EnviroServ joins government efforts to support circular economy

In line with South Africa’s Cabinet approving the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, which sees policy and strategy supporting the circular economy concept, EnviroServ Waste Management is committed to growing its offering of alternative waste solutions to contribute to a circular economy model.

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Imanagement, reuse, recycling and responsible manufacture support the development of new industries and jobs, reducing emissions and increasing the efficient use of natural resources,” says Ryan van Heerden, regional manager, EnviroServ. Demonstrating EnviroServ’s commitment to this mandate, 30% of the company’s workforce is dedicated to recycling and alternative waste management efforts.

“We assess our customer waste streams with a zero-to-landfill approach. Our aim is to find beneficial uses for every waste stream that we manage and create something of value, boosting the economy by creating jobs.”

Currently, EnviroServ has solutions for 87 different types of plastic, and diverted from landfill over 5 500 tonnes of plastic last year with the help of 16 plastic recyclers. The company also offers the environmentally friendly bokashi composting system for food waste to clients. Bokashi is a Japanese system that converts food waste and similar organic matter into a soil amendment that adds nutrients and improves soil texture, redirecting food scraps away from methane-producing landfills. Bokashi, meaning ‘fermentation’, is suited to small spaces, and uses a special bran inoculated with good bacteria that turns food waste into compost. As a closed system, it is odour-free, meaning the risk of vermin and fly infestations is removed. Organic waste that rots can become a health hazard, meaning that bokashi bins are perfect for companies that have food waste generated on-site, such as in canteens. to decide on and implement the best waste management solution for your circumstances. The solutions we offer are practical and have no negative impact on the environment. EnviroServ is concerned with customers’ reputations and will, through responsible waste management, assist you in complying with legislation.” Van Heerden says.

EnviroServ supports its customers with their circular economy goals and helps them to understand how they can be a part of the circular economy. Avoidance is the first priority in the waste hierarchy.

“We find it easy to begin with waste minimisation, so producers need to measure all waste streams and generation points, report on classifications of waste, cradle-tocradle reporting, and sustainability reporting to understand the net impact of what you are producing as an organisation. Record your benchmarks and set your key performance indicators. With continuous feedback comes continuous improvement,” adds Van Heerden.

There is a need at many companies to conduct awareness and behavioural training, to move employees into a circular economy mindset, at all levels of the business. “Companies just need to get started. Measure, look at compliance issues from a legal, ethical and moral standpoint, plan for the future, and collaborate.”