products as all
sorts of plastics, solvents, detergents, asphalt, lubricating oils and in a wide range of
chemicals for industrial use.

Among other pollution sources, agriculture (livestock farming) is worth mentioning as

the largest generator of ammonia emissions resulting in air pollution. Of the total
amount of greenhouse gasses, in agricultural production occurs about 30%. Thereof
agricultural soil produce 32%, livestock 31%, crops cultivation 12%, from manure
management occur 6% and 19% of other emissions.

Environmental pollution is causing a lot of distress not only to humans but also animals,
driving many animal species to endangerment and even extinction. The Trans boundary
nature of environmental pollution makes it even more difficult to manage it.

It’s widely recognized that we are hugely overspending our current budget of natural
resources – at the existing rates of its exploitation, there is no way for the environment
to recover in good time and continue “performing” well in the future.

Everything on our planet is interconnected and while the nature supplies us with
valuable environmental services without which we cannot exist, we all depend on each
other’s actions and the way we treat natural resources.

Effects
1. The emission of greenhouse gases by various means into the atmosphere will lead to
the global warming & the depletion of natural ecosystems of earth.
2. Carbon dioxide emissions in the oceans leading to the acidification of water resources
by the large concentrations of carbon dioxide in water.
3. Bio magnifications: It is defined as the addition of several toxins like those of heavy
metals in the food chains or trophic levels of different species of environment causing
depletion of species.
4. Sulphur dioxide & different nitrous oxides will lead to acid rain which decreases the
pH value of soil making it difficult for crop production purposes.
5. The formation of smoke & haze will reduce the sunlight received by the plants leading
to the decrease in photosynthesis & the production of tropospheric ozone which
damages the plants.
6. The addition of heavy metals & oil splits in oceans will lead towards the pollution of
land masses & water resources making them unsuitable for use.
Causes
The causes of pollution are not just limited to fossil fuels and carbons emissions. There
are many other types of pollution including chemical pollution into bodies of water and
soil through improper disposal practices and agricultural activities, and noise and light
pollution created by cities and urbanization as a result of population growth. But the
main cause of environmental pollution is triggered by the introduction of harmful
materials, such as gaseous pollutants, toxic metals, and particulate matter (PM) into the
atmosphere; sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoffs, and electronic wastes into
water bodies; and activities such as mining, that what is called residues.

Why does pollution matter?

It matters first and for most because it has negative impacts on crucial environmental
services such as provision of clean air and clean water without which life on Earth as we
know it would not exist. People are the reason we have pollution. Pollution affects our
environment because the water pollution can affect the living conditions of people and
plants. Pollution can cause our environment to start and fall. If we don’t have clean
water for plants and trees how are we going to make paper and grow veggies for people
to eat? This is why the big idea affects the environment and people are the main cause
of pollution.
 Ecological science

Ecology

Definition
It is a branch of biology concerning the scientific study of the distribution and
compatibility of living organisms with their surrounding environments and how these
organisms are affected by the interrelationships between all living things and their
adjective environments. It includes both biotic and abiotic components.

Importance
1- Ecology enriches our world and is crucial for human wellbeing and prosperity.
2- It provides new knowledge of the interdependence between people and nature that
is vital for food production, maintaining clean air and water, and sustaining biodiversity
in a changing climate.
3- It shows us where our efforts would have the biggest effect.
4-Ecology equally allows us to see the purpose of each organism. With this knowledge,
we are able to ascertain which resources are essential for the survival of the different
organisms.
5-It helps in understanding the demands different energy sources have on the
environment. Consequently, it is good for decision making in terms of deciding
resources for use as well as how to efficiently convert them into energy.
6- It ultimately promotes eco-friendliness. It makes people aware of their environment
and encourages the adoption of a lifestyle that protects the ecology of life owing to the
understanding they have about it.
Pollutant Health effects at very high levels

-Nitrogen Dioxide :This gas irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of
those suffering from lung diseases.
-Sulphur Dioxide: This gas will irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms
of those suffering from lung diseases.
-Ozone :This gas will irritate the airways of the lungs, increasing the symptoms of those
suffering from lung diseases.
-Carbon Monoxide: This gas prevents the uptake of oxygen by the blood. This can lead
to a significant reduction in the supply of oxygen to the heart, particularly in people
suffering from heart disease.
-Particles: Fine particles can be carried deep into the lungs where they can cause
inflammation and a worsening of heart and lung diseases.
 Garbage
-Garbage, trash, rubbish, or refuse is waste material that is discarded by humans, usually
due to a perceived lack of utility. The term generally does not encompass bodily waste
products, purely liquid or gaseous wastes, nor toxic waste products. Garbage is
commonly sorted and classified into kinds of material suitable for specific kinds of
disposal. The word garbage originally meant chicken giblets and other entrails, as can be
seen in the 15th century Boke of Kokery, which has a recipe for Garbage.
-Man has been creating garbage throughout history, beginning with bone fragments left
over from using animal parts and stone fragments discarded from tool making. The
degree to which groups of early humans began engaging in agriculture can be estimated
by examining the type and quality of animal bones in their garbage. Garbage from
prehistoric or pre-civilization humans was often collected into mounds called middens,
which might contain things such as "a mix of discarded food, charcoal, shell tools, and
broken pottery.

