EDITOR’S COMMENT
Editor Nombulelo Manyana Managing editor Alastair Currie Head of design Beren Bauermeister Designer Lizette Jonker Chief sub-editor Tristan Snijders Contributors Sathisha Barath, Brendon Jewaskiewitz, Stan Jewaskiewitz, Nick Mannie, Michelle Roux, Kate Stubbs, Chris Wiid Production & client liaison manager Antois-Leigh Nepgen Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise Group sales manager Chilomia Van Wijk Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham Printers Novus Print Montague Gardens Tel +27 (0)21 550 2300 Advertising sales Joanne Lawrie Cell +27 (0)82 346 5338 joanne@3smedia.co.za
Are we ready for a circular world? In South and materials circulating for longer Africa, we generate within the economy, thus improving the productivity of these resources. 108 million tonnes of waste The circular economy framework per year – of which only 10% is governed by three key principles: eliminate waste and pollution, keep is recycled. The rest ends up products and materials in use, at our 826 landfill sites, which and regenerate natural systems. If executed robustly, a circular are quickly nearing critical system can help reduce the mounting capacity. This levels of municipal waste, reduce CO emissions, stimulate innovation, boost must change. economic growth, and create jobs. 2
Publisher Jacques Breytenbach 3S Media 46 Milkyway Avenue, Frankenwald, 2090 PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117 Tel +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 www.3smedia.co.za Annual subscription subs@3smedia.co.za R200.00 (incl VAT) South Africa ISSN 1680-4902 Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa Tel +27 (0)11 675 3462 Email gail@iwmsa.co.za All material herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions of authors expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, editor or the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa. © Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Novus Holdings is a Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Contributor, with 125% recognised procurement recognition. View our BBBEE scorecard here: https://novus.holdings/sustainability/transformation The ABC logo is a valued stamp of measurement and trust, providing accurate and comparable circulation figures that protect the way advertising is traded. ReSource is ABC audited and certified.
Changing legislature
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ot only are many sites toxic for the environment but they are proving to be detrimental to human health. A 2020 study found that those who live close to dumping sites are at higher risk of asthma, TB, diabetes and depression. Additionally, this linear approach to waste management also means that considerable organic resources go unused. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 57% of waste is organic, 13% plastic, 9% paper or cardboard, 4% glass and 4% metal, with the remaining 13% being other materials. This means that organic materials – which, if utilised properly can be turned into compost to grow crops or converted into methane in a bioreactor to produce electricity – make up the largest component of municipal solid waste. There is an urgent need to find sustainable and innovative ways not only to improve waste management but to make use of the current resources we are ‘wasting’. So, what needs to be done? Experts believe that moving towards a more circular economy is the only logical solution. A circular economy offers a shift away from the current linear take-make-waste extractive systems and introduces a regenerative approach. Circular systems design for durability, reuse, remanufacturing and recycling to keep products
It is now more important than ever to embed circular economy principles into government legislature. We have seen this happening with Cabinet’s approval of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, which builds on the successes of the 2011 strategy. This places a renewed focus on circular economy principles, by promoting the design of products and packaging that reduce waste or encourage reuse, repair and preparation for recycling. The introduction of extended producer responsibility for various products – including paper and packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, and lighting – will also play a big role in diverting waste from landfill, thereby contributing to a circular economy. But a circular economy requires everyone in the value chain to actively participate, be it financially or by simply going the extra mile to make more sustainable choices. It requires a national responsibility, which everyone (both business and consumer) must embrace. Are South Africans collectively ready for this responsibility and individually ready to make the necessary sacrifices for our environment?
Nombulelo FEBRUARY 2021
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