EVALUATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR SELECT FOOD PRODUCTS FROM ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE

Egypt faces a growing challenge in industrial waste management, particularly from the food industry sector. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated evaluation of waste management for dried dairy and oat processing from an economic and environmental perspective, focusing on a real-world case study of an existing factory in the Sixth of October industrial zone. The main objective is to analyze the physical and chemical properties of these wastes and to assess the feasibility of innovative valorization technologies, such as their conversion into animal feed, organic fertilizers, and biogas, in addition to the extraction of value-added compounds. To achieve this objective, the study adopted a case study methodology, alongside conducting an economic analysis and an environmental impact assessment using the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), SWOT analysis, and regression analysis of stakeholder perceptions. The evaluation reveals the significant environmental and economic costs associated with the traditional disposal of these wastes, including water, air, and soil pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, adopting sustainable valorization strategies shows great potential for achieving multiple economic benefits, including reducing disposal costs, generating new revenues from by-products, and creating job opportunities. Environmentally, these strategies contribute to reducing pollution and conserving natural resources, thereby supporting the goals of the circular economy and sustainable development in Egypt. Despite the existence of a supportive legislative framework for waste management in Egypt, challenges remain concerning infrastructure, financing, and the application of modern technologies. The study offers practical recommendations for factories, such as the importance of source separation and conducting comprehensive feasibility studies for the proposed valorization technologies. It also includes public policy recommendations aimed at enhancing incentives, facilitating industrial integration, and supporting research and development in this field. The findings confirm that sustainable waste management is not merely an environmental necessity but also a strategic economic opportunity that can effectively contribute to Egypt's comprehensive sustainable development.