Garbology

Garbology is the study of modern refuse and trash as well as the use of trash cans,
compactors and various types of trash can liners. As an academic discipline it was
pioneered at the University of Arizona and long directed by William Rathje. The project
started in 1973, originating from an idea of two students for a class project. It is a major
source of information on the nature and changing patterns in modern refuse, and
thereby, human society.
Industries wishing to demonstrate that discards originating with their products are (or
are not) important in the trash stream are avid followers of this research, as are
municipalities wishing to learn whether some parts of the trash they collect has any
saleable value.
The studies of garbology and archaeology often overlap, because fossilized or otherwise
time-modified trash preserved in middens is quite often the only remnant of ancient
populations that can be found. For those who did not leave buildings, writing, tombs,
trade goods, or pottery, refuse and trash are likely to be the only possible sources of
information. In addition, ancient garbage sometimes contains information available in
no other way, such as food remains, pollen traces of then local plants, and broken tools.
Garbology is also used as an over technical term for waste management, with refuse
workers called graphologists, first seen in Australia in the 1960s.
Types of garbage
Most garbage is solid. This includes things such as plastic containers or the remains of a
sandwich. Garbage can also be a liquid, such as oil. Sometimes garbage may even be a
gas.

What happens to garbage?

A garbage crew takes away your trash. Much of the garbage is taken to a landfill site.
This is a huge hole in the ground. There, bulldozers flatten piles of garbage. Eventually
the squashed garbage is covered with layers of soil.
–Landfill sites have problems. For example:
-They attract rats and other disease-carrying animals.
-They smell bad.
-Rotting waste releases a gas that can cause explosions.
-The poison from some of the rotting garbage seeps into the ground or nearby rivers.
 Garbage amount in Egypt

Egypt makes around 40 million tons of solid waste a year and 80 million tons of
agricultural waste.
The percentage of solid waste reached 32% of the volume of waste, while the
percentage of agricultural waste reached 27%, and the percentage of wastes from
cleaning canals, drains, and municipal waste reached 27% as well.
The volume of sewage waste reached 147.8 million tons, and the Al-Gharbeya Al-
Naseem governorate was the largest of this percentage, as it got 49.4% of this
percentage, and Beni Suef Governorate came in second place with a rate of 36.1%.
The volume of household waste reached 13.8 million tons; Cairo governorate accounted
for 39.4% of the total percentage, as the volume of Cairo's garbage was 5.4 million tons;
the per capita share was 173 kilograms, equivalent to about 457 grams per day, and
construction waste amounted to 41.7 million tons. Cairo governorate acquired 86% of
this percentage.
While the volume of medical waste was estimated at 3.4 million tons, the waste of
336.6 thousand medical facilities and the volume of industrial waste reached 2.9 million
tons that were produced from 65 thousand industrial facilities, and only 20% of the
municipal solid waste was recycled.

There are 239 garbage recycling factories nationwide, and Dakahlia Governorate is
considered the most governorate with garbage recycling factories, with 8 factories
inside.
Cairo, being one of the largest cities in the world, is home to more than 15 million
inhabitants. Like other mega-cities, solid waste management is a huge challenge for
Cairo municipality and other stakeholders.  The city produces more than 15,000 tons of
solid waste every day which is putting tremendous strain on city’s infrastructure. Waste
collection services in Cairo are provided by formal as well as informal sectors. While
local authorities, such as the Cairo Cleanliness and Beautification Authority (CCBA), form
the formal public sector, the informal public sector is comprised of traditional garbage-
collectors (the Zabbaleen).
Around 60 percent of the solid waste is managed by formal as well as informal waste
collection, disposal or recycling operations while the rest is thrown on city streets or at
illegal dumpsites. The present waste management is causing serious ecological and
public health problems in Cairo and adjoining areas. In fact, disposal of solid waste in
water bodies has led to contamination of water supplies is several parts of the city.
Waste collection in Cairo is subcontracted to ‘Zabbaleen’, local private companies,
multinational companies or NGOs. The average collection rate ranges from 0 percent in
slums to 90% in affluent residential areas.
The report on the state of the environment for the year 2016, issued by the
Environmental Affairs Agency at the end of 2017, indicates that about 47% of the
amount of municipal waste is generated by 4 governorates, namely, “Cairo, Giza,
Qalyubia, and Alexandria”, and that 37% of the waste is generated from the seven
governorates of the Delta “Beheira, Kafr El Sheikh, Gharbia, Menoufia, Sharkia, Dakahlia
and Damietta,” while the remaining 16 governorates generate only 16% of the daily
waste volume.

