They’re at work before the crack of dawn until long after most other citizens have gone to bed. And yet waste pickers are viewed as an irritation by many who see them going through their rubbish bins.
“Instead of getting annoyed, people should be thankful for the difference these pickers make in our environment and economy,” says Mpendulo Ginindza, Vice President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). “According to the CSIR, in 2014 alone the informal pickers saved municipalities between R309 million and R748 million in landfill airspace. This by simply diverting recyclables away from landfills.” According to the Waste Pickers Association, South Africa has more than 90 000 Waste Pickers, and Ginindza says it is estimated that a single picker can divert between 16 and 24 tons each year. “Plastics SA reported in 2018 that the majority of recyclable plastic collected were sourced from formal collectors. Formal collectors typically source their recyclables from waste pickers and buy-and-drop centres.” A day in the life of a waste picker A waste picker is defined as someone who collects reusable and recyclable materials from residential and commercial waste bins, landfill sites and open spaces in order to revalue them and generate an income. Ginindza says she interviewed a female waste picker from Limpopo about her typical day. “She told me competition is rife, and she has to wake up at 4am to be on site by 5am. When she arrives, she sorts the waste and weighs the materials. When there is enough, she transports it to the drop off centre for formal collection.” Whether waste pickers work in a rural or urban environment – the fact remains that this is no easy job. “ They are the first people on the road early in the morning. They sort through bins and carry the heavy waste on their trollies. Often, they don’t have the proper equipment, and environmental conditions are not safe. Not to mention what they come across in the bins.” How can you help? Though the industry itself is regulated, Ginindza points out that many waste pickers are informal workers. “A number of municipalities have attempted to integrate informal workers, but with mixed success rates.” She also points to the Waste Pickers Integration Guideline for South Africa, produced by the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries in 2020. “It provides guidance to municipalities and industry on measures to improve their working conditions.” Legislation also plays a role. “In May 2021, the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations came into effect. Its purpose is support, recognition and compensation for the work that is done by pickers along the waste value chain,” Ginindza says. But individuals can also assist by making life easier for waste pickers, she adds. “Start by separating your waste at home and at work. Avoid putting dangerous or hazardous items that they may come across when looking for recyclables in your bins. And of course - be more tolerant and patient on the road or on the street the next time you meet a waste picker at work,” she concludes. ENDS MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, 060 995 6277, www.atthatpoint.co.za For more information on IWMSA please visit: Website: http://www.iwmsa.co.za/ Twitter: @IWMSA LinkedIn: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa Facebook: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa
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The “usual suspects” of plastic pollution by individuals – plastic bags and straws – now have company. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, disposable masks are lying discarded all over the country. And according to Brendon Jewaskiewitz, President of Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), the problem is snowballing.
