I interviewed 12 people. Six were male and six were female. On average they were between the ages of 19 and 50. All individuals held different positions in the Zabaleen community.

Key Findings from interviews with Zabaleen community members:

  • Introduction to S.O.Y. (Spirit of Youth) a community organization that works to educate and empower the Zabaleen youth through learning opportunities that result in sustainable entrepreneurial recycling businesses.

  • Introduction led to further relationships within the Zabaleen community, including another NGO, the Association for the Protection of the Environment (A.P.E.). 

  • The Zabaleen were not seen as hard workers, but instead as competitors for wealth, vying with residents, concierges, and other scavengers, for the recyclable materials.

  • Methods of communication and gatherings: 'Android' cell phones and meetings at local cafes and churches were some of the few communication opportunities available to them. This resulted in the inclusion of smart phones in the design and specifically the use of GPS capabilities available on smart phones.

  • Tensions rose as the Zabaleen struggled to maintain a steady income. 

Introductions to other stakeholders in the Solid Waste Management (SWM) system, were facilitated to understand needs and potential solutions. It essential to learn what image the Zabaleen have established for themselves with other stakeholders.

Key Findings from interviews with other SWM stakeholders:

  • The ability to access some were challenging due to political circumstances

  • Others emphasized interest in partnering with the Zabaleen to take advantage of their efficiency in collection of waste products-preferably in the underserved communities.

A key group of stakeholders is the residents. It was essential to hear how they envisioned the communities being better organized, complaints, and concerns with the solid waste management system in Cairo.  

Residents from affluent and low-income neighborhoods alike complained about the following issues:

  • The companies used trucks that were unable to penetrate double-parked or narrow streets; as a solution, the companies resorted to placing open metal bins as collection points at the ends of streets.
  • The trucks come sporadically and the trash always piles up.
  •  A lack of communication with the trash collectors to transport their trash to points of collection where without regular pickups the trash accumulates.
  • When trash is left at points of collection, scavengers often access it

Key Findings from interviews with residents:

  • Taking trash to the collection points was a dramatic change from the door-to-door service the Zabaleen provided. 

  • Much is asked of the residents in return for an inefficient and inconvenient service.

  • They would be willing to pay a small fee for the improved service.