Sharkia government produces about 2350 tons of garbage every day. At 20-12-2019, dr.
Mamdouh Ghorab, Governor of Sharkia, continued the work of removing garbage and
waste from the intermediate point in Al-Ghar in the city of Zagazig to transfer it to the
sanitary landfill in Al-Khatara to reduce environmental emissions, preserve the
environment and the public health of citizens, to improve the municipal waste system,
raise the accumulation of garbage, and create a safe and clean environmental and
healthy atmosphere. 14,000 tons of garbage have been removed since the start of the
works.
Rubbish piled in the streets and beside waterways is a common sight in many of Egypt's
cities and rural areas
 Effects of improper waste management and rubbish removal

1. Soil contamination
Soil contamination is the No. 1 problem caused by improper waste removal and
disposal. Some wastes that end up in landfills excrete hazardous chemicals that leak into
the soil. Take the case of plastic bottles. When they eventually break down, they release
DEHA, a carcinogen that affects our reproduction systems, causes liver dysfunction, and
weight loss. Soil contamination does not only affect plant growth, it is also unhealthy to
humans and animals feeding on those plants.
It is therefore important that every household takes recycling to heart. Plastics, metals,
paper, and electronic wastes can be recycled at your local recycling centers. If everyone
takes time to segregate and sort their recyclable wastes and bring them to recycling
centers, the bulk of waste that will be removed from the landfills.
2. Air contamination
Waste that contains hazardous chemicals, such as bleach and acids, needs to be
disposed of properly, and only in approved containers with correct labels.
Some papers and plastics are burned in landfills, emitting gas and chemicals that hurt
the ozone layer. Waste that releases dioxins are also dangerous and pose a health risk
when they diffuse into the air that we breathe. Add to that the methane gases that
decomposing wastes release.
Finally, landfill gas produced by the decomposing wastes, can be explosive and can harm
nearby communities
3. Water contamination
Hazardous wastes in the environment leech into the ground, and ultimately, into ground
water. This water is used for many things, from watering the local fields to drinking.
Toxic liquid chemicals from waste can also seep into water streams and bodies of water.
Untreated sewage can threaten marine life that comes into contact with the
contaminated water. It can destroy and suffocate marine habitats, such as corals.
Contaminated water is also dangerous and harmful to humans who consume fish and
other marine life.
4. Bad impact on human health
Improper disposal of waste can greatly affect the health of the population living nearby
the polluted area or landfills. Waste disposal workers and other employees in these
landfill facilities are at a greater risk. Exposure to improperly handled wastes can cause
skin irritations, blood infections, respiratory problems, growth problems, and even
reproductive issues.
5. Impact on animals and marine life
It cannot be stressed enough: our carelessness with our waste and garbage does not
just affect us. Animals likewise suffer the effects of pollution caused by improperly
disposed wastes and rubbish. Styrofoam and cigarette butts have been known to cause
deaths in marine animals who consume them. Animals who consume grasses near
contaminated areas or landfills are also at risk of poisoning due to the toxins that seep
into the soil.
6. Disease-carrying pests
Mosquitoes and rats are known to live and breed in sewage areas, and both are known
to carry life-threatening diseases. Mosquitoes breed in cans and tires that collect water,
and can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue. Rats find food and shelter in landfills
and sewage, and they can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and
salmonellosis. Moreover, moisture production from waste is a breeding ground
for mould. It’s bacteria that has the ability to spread and grow given the appropriate
conditions, such as moisture production from appliances and food scraps.
7. Adversely affect the local economy
Everyone wants to stay and live in a healthy, clean, fresh, and sanitary place. A city with
poor waste management will certainly not attract tourists or investors. Landfill facilities
that are mismanaged can cause the local economy to sink, which can then affect the
livelihood of the locals.
8. Missed recycling opportunities
There is revenue in recycling. Cities that do not implement proper removal and recycling
of wastes miss on this. They also miss out on the resources that can be reused and on
the employment opportunities that a recycling centre brings.
9. Causes extreme climate changes
Decomposing waste emits gases that rise to the atmosphere and trap heat. Greenhouse
gases are one of the major culprits behind the extreme weather changes that the world
is experiencing. From extremely strong storms and typhoons to smoldering heat, people
are experiencing and suffering the negative effects of greenhouse gases.
10. It is slowly killing the planet
We only have one planet, and our careless handling of waste is harming it. Taking care
of the environment is everyone’s responsibility, for ourselves, for our planet, and for our
children.

