The Association for the Protection of the Environment (APE) is an Egyptian NGO founded in 1984 to support garbage collectors through initiatives in health, education, environmental protection, and economic empowerment, with a strong focus on women and children. APE promotes safe solid waste management by training garbage collectors in recycling practices, enabling them to apply these skills to improve their livelihoods. APE’s mission is to enhance the lives of garbage collectors and their communities while protecting the environment.

Through partnerships with donors and sponsors, APE has launched projects to uplift poor and marginalized communities, establishing production units to increase women’s income by training them in safe recycling methods.

Managed by a 13-member volunteer board and supported by 30 female volunteers, APE’s programs span health, education, and income-generating activities, reaching approximately 23,000 citizens annually. The organization has received multiple local and international awards for its impactful work in these areas. APE’s holistic approach combines social and environmental goals, fostering a healthier and more economically stable future for Cairo’s garbage-collecting communities.