Summary
Zibal-T is my Master’s thesis project. It is the result of a year plus work. I was the researcher, designer/strategist of this project.
The objective of this project was to design an on‑demand waste collection mobile application for the informal trash collectors (the Zabaleen) in Egypt, (Zibal-T, which means“my trash”). Zibal-T will foster growth, prosperity, and economic inclusion for the Zabaleen and it will provide a sustainable waste management solution for Cairo. This app will support the operations of the Zabaleen and improve knowledge transfer and communication with the residents of Cairo. Zibal-T received close consideration by the United Nations Development Program in Egypt.
Problem
Egypt currently suffers from an inefficient solid waste management system. Residents of Cairo previously benefitted from a comparatively well-functioning waste removal system, led by an informal community of waste collectors, the Zabaleen.
However, in 2003, due to pressures from the International Monetary Fund to privatize industries like waste management, the Egyptian government outsourced garbage collection to foreign companies.
This decision had major impact on the city, which lead to the piling of trash on the streets. It also effectively took all Solid Waste Management work away from the Zabaleen, thrusting them into poverty and marginalizing them.
“The Zabaleen would like to be united to pressure the government into formalizing them within Cairo’s solid waste management system”
Solution
Zibal-T, an Arabic phrase that means “my trash”, is a cooperative, on-demand trash pick-up app that provides a cost effective solid waste management solution to facilitate the removal of accumulated trash in Cairo, Egypt. Rather like Uber for trash, the app is designed to bring together communities to solve civic problems through coordination, collaboration and cooperation. Zibal-T focuses on highlighting the efficacy of the informal trash collectors.