By George George Idowu
South Africa is grappling with waste crisis of monumental proportions for years now. It is reported that the country produces a staggering 122 million tonnes of waste annually, with an average of 41kg of plastic waste per citizen.
Shockingly, only 10% of this waste is recycled or re-used, leaving the rest to either occupy valuable landfill space or to be illegally dumped, wreaking havoc on the environment and public health, said observers.
The consequences of this mounting waste problem extend far beyond overflowing landfills and littered streets. The waste sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with poorly managed landfills releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for approximately 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times.
Additionally, it is said that those living near waste sites often endure dire living conditions and increased health risks due to exposure to hazardous waste.
The root of South Africa’s waste dilemma, according to reports, lies not just in mismanaged disposal but in excessive waste production itself.
To combat this crisis effectively, experts argue for a paradigm shift towards a circular economy, one that prioritizes durable, repairable, and recyclable or compostable products. This approach would extend the lifecycle of products, reducing the burden on our already strained waste management systems.
It was gathered that the South African government has taken steps towards addressing this issue, by implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations that hold companies accountable for the waste generated by their products.
Also, since 2021, all paper and packaging manufacturers are mandated to recycle, reuse, or convert their waste into new material, a crucial step towards sustainable waste management.
However, collective effort is required to bring about real change. Beyond legislative measures, there is a need for widespread behavioral change, from consumers consciously reducing their waste footprint to businesses adopting sustainable production practices.
South Africa boasts a vibrant civil society sector advocating for zero-waste initiatives and recycling projects, showcasing the potential for grassroots movements to drive meaningful change.
In light of this urgent need for action, a new digital resource, changewaste.dgmt.co.za, has been launched to inspire collective action and advocacy.
This platform, we gathered, aims to empower individuals and organizations to take practical steps towards reducing waste generation and fostering a more sustainable future.
Ultimately, the solution to South Africa’s waste crisis lies not just in better waste management but in rethinking an entire approach to consumption and waste generation.
As the adage goes, there is no “away” for the things we discard, we must make a concerted effort to produce less waste if we are to safeguard our environment for future generations.