Recycling rubbish in Cairo’s ‘Garbage City’ – in pictures

Have you ever heard of Cairo’s “Garbage City”? It’s a place where thousands of people live and work among mountains of rubbish, sorting through the waste to find recyclable materials that can be sold for a profit.

The area known as Garbage City is located in the Manshiyat Naser neighborhood of Cairo, and it’s home to an estimated 60,000 people. The residents of this area have developed a thriving economy based on recycling, with most of the waste generated by the city of Cairo being transported to the area to be sorted and processed.

The process of recycling in Garbage City is a highly organized and efficient operation. The waste is first sorted by hand to separate out recyclable materials such as plastic, metal, and paper. These materials are then sent to factories and workshops throughout the city, where they are turned into new products that can be sold on the market.

Despite the difficult and often dangerous conditions of working with rubbish, the people of Garbage City have developed a strong sense of community and pride in their work. Many families have been involved in the recycling business for generations, and the work provides a vital source of income for the community.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the important role that Garbage City plays in promoting sustainability and reducing waste in Cairo. The Egyptian government has launched initiatives to support the recycling industry in the area, and there has been a growing focus on educating the public about the importance of reducing waste and recycling.

At the same time, there are still many challenges facing the residents of Garbage City. The area suffers from a lack of basic infrastructure, including proper sanitation facilities and safe working conditions. There are also concerns about the environmental impact of the recycling industry, as the waste generated by Cairo continues to grow at an alarming rate.

Despite these challenges, the people of Garbage City remain committed to their work and their community. Their efforts to recycle and reuse waste are a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of taking action to protect our planet.

In conclusion, the recycling industry in Cairo’s Garbage City is a fascinating example of how people can come together to find solutions to complex environmental and social challenges. While there are still many obstacles to overcome, the work being done in Garbage City provides hope for a more sustainable future, both in Egypt and around the world.