International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 5, Issue 6, June-2014 1204 ISSN 2229-5518 IJSER © 2014 http://www.ijser.org Municipal Waste Management in Egypt: An Investigation Study of Collection and Generation Process in Alexandria City, Egypt Rasha Fahim El Gazzar, Bakr Gomaa Abstract— Decision-makers at all levels are faced with the task of how to resolve urban problems. Wastes are becoming a big problem and constitute a burden on the environment and authorities to find a right system to manage these wastes. Cities need to become more aware of the impact that their consumption patterns on other regions and ecosystems. This research empirically addresses the issues of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management as a key of sustainable development through showing other developing countries experience in waste management. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the generation and collection processes of the waste management system in Egypt and showing the significance of the right waste management on the environment and economy in Egypt. The data collection method involved sorting and weighing the wastes from one house consecutively for seven days, observations, and interview with the chief of waste collection and environmental services in the company for the reconstruction and tourism develop- ment. The findings of this study indicate that solid wastes generation rate at household level was found to be 1.2 kg/person/day, having a high percent- age of metal (cans) plastic (water bottles) and food products. In addition, the waste generation rates at summer time are the double of wintertime. Fur- ther, the collection times often are shifted according to the traffic congestion and the quality of roads. MSW management system not only enhances social, economic and environmental efficiency, and promotes sustainable development, but can also help resolve the dual crisis of resource shortages and environmental deterioration. Only authorities cannot solve waste problems, but also need a public participation and awareness in achieving an ap- propriate solid waste management system and waste reduction. Index Terms— waste management, sustainable development, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). ——————————  —————————— 1 INTRODUCTION olid waste (SW) management is becoming a problem for ma- jor cities worldwide. This is especially true in developing countries as a result of the rapid increase in SW generation caused by rapid population growth, urbanization, rapid industri- alization and economic development [1]. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)—more commonly known as trash or garbage—consists of everyday items we use and then throw away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries. This comes from homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses [2]. In Egypt the Municipal solid waste become a big current problems, the amount of municipal solid waste generated daily 55 tons, accord- ing to estimates by the year 2011, with an estimated amount of waste generated annually about 20 million tons and this amount expected to increase by 2016 [3]. Environmental damage not only results from the amount of waste generated but also from the way the wastes are disposed. Uncollected wastes in the streets causes bad smell, drain block- age, invites scavengers, general public nuisance and become good breeding site for insects. Municipal solid waste manage- ment (MSWM) involves activities associated of six basic princi- ples of waste generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing and disposal [4]. However, in most Coun- ties, the MSWM system comprises only four activities, i.e. waste generation, collection, transportation and disposal. The problem of MSWM in Egypt due to lack of awareness, management, edu- cation, resources, technology and finance which resulted into open dumping, low collection and uncontrolled incineration of wastes. To ensure better human health and safety, there is need for effective municipal solid waste management systems, which should be both environmentally and economically sustainable. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) Model is a model that allows studies of the complex and multi- dimensional systems in an integral way. ISWM model was developed by WASTE advisers on urban environment and development [5]. The model acknowledges the importance of three dimen- sions when analyzing, developing or changing a waste man- agement system. The dimensions are: the stakeholders that have an interest in solid waste management the elements or stages of the movement. Especially, ISWM model focuses on investigating the stake- holders’ action/behavior and factors that influence the ele- ments of the city’s waste management system and the tech- nical but also environmental, socio cultural, legal, institutional and economic linkages present to enable the overall system to functioning. To facilitate the analysis of information, existing elements of the waste management systems are described in terms of waste generation and separation, collection, transfer and transport, treatment, recycling and final disposal [1]. Waste management is also affected by the aspects or ena- bling factors that facilitate the performance of the system. They are: technical, environmental, financial, socio-cultural, institutional and legal. In the context of waste management, the involved stake- holders, either individuals or organizations, are: national and S ———————————————— • Rasha F. El Gazzar is currently a teaching assistance and pursuing masters degree program in Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design department in Arab Academy for Sicence and Technology, Alexandria, Egypt. E-mail: arch.rashafahim@gmail.com • Bakr M. Gomaa is currently Assistant Professor in Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design department in Arab Academy for Sicence and Technology, Alexandria, Egypt. E-mail: gomaa.architect@yahoo.co.uk IJSER