In a landfill, a single disposable diaper can take 200 to 500 years to disintegrate.
 
“With South Africa already facing a challenge of running out of landfill site airspace, the local production and sale of about 1.4 billion diapers per year should be of huge concern,” warns Mpendulo Ginindza, Vice President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA).
 
“A child using disposable diapers is believed to produce up to 900 kg of nappy waste in the first two years of life.”
 
Ginindza contends that consumers, who are increasingly moving away from single-use plastic items like straws and bags, should also acknowledge that nappies are made of single-use plastic. "These disposable diapers' production and disposal leave a large carbon footprint. Their manufacturing involves crude oil, water, and wood pulp."
 
She adds that when they are disposed of improperly, diapers that are left lying around expose children, waste collectors, and animals to them.
 
“It is often misleading to claim on the label that disposable diapers are "biodegradable" or "eco-disposable ''. These nappies typically include mixed materials which require different environments in order to degrade; they cannot do so in a landfill. They cannot be thrown away in a standard compost bin either. "
 
The resulting impact on health and the environment, Ginindza cautions, is huge.
 
The role of diaper manufacturers in EPR
The legal criteria for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) came into effect in May 2021.
 
“These requirements put back the responsibility on paper, packaging and single-use product manufacturers and importers to assume responsibility for the complete life of the products they generate,” Ginindza explains. “Yet it is tricky to say where nappy manufacturers fall within these categories. Most often, they are considered as producers of hygiene products.”
 
However, diapers are made, confined, and wrapped in plastic in bulk packaging. As a result, their contributions will be needed if EPR is to succeed.
 
“We are still in the early days of implementation of these requirements. All stakeholders are working hard to understand and implement these requirements,” Ginindza says.
 
Small consumer actions can make a world of difference
By making conscious decisions regarding disposal, consumers can make a difference.
Ginindza says she has two suggestions for those who don’t know where to start.
 
“Consumers could perhaps consider adopting reusable nappies part-time,” she suggests. “We cannot deny that there is a valid or reasonable need for disposable nappies. They are sometimes used for sick or elderly people to help keep them clean. However, we can normalise modern cloth diapers and promote reusable diapers in a positive way.”
 
She continues by saying that there is a lot of assistance available from senior family members and online tutorial videos to help families get to grips with reusable nappies.
 
“Secondly, we have to work towards separation at source to help control odors and downstream safety, health and environmental risks.”
 
 In conclusion, Ginindza notes that consumers do not need to aim to be perfect at doing all of this.
 
“Millions of people making imperfect changes can and will make a difference.”
 
ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, [email protected], 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

Though South Africa does not have any formal statistics on its available landfill airspace, those in the waste management industry agree that it is rapidly filling up - and that the country is on the verge of a crisis.

“We had pretty well-run facilities around the year 2000, but our landfill sites are currently in a terrible state; the worst they've been in decades,” warns Leon Grobbelaar, past president of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). “Until South Africa has a formal policy to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle, we will continue to fill up our landfill air space at this frightening rate.”

The main culprits: Lack of Enforcement and Future Planning
According to Grobbelaar, the problem is a complex one with numerous contributing elements - but legislation isn’t one of them. He points out that South Africa has some of the best waste management legislation in the world.

"We incorporated knowledge from other successful countries into our legal framework, which took the form of the local National Environmental Management Waste Act." NEMWA

The issue, he explains, is that this legislation is not being enforced.

"The South African Waste Information System, or SAWIS, is one example. Users are supposed to submit reports on the tonnages of waste generated, recycled and disposed of to that system, but they don't because they know there are no repercussions.”

Grobbelaar goes on to say that a lack of future planning will soon be one of the major concerns that towns and cities will have to deal with. "They are responsible for providing services for citizens to dispose of their waste, thus they are obligated to develop additional landfills. However, municipalities in South Africa simply do not have the means or capacity to do so."

The last time the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane have licensed or constructed a new landfill, was in the late 1980’s and early 1990's, Grobbelaar says - and now they are filling up at an alarming rate.

