War-Driven Plastic Shortage Sparks Recycling Boom in Egypt's Garbage City

The Iran war has inadvertently brought a surge in demand for recycled plastics in Egypt, with manufacturers scrambling to find alternative sources. At the heart of this boom is Cairo's Garbage City, a sprawling settlement where generations of garbage collectors have built a sophisticated informal recycling system. Peter Romany, a 25-year-old recycling specialist, has seen a significant increase in demand for his services, with factories calling him to inquire about availability and prices. The war has disrupted global supply chains, causing plastic prices to more than double and pushing manufacturers towards locally recycled alternatives. The recycling industry in Egypt has benefited greatly from this shift, with many businesses reporting increased demand and profits. However, industry figures believe that this boom may be temporary and could fade once supply routes stabilize.