WASTECON

Gearing up for SA’s premier waste event

WasteCon 2020 is around the corner and IWMSA is preparing an exciting conference and exhibition to showcase best practice and sustainable waste management solutions.

ollowing its postponement due to

Fthe Covid-19 pandemic, we look forward to hosting the 25th edition of WasteCon at Emperors Palace in Gauteng from 9 to 11 February 2021 and encourage our members to actively participate in what promises to be a fantastic educational and networking event,” says Brendon Jewaskiewitz, President, IWMSA.

The conference will include plenary, parallel and workshop sessions, as well as panel discussions, followed by a technical tour on 12 February 2021. IWMSA is also planning a fun-filled social programme that will provide delegates, speakers, exhibitors and guests with world-class networking opportunities.

In addition, the exhibition – which will also be open to the public – will showcase the many innovative products and services that service providers to the industry have to offer.

Circular economy

This year’s theme is the circular economy, which has been touted as a potential solution to the existing ‘take-make-waste’ linear model and proposes a more holistic approach to growth that works for both business and the environment.

WasteCon 2020

Date: 9 to 11 February 2021 Venue: Emperors Palace, Gauteng Website: www.wastecon.co.za

Over-exploitation of the planet’s natural resources has led to the idea behind the circular economy. Emerging at the beginning of the last decade, hot on the heels of the ‘cradle to cradle’ theory, the circular economy is about recycling everything we produce, while at the same time generating zero pollution.

The concept promotes each product becoming a new resource at end-of-life rather than merely being discarded. The circular economy therefore recognises the value of waste items, repurposing them as alternative resources that can be used again and again in a circular goods cycle.

Moving forward, products will be designed for durability, reuse and recyclability, and materials for new products will come from old products. As much as possible will be reused, remanufactured, or recycled back into a raw material or source of energy, and only disposed of as a last resort.

Covid-19 considerations

To ensure the safety of all guests, IWMSA has been liaising with the venue to ensure that all the necessary safety measures are put in place and adhered to. Preventative measures include, among others: • Mandatory wearing of masks • Temperatures checks on arrival • Mobile sanitation stations throughout the venue • Individual sanitisers provided to each delegate • Demarcated areas for social distancing in the foyer and arrival areas • Social distancing at lunch tables • Plated meals only, no buffets • Individually sealed cutlery and serviettes (recyclable wrapper) • Individually wrapped (recyclable wrapper) food items and fully PPE-equipped employees managing coffee machines

Youth participation at WasteCon

Green Talk with Youth will participate at WasteCon through a panel discussion focusing on youth involvement in the waste industry. Topics will include: • Waste production and waste management costs in South Africa • Statistics on youth engagement and involvement in the waste industry • The change in mindset required to divert the negative perception of youth involvement in waste • Living green in South Africa • Panel discussion requirements. It is envisaged that the panel discussion will consist of up to five panellists, which may include students studying environmental law, environmental engineering, environmental science and other related courses, as well as entrepreneurs and professionals in the respective fields in environmental affairs.

Invitations to participate are extended to all personnel including, but not limited to, high school students, undergraduate and postgraduate university students, organisations, entrepreneurs, professionals and communities at large.

External stakeholders who wish to participate should express their interest on Green Talk with Youth’s social media channels. IWMSA members should liaise with the Institute.

Register now

Delegates are encouraged to register before the closing date on 31 January 2021, and IWMSA members are reminded that they will receive a discounted rate. Exhibition opportunities are also still available.