“Studies have shown that globally, about 130 billion disposable masks are being used per month. That equates to an astounding 3 million per minute,” Jewaskiewitz points out. “Although we don’t have exact figures for South Africa, as a nation we are rather careless about single-use plastics – and masks are no exception. With our population of more that 58 million people, we will most certainly be in line with these shocking global statistics.” Not a waste problem - a human problem Jewaskiewitz emphasizes the issue of single-use masks and their disposal can’t be addressed without acknowledging that it is part of a bigger plastic pollution problem, and that human behaviour is at the core of it. “These masks are not biodegradable,” he notes. “When they are exposed to the elements, like sunlight, they break down and fragment into micro- and nanoplastics. It is then spread into our ecosystems and consumed by animals and fish.” He says there has even been instances where small animals have been found entangled in the “ear bands” of discarded masks. Users are therefore advised to snip these ear bands before putting their masks in a PPE-bin. “Many of these issues can be completely avoided by steering clear of single use masks in the first place,” Jewaskiewitz points out. “Opt for a reusable mask whenever it’s possible.” He says single-use masks are often chosen because of convenience. “It’s the same argument we hear with plastic bags. People will say they packed shopping bags, but are too lazy to walk back to their car and fetch it, so they buy a plastic bag instead. Similarly, people now keep a bunch of disposable masks in their car.” Education and awareness is key Simply putting items in a rubbish bin, waiting for it to be discarded by authorities, is also no longer good enough. “In South Africa, local municipalities are tasked with waste management,” Jewaskiewitz says. “But with so many elements of service delivery taking strain, waste management is often shifted to the bottom of the pile when it comes to allocating resources.” The result is that about 90% of local waste is landfilled, and only a very small portion is recycled or reused. “Companies can make a difference by emphasizing the importance of reusable masks, as well as the correct disposal of single-use masks,” he advises. “It should be as important in their communications as the Covid-19 safety protocols.” He says looking at the bigger picture is crucial. “People often think that the one disposable mask they throw away, makes no impact. But if every South African does that every single day, it very quickly turns into a massive problem. “Likewise, if everyone makes an effort to reduce and recycle, it also makes a huge positive difference,” Jewaskiewitz concludes. ENDS MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, 060 995 6277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za For more information on IWMSA please visit: Website: http://www.iwmsa.co.za/ Twitter: @IWMSA LinkedIn: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa Facebook: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa Despite the fact that approximately 95% of e-waste can be recycled, recovered or treated and beneficiated, e-recycling is not high on South African’s agenda.
This according to Patricia Schröder, Vice-Chair of the Central branch of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). International e-Waste Day takes place on 14 October and this year’s focus is the role of consumers in improving rates of re-use and recycling. “Local recycling rates are very low and it’s a major problem,” Schröder warns. “For example, only between 2 and 2.5% of waste lighting, and between 10 and 12% of other waste electrical and electronic equipment is recycled.” The most common forms of e-waste include small domestic appliances, household portable batteries, lighting, and IT and communication equipment and consumables, such as printer cartridges. “Big manufacturers were not obligated to play their part voluntarily,” says Schröder. “But in May this year, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations were published. It makes the manufactures and producers responsible for the end of life management of their products.” The new regulations will be implementable from 5 November 2021. According to Schröder, this will be a starting point to see how effective these regulations will be to improve collection and recycling rates. “Producers must sign up by before 4 November 2021 to one of the various existing industry Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO’s) to become compliant and take responsibility for their products’ end-of-life management. This will also drive consumer awareness, environmental improvement, innovation, job and skills creation among many other benefits.” She adds that the IWMSA can assist companies with information on becoming compliant with the EPR regulations How to manage corporate and individual e-waste If each individual and business plays their part, it can make a big difference. “Avoid impulse buying of electronic products,” Schröder advises. “Ask yourself: Do I really need this item? “Buy items that are recyclable and check the labelling. Repair and re-use all items to extend the lifespan of the product. At the end of the lifespan or when the product is not required any longer, ensure that you drop off your e-waste at collection sites where available; or find a Department of Environmental Affairs-legally compliant, licensed recycling facility for environmentally sound management.” Businesses should also insist on compliance documentation for traceability and auditing purposes. “If these services are contracted out, ensure that your contractors are following the correct chain of custody for compliance.” She warns buyers mustn’t be tempted by illicit unlicensed traders or companies that pay a small fee for the items and claim to recycle them. “All they do is pick out the valuable fractions with negative environmental impacts to sell to the highest bidder - like scrap dealers or illegal or unethical e-waste dealers - and the balance is then illegally discarded with general waste,” she explains. “And don’t support organisations that charge you to “smash” your e-waste in a room to vent your frustrations. Not only is this practice a health, safety and environmental risk, but these smashed items are usually illegally discarded,” Schröder concludes. ENDS MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, 060 995 6277, rosa-mari@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za For more information on PASA please visit: Website: http://www.iwmsa.co.za/ Twitter: @IWMSA LinkedIn: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa Facebook: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa |
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