In Manshiyat Nasir, on the outskirts of Cairo, a highly functional recycling model has emerged under conditions that could break most spirits. This neighborhood, referred to as the City of Garbage by locals, is home to a community of Coptic Christians known as the zabbālīn, or 'people of waste.' Despite facing poverty, stigmatization, and discrimination, they have created a system that surpasses the effectiveness of many wealthier nations. Here, waste is truly transformed into gold.

Walking through the alleys of this neighborhood, one witnesses captivating scenes of daily labor. Women sit at their doorsteps, their hands moving so quickly as they sort plastics by quality and thickness that they seem to blur. Meanwhile, their grandchildren play amidst towering heaps of garbage. Ayman Agayby, a 28-year-old resident, proudly shares in an interview that he and his family spend their days sorting waves of crumpled plastic bags by color. He notes, "There isn’t a day without work; as long as garbage keeps coming in, we will always have jobs... We earn enough to live comfortably and send our children to school."

The community's system not only addresses environmental concerns but also serves as an economic engine for the families involved. By efficiently recycling waste, the zabbālīn have managed to build a robust livelihood, showcasing resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Their work challenges prevailing perceptions of waste management and highlights the potential for similar models in other regions struggling with waste and poverty.