In the heart of Cairo, where waste management systems struggle to keep pace with a rapidly growing population, Big Scrappers (Instagram) is leading the charge in educating and empowering the next generation to embrace recycling. Founded by Mostafa El Kabbany, this tech-driven startup is not just a recycling service—it’s a movement aimed at transforming young mindsets and fostering sustainable habits from an early age.
El Kabbany believes that real change starts with education and engagement. “The future of recycling lies in the hands of the younger generation. If we can make sustainability second nature to them, we’re building a greener, cleaner future for Cairo and beyond,” he explains. To achieve this, Big Scrappers is integrating technology, incentives, and community involvement to make recycling more accessible and appealing, particularly to young people.
At the heart of this initiative is Big Scrappers’ mobile app, available on Android and iOS, which gamifies the recycling process. Users, including students and young professionals, can schedule pickups for their recyclable materials and earn rewards based on the type and quantity of waste collected. These rewards, which include items like gold, Umrah trips, and electronics, make recycling a fun and engaging activity.
To further encourage participation, Big Scrappers actively collaborates with schools, universities, and youth organizations. Through educational workshops, competitions, and interactive sessions, the startup teaches young people about the environmental impact of waste and the importance of recycling. “We want recycling to be seen as a lifestyle, not a chore,” says El Kabbany. “By working with students, we are embedding these values early on and ensuring they become lifelong habits.”
One of the biggest challenges in Egypt’s recycling efforts has been a lack of awareness and convenience. To tackle this, Big Scrappers has made the process seamless through its app and collection network, ensuring that even those with busy schedules can participate effortlessly. Additionally, the startup leverages social media and digital content to reach younger audiences, making sustainability a trending topic rather than an easily-forgotten responsibility.
Beyond individual participation, Big Scrappers also partners with businesses, schools, and community organizations to create large-scale impact. The startup provides tailored solutions for institutions looking to integrate recycling into their operations while tracking their sustainability efforts.
Since its inception, Big Scrappers has educated thousands of students and young professionals, diverting tons of waste from landfills and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions in Cairo. By making recycling engaging and financially rewarding, the startup is shifting cultural perceptions and proving that sustainability can be both beneficial and exciting.
El Kabbany envisions an even greater reach for the initiative, with plans to scale educational programs and implement youth-driven sustainability projects across Egypt. “We want to empower the next generation to take ownership of their environment. If young people lead the way, the rest of society will follow,” he says.
With its innovative approach and dedication to inspiring change, Big Scrappers is not just addressing Egypt’s waste problem—it’s cultivating a generation that sees recycling as an essential part of everyday life. Through education, technology, and community involvement, the startup is paving the way for a sustainable future, one young recycler at a time.
For stories of culture and life, visit our dedicated archives.
