As the second most polluted continent, Africa must take both the responsibility and opportunity to pioneer world-leading waste management methods to avoid an environmental and socio-economic disaster, experts warn. This was the message from environmental scientist Dr Tony Ribbink, who was speaking at the annual general meeting of the PET Recycling Company (PETCO) at the … [Read more...]
SA retailer to lead the way by ditching plastic packaging
A large retailer has announced that it plans to be the first in South Africa to contribute zero packaging waste. In a statement released on Tuesday, Woolworths said it aims to have none of its packaging end up in landfills, which will require the introduction of 100% recyclable materials and a supportive recycling infrastructure. This will include the phasing out of … [Read more...]
Relieving pressure on Western Cape recycling
Demand for plastic bottles is at an all-time high in the Western Cape region. Because of this the local recycling capacity in the Western Cape is at maximum production and is unable to process the additional influx of bottles. PETCO Associate Member Oasis Water, recycling experts Extrupet, and PETCO are transporting 15MT of baled bottles to the Extrupet facility in Gauteng … [Read more...]
South African hospitals join Global Green Health Challenge
Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) - an international network of hospitals, health care facilities, health systems, and health organizations dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint and promoting public and environmental health - announced today the launch of the Green Health Challenges, a new initiative calling on its robust network, to increase their … [Read more...]
New landfill regulations aim to minimise pollution and protect health
Waste disposal norms and standards have been implemented at South Africa’s 876 in order to minimise pollution and protect the health and safety of residents by correctly containing the waste. Jan Palm, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), discussed the importance of having these regulatory mechanisms in place to ensure that the … [Read more...]
Minister calls for urgent Industry Waste Management Plans
Specific waste producers must submit their Waste Management Plans within the next 3 months and existing producers must register with the Minister of Environmental Affairs within 30 days of a new notice published in the Government Gazette. On 12 August 2016, the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa published a notice to the Paper and Packaging; Electrical and … [Read more...]
Contentious incineration plant for Wellington?
A controversial waste to energy project in the Boland – a planned incineration plant in Wellington – has raised much concern among residents. The long knives are out for Drakenstein Municipality and its plans to erect an incineration plant in Wellington's industrial area. Drakenstein Environmental Watch (DEW) has among others already approached the Public Protector, … [Read more...]
More water bottles recycled than landfilled
For the 12 past years PET bottles are being recycled in South Africa and these numbers have climbed to include now more than those landfilled. An important milestone indeed. This is all championed by PETCO - PET Plastic Recycling South Africa. To celebrate their 12th year of operating in the Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic recycling industry, key role-players in … [Read more...]
Say ‘no’ to food waste this festive season
The festive season, with all its glorious food is with us! The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) calls on all residents to be mindful of their food spend this time of year and gives some tips on composting organic waste. 9.04 million tonnes of food waste per year South Africa generates a staggering amount of approximately 9.04 million tonnes of food … [Read more...]
Environmental NGO connects corporates with local communities
“Directly connecting corporate members with their beneficiaries is an integral part of the process which allows for a deeper understanding of its positive effects. It is important for us to starting thinking long-term if we want to benefit future generations. We can do this by communicating with the generation of today and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need … [Read more...]
Are we the Waste Generation?
When future archaeologists peel back the layers of our history, will they uncover the Landfill Era? “We are a heavily landfill dependent country,” said Quinton Williams, Environmental Consultant with Jeffares & Green and a speaker at last week’s Waste Compliance meeting, organised by IWMSA (Institute of Waste Management South Africa) attended by Green Times. Quinton … [Read more...]
Opportunities for youth to work in recycling
“Johannesburg’s landfills are filling up at an alarming rate, hence the tremendous pressure to protect our environment. The power to conserve our environment lies with each of us, as each individual contributes to the overall picture of landfill preservation. It is in this spirit, that we must proactively practise recycling and other waste minimisation practises. I believe, … [Read more...]
Chill out, but don’t forget the bottles
Relax. Unwind. Chill out. But don’t forget the bottles. Taking time out in our glorious South African summer is thirsty work. And the most convenient way to quench that thirst is with the water or soft drinks bottled and chilled in store fridges everywhere. But after cracking open the top and drinking the contents, please remember that the bottle your water or soft drink … [Read more...]
