Zabaleen, A city within a city

Discovering the Zabaleen: The Heart of Egypt’s “Garbage City”

On the outskirts of Cairo lies Manshiyat Naser, better known as “Garbage City.” This unique area is home to the Zabaleen, a community that has built their livelihood on managing the city's waste. The Zabaleen's story is one of resilience, faith, and ingenuity, showcasing how they turned a challenging situation into a sustainable way of life.

The Zabaleen, meaning "garbage people" in Arabic, are primarily Coptic Christians who migrated from Upper Egypt to Cairo in the 1940s. They found a niche in waste collection and recycling, providing a crucial service in a city that lacked a formal waste management system. Over the years, the Zabaleen developed a sophisticated process, collecting garbage with donkeys and carts, sorting it by hand, and recycling about 80% of the waste they gather.

What sets the Zabaleen apart is not only their trade but also their religious identity. As one of the largest communities of Coptic Christians in Egypt, their faith deeply influences their culture and daily lives. The Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, or the Cave Church, is a focal point of their spiritual life. This church, carved into the Mokattam hills, seats over 20,000 people, making it one of the largest churches in the Middle East. It serves as a symbol of the Zabaleen’s resilience and faith.

The Zabaleen’s economy is built around recycling. They have become renowned for their efficient waste management practices, which have achieved recycling rates higher than many developed countries. Organic waste is used to feed pigs, providing an essential income source, while non-organic materials like plastics, glass, and metals are sorted and sold to recycling companies. Despite competition from multinational waste companies, the Zabaleen's commitment to sustainability has helped them maintain their unique role in Cairo's economy.

The Zabaleen face significant challenges, including competition from government-backed waste management companies and difficult living conditions marked by overcrowding and limited infrastructure. However, their strong community bonds and innovative approach to recycling have allowed them to endure. Support from NGOs and local initiatives aims to improve their living conditions and secure their role in Cairo’s waste management system.

The Zabaleen’s story is a powerful example of how resilience and ingenuity can transform adversity into opportunity. By turning waste into a sustainable livelihood, they have not only sustained their community but also contributed significantly to Cairo’s environmental health. The Zabaleen are more than just garbage collectors; they are stewards of sustainability, showing how a marginalized community can play a vital role in a city’s socio-economic fabric.