Waste management practices can be classified into two categories: waste reduction & disposal measures. Waste reduction measures include waste minimization, waste reuse, and recycling. Disposal measures include incineration and landfilling. An example of waste reuse options are the re-filling of RSDS cooler bottles, There are a number of water dispensers throughout the village that can be used to re-fill the bottles, and this helps us eliminate pollution caused by plastic bottles. 

We ask you to please do your part by not littering and appropriately disposing of all waste in our numerous litter bins. All around our three villages we use recycling bins divided between plastic, paper, metal and organic to facilitate the recycling process of these items. These bins are lined (when necessary) with biodegradable plastic bags made from polyethylene plastic which will degrade in 70-80 days in a standard landfill under local climatic conditions. The bags have also being tested for toxicity and have been found to be harmless to the local environment.  

Red Sea Diving Safari has voluntarily contracted our local NGO HEPCA to manage the waste produced by our villages. The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Marsa Alam is the hub of HEPCA’s solid waste management strategy for the southern Red Sea. Our waste is collected twice a day and separated into organic and non-organic matter before being transported to the MRF. Non-organic waste is sorted, processed and traded through to recycling firms and HEPCA also manages a controlled dumpsite for non-recyclables. Organic waste is given to the local Bedouin community for animal feed. Many valuable employment opportunities have also been created for the local community in waste collection, transportation, and staffing at the MRF. Further employment and income is also generated through the selling of recyclable material. HEPCA estimate an additional 70 jobs will be created annually in support of its waste management program. Since its inception in 2009, HEPCA’s MRF has recycled nearly 1 million kilograms of waste!