WITHOUT an effective waste management system, a country faces significant public health and environmental challenges. In 2024, South Africa generated approximately 108 million tonnes of waste, with 90% ending up in landfills and only 10% being recycled.
Meeting the waste management challenge
Sonia Pretorius, national sales manager for 600SA, a division of CFAO Equipment, which supplies waste compactors to operations serving municipalities and businesses nationwide, emphasises that South Africa has much to do to reduce landfill waste and establish a circular economy.
“At 600SA, we are aware of the larger issues in the waste management sector and the role we play in ensuring that waste is efficiently collected, compacted, and disposed of. In this regard, choosing the right equipment is crucial.”
Innovative waste compaction solutions
The company supplies Orakçi waste compactors to waste disposal operations. “Our waste compactors reduce waste volume by up to 85%, shrinking it to just one-sixth of its original size. This ensures the waste occupies less space at landfills and decomposes more rapidly,” notes Pretorius.
Orakçi compactors are distinguished by their high level of customisability. “The compactors we import are not standard Orakçi units; they have been specifically modified to meet the unique demands of the South African market,” explains Pretorius. A recent innovation involves repositioning the sensors from the top of the compactor to either side of the tailgate, protecting them from damage by overhanging tree branches.
Additionally, the rear steps of the trucks have been extended to reduce the risk of waste collectors falling, especially when navigating potholes and other common road challenges in South Africa.
Durability and adaptability
Orakçi reinforced the sub-frame of its compactors with additional steel for added durability to suit African markets. Compactors operate in more rugged conditions, and previously, the steel on top of the truck chassis was excessively jolted, causing cracks. Since adding the steel, this issue no longer occurs.
“Every year, Orakçi makes adjustments – some big, some small – but this continuous improvement aims to make waste collection in our country as seamless as possible,” asserts Pretorius.
Ensuring peak fleet performance
Effective waste management requires ensuring fleets operate at their peak, reducing downtime. Pretorius says waste compactors and skip loaders are tenacious workhorses. “They work hard consistently, which means they must always be properly maintained. Generally, units need to run from Monday to Friday. If they don’t, it’s extremely difficult for operators to catch up. Operating on weekends also translates into overtime costs for municipalities.”
Ongoing support and partnership
This is why 600SA has introduced Saturday or weekend services. The company supports waste management companies by reminding them when services are due. “Our role does not stop after a unit is sold. We continue working with contractors to ensure their equipment is always functional,” adds Pretorius.
A broader consulting role
With nearly 60 years in the industry, 600SA is well-positioned to play a broader consulting role for waste collection operations. “We don’t just sell waste compactors; we partner with our customers today to help them build a legacy for generations to come,” says Pretorius.
Recently, the company was approached by a potential customer who awarded a contract to operate in one of the provinces, collecting waste in seven municipalities. The operation sought an equipment quote, but 600SA delivered much more. The 600SA team helped create a comprehensive business plan, addressing how many compactors would be needed, the terrain the compactors would cover, how to save on fuel costs, whether renting or buying would be more viable, where the equipment would be stored overnight, and how many waste collectors would need to be employed, among other considerations.
Commitment to customer success
Pretorius says the operator was grateful for the input and recognised 600SA’s commitment to going the extra mile and being a trusted partner for customers. “We are more than an equipment supplier; we prefer to partner with our customers. After all, there is no greater endorsement for us than their success.”
She adds that South Africa, with all its challenges, is a beautiful country. “We don’t need a war to create havoc. If our waste is not managed reliably and efficiently, our communities will suffer from health issues, and our environment will be at enormous risk. With our landfill sites severely strained and our population constantly expanding, now is the time for everyone to think and act in ways that drive sustainable impact.”
Actionable steps:
- Evaluate the current waste management equipment and identify areas for improvement.
- Consider investing in customisable waste compactors to meet specific needs.
- Implement regular maintenance schedules to ensure equipment reliability.
- Explore partnerships that offer consulting and ongoing support services.
