Current statistics highlight that South Africans generate 108 million tonnes of waste per annum, equating to about R25.2 billion worth of waste dumped with 90% disposed to landfill sites – this is a lot of waste and added to this challenge is the fact that much of our landfill sites are fast approaching full capacity. Luckily today, many households and companies have started their own recycling programmes and while this is sorely needed, more must be done. It is not merely the end products that must be recycled, but the entire supply chain of products, goods and services must be examined by South African businesses, if we want to thrive in this era of action against climate change. 

Putting excess waste to good (re)use

Cipla Medpro South Africa (Pty) Limited (“Cipla Medpro”), South Africa’s fourth largest pharmaceutical company in the private sector, working through their waste management partner, Interwaste, has donated approximately 10 000 reusable ice packs to sporting fraternities and the local paramedic association in the Cape Town area.

Q1: In your opinion, what is the status quo of the environmental sector in South Africa?

The environmental sector in South Africa is evolving daily and is an extremely exciting industry in which to work.There is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to education and changing mindsets as well as managing the array of environmental issues that affect our country

Today, 22 August 2019, local legislation bans all liquid waste from landfill – signalling a massive shift in South African waste legislation and placing significant importance on the effective management of such waste by waste producers and the waste industry alike. The question is – is South Africa ready to manage this and what is it going to take to do so?

The exploration of alternative energy sources and projects has been all the ‘buzz’ again, particularly in response to challenges Eskom continues to face and the looming reality of further loadshedding across the country, as we head into the winter months.

Initiatives such as Clean-up and Recycle SA Week are a great measure to raise awareness on the waste to landfill versus recycling conundrum faced in the country. However, the message needs to be far clearer; that Government, corporate South Africa and individual citizens all have a role to play - and strong focus should be placed on driving collective accountability - if we are to reduce landfilling and increase recycling of waste in the country.

According to recent statistics, South Africa produces 10 million tonnes of food waste every year and our country reportedly has the largest proportion of food wastage in Africa. That is food that is produced but never consumed and ends up in landfills, including fruits, vegetables and cereals which alone account for 70% of this waste.

According to Statistics South Africa, the country has an estimated population of 56.5 million, up by 1.61% from 2016. This number is expected to increase to 65.55 million by 2050. When looking at this forecasted growth, it’s critically important that we consider the direct correlation between an increasing population, and waste generation surges, where this not only exists but will have a long-lasting impact if not managed effectively.

In line with increasingly stringent global standards, South African industry is faced with a challenge of improving upon and changing its waste disposal practices. Arguably, one of the greatest obstacles within the waste economy is the current dependence on landfills. According to the 2018 Africa Waste Management Outlook Report (authored by the UN Environment and CSIR), more than 90% of waste generated in Africa is disposed of at uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills, often with associated open burning. Moreover, 19 of the world’s 50 biggest dumpsites are located in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa is one of the fastest urbanising regions in the world – and it is widely accepted that the rapid urbanisation of its burgeoning big cities will play a vital role in the continent’s continued growth and development. But, are we thinking far enough ahead to plan for the resources that will be consumed, and the waste generated by this ongoing development as well as the rapidly growing populous of city dwellers? The short answer is no.