Recycling
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and
objects. The recyclability of a material depends on its ability to reacquire the
properties it had in its virgin or original state. It is an alternative to
"conventional" waste disposal that can save material and help
lower greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling can prevent the waste of
potentially useful materials and reduce the consumption of fresh raw
materials, thereby reducing: energy usage, air pollution (from incineration), and water
pollution (from landfilling).
Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, tires,
textiles, batteries, and electronics. The composting or other reuse of biodegradable
waste—such as food or garden waste—is also a form of recycling. Materials to be
recycled are either delivered to a household recycling center or picked up from curbside
bins, then sorted, cleaned, and reprocessed into new materials destined for
manufacturing new products.
Accepted in Your Bin
These items can go in your recycling bin, as long as they're clean and
dry.

Plastic Bottles & Containers

Clean and dry containers, then put the cap back on before tossing in the bin.

Food & Beverage Cans

Paper

Flattened Cardboard & Paperboard

Cardboard pizza delivery boxes without leftovers or liners should be recycled; but leftover
crusts, cheese and other food should not.

Food & Beverage Containers

Glass Bottles & Containers

Not Accepted in Your Bin

Try to reduce and reuse these items instead of putting them in the trash.

No Bagged Recyclables
If you collect your recyclables in a bag, empty them directly into your cart and reuse the bag!

No Plastic Bags
Do not bag recyclables as materials inside may not get recycled. Reuse plastic bags, or
learn where you can recycle them at plasticfilmrecycling.org.

No Plastic Wrap & Film

No Flexible Packaging
This type of packaging is made from multiple materials preventing it from being recycled.

No Cups with Wax or Plastic Coatings

Invest in and carry a reusable cup instead.

No Polystyrene Foam & Plastic

Other Materials
Typically not accepted for curbside pickup. Check local programs for
disposal options.

No Tangling Items
"Tangles" can wrap around equipment, endanger MRF workers and shut down entire
recycling centers. If they are still in good condition, donate them.
No Dirty Diapers
These materials will spoil all of the recyclables, turning the load to trash. Trash these instead
and keep recyclables clean and dry.

No Household Items
Check local programs for reuse and recycling options first. Put them in the trash bin if no
other options are available.

No Medical Waste

No Garage Waste
 Steps to Recycling Materials
Recycling includes the three steps below, which create a continuous loop, represented
by the familiar recycling symbol.
Step 1: Collection and Processing
There are several methods for collecting recyclables, including curbside collection, drop-
off centers, and deposit or refund programs
After collection, recyclables are sent to a recovery facility to be sorted, cleaned and
processed into materials that can be used in manufacturing. Recyclables are bought and
sold just like raw materials would be, and prices go up and down depending on supply
and demand in the United States and the world.
Step 2: Manufacturing
More and more of today's products are being manufactured with recycled content.
Common household items that contain recycled materials include the following:

 Newspapers and paper towels

 Aluminum, plastic, and glass soft drink containers

 Steel cans

 Plastic laundry detergent bottles

Recycled materials are also used in new ways such as recovered glass in asphalt to pave
roads or recovered plastic in carpeting and park benches.
Step 3: Purchasing New Products Made from Recycled Materials
You help close the recycling loop by buying new products made from recycled materials.
There are thousands of products that contain recycled content. When you go shopping,
look for the following:

 Products that can be easily recycled

 Products that contain recycled content

Below are some of the terms used:

 Recycled-content product - The product was manufactured with recycled

materials either collected from a recycling program or from waste recovered
during the normal manufacturing process. The label will sometimes include how
much of the content was from recycled materials.
 Post-consumer content - Very similar to recycled content, but the material
comes only from recyclables collected from consumers or businesses through a
recycling program.

 Recyclable product - Products that can be collected, processed and

manufactured into new products after they have been used. These products do
not necessarily contain recycled materials. Remember not all kinds of recyclables
may be collected in your community so be sure to check with your local recycling
program before you buy.

Benefits of Recycling
 Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators

 Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals

 Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials

 Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials

 Saves energy

 Supports American manufacturing and conserves valuable resources

 Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United
States