Health & Social Insurance to Be Provided for Waste Workers

Minister of Environment Dr Yasmine Fouad has announced plans to provide health and social insurance for individuals involved in waste collection and transportation. This initiative aims to formalise the informal work sector, ensuring that workers receive essential benefits and protections.

The announcement came during a meeting between the ministry and representatives from UGOA, an Egyptian company specialising in environmental services, particularly waste management and recycling. The discussion focused on collaborative efforts to implement and innovate within the integrated waste management system across all governorates. UGOA presented an executive plan to support the Ministry's endeavours, emphasising sustainable management of environmental resources, enhancement of investment opportunities, and provision of technical support and consulting services to recycling factories.

Minister Fouad highlighted the progress achieved in the environmental sector, attributing significant advancements to the Waste Management Regulation Law, which promotes private sector participation and the expansion of alternative fuel RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel).

The ministry is actively working to increase private sector involvement in waste collection, transportation, and street cleaning operations. A cooperative protocol between the Ministries of Environment, Labour, and Social Solidarity is being developed to integrate informal workers into the official system, thereby providing them with health and social insurance benefits.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of extended producer responsibility as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags. In response to UGOA's proposals, a clear roadmap is being formulated to develop a sustainable waste management system that prioritises public-private partnerships, supporting Egypt's transition to a green economy.