Why is it so important for me to sort the very small amount of waste I generate? What difference can I make on my own?
The ultimate aim of Cape Town’s Integrated Waste Management Policy, is to greatly reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. The first step is to change how every resident thinks about waste. Separation at source is the key and necessary. If every citizen and every industry engages in what is essentially a self-serving, financially rewarding, form of self-regulation – everyone wins in the battle to protect our environment.
What is waste minimisation?
Waste minimisation can be defined as “systematically reducing waste at source”. It means; preventing and/or reducing the amount of waste we generate; using raw materials and packaging efficiently; and encouraging avoidance, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste. Waste minimisation is essentially one of the key things we can do to greatly reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
What is a waste minimisation club (WMC)?
A group of persons, typically residing in a high density residential or office building, or a multi- property cluster residential or business development. The club should be registered, have a constitution and meet regularly. It should include a steering group facilitator/leader and persons with responsible portfolios. The WMC must have an agreement approved by the Director in terms of this By-law to minimise waste in exchange for a lower tariff according to an integrated waste management plan.
How do we establish formal waste minimisation clubs in communities or business?
Any group of persons residing in a high density or a multi-property cluster development (residential or office) can start a waste minimisation club. The WMC must apply to the Director for special dispensation as an enhanced service associated with waste. They must submit an integrated waste management plan for approval by the Director. The integrated waste management plan must also assess the amount of waste that can be diverted through separating recyclables/ and or organic waste, then action their plan. The WMC must provide documented evidence of the waste reduction, including evidence of third party contracts with recycling or composting companies. If approved, the WMC must comply with the terms and conditions set out by the Director for the generation, minimisation, storage, collection and disposal of waste.