"However, the licensing and construction process for a new landfill typically takes three to five years.  followed by appeals and possible legal processes. So, even if our major cities opted to start this process tomorrow, we won't have new facilities until approximately 2030."

Small actions add up to make a difference
Though the problem may feel overwhelming, individual actions can make a difference.

"First and foremost, we should all be very conscious of what we put in our 'black waste bag'," Grobbelaar points out. "We should have a two-bag system, with one for dry items and the other for wet materials." 

Glass, tin, paper, and plastic (Recyclables) are among the items that should be put out for our informal waste pickers - the so-called 'trolley brigade' - to recover.  “The second bag should be for ‘wet waste’. This includes the waste we generate in the kitchen, such as fruits, vegetable peels, and leftovers. It has the potential to contaminate dry waste and has no real market value."

Grobbelaar urges consumers to also ensure they don’t mix garden greens with domestic waste, as garden greens can be shredded and composted.

“If you are unsure of where you can dispose of your recyclables, garden greens or builders rubble waste , you can contact the IWMSA who will gladly assist and point you in the right direction."

ENDS


MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, [email protected], 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

Do you smile as you hold up your newly purchased garment? Then frown at the offending plastic wrapper it came in? Everyone knows plastic is bad for the planet. But what about the garment itself?

"Textile and fast-fashion waste is a huge problem that's growing exponentially but gets far less attention than it deserves," says Brendon Jewaskiewitz, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA).

It's high time consumers knew the truth – fashion is stripping the planet bare. It's almost impossible to recycle and its waste costs a fortune to process.

Global trends
According to Jewaskiewitz, the global textiles industry generates some 92 million tonnes of waste annually, about 4% of the world's total waste volume.

That equates to a rubbish truck of clothing every second. By 2030, the figure  is predicted to be in excess of 134 million tonnes.

Production problems
Textile and clothing production are extremely energy intensive processes that contribute significantly to air pollution. These industries are reported to be responsible for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions.

Textile mills are also to blame for one fifth of the world's industrial water pollution, or 20 percent of water waste. This is from using over 20,000 chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Don't forget the secondary waste created from production, manufacturing, packaging, transporting, marketing and retailing fabrics and clothing.

Waste management
Disposing of fashion and textile waste creates even more problems. "Consumers think everything can be magically recycled but, in reality, very little fashion waste is recyclable," says Jewaskiewitz.

Recycling old clothing is very slow and labour intensive, and requires special skills, often making it too costly to be worth the effort. A single garment can be made of various materials, some not recyclable, that must be carefully dismantled and separated. Mechanical recycling can also damage fibres, making fabrics unfit for reuse.

Most old clothing made from synthetic materials also can't degrade properly. That's why over 85% of discarded clothes are either burned or end up in a landfill.

The culprits
While population growth is certainly an important factor in the rapidly rising tsunami of fashion waste, it's not the main cause. Jewaskiewitz blames runaway consumerism in the fashion industry.

"People are reportedly buying 60% more clothes than they did 15 years ago," he says. That equates to around 56 million tonnes of clothing per year.

Why? Fashion used to be seasonal. But fiercely competitive fashion houses are flooding the market with new designs at shorter intervals, enticing trendy shoppers into the latest outfits much quicker.

The solution
Only conscientious consumers can stop the fashion garbage avalanche that's sweeping the planet, but it means dealing with the problem and not its symptoms.

Yes, you can sell, hand down or donate old clothes. Or you can find ways to reuse them, like cutting them into cleaning rags or stuff cushions with them.

"The best solution is to opt for longer lasting materials and styles that never go out of fashion, and demand the same from the fashion industry," says Jewaskiewitz.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Rosa-Mari Le Roux, [email protected], 060 995 6277, www.atthatpoint.co.za 

For more information on IWMSA please visit:
Website: Home (iwmsa.co.za)
Twitter: @IWMSA
LinkedIn: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa
Facebook: Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa

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, [email protected], 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

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, [email protected], 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