Modern waste management is more than just about safe operations; it’s about providing dignity to all South Africans and safeguarding communities and the environment for many generations to come.
With no new landfill permits granted to Gauteng over the past two decades and the province producing about 45% of South Africa’s municipal waste, the country urgently needs to find solutions to counter the environmental and social issues that will inevitably arise, if not addressed.
Sonia Pretorius, National Sales Manager for 600SA, a division of CFAO Equipment, says while various governmental, corporate and civil society organisations introduced waste management initiatives nationally, South Africa has some way to go to meet its Vision 2030 goals as laid out in the National Development Plan, specifically as it relates to environmental sustainability.
“The country’s Waste Management Strategy (2020) is premised on three pillars – cleaner communities, a well-managed and financially stable waste service and a culture of zero tolerance of pollution. Part of this strategy is aimed at diverting 55% of waste from landfill by 2030. With about 90% of waste reportedly still going to landfill, our efforts need to be fast-tracked if we are going to make significant progress over the next five years.”
She believes 600SA is well positioned to help municipalities deal with waste more effectively, creating safer environments for all South Africans. “Currently, Gauteng and surrounds millions on landfill rehabilitation and dealing with illegal dumping every year. Additionally, 178 out of 420 waste compactors are not operational in the area this year, further stymieing efforts to keep up with their heavy workloads.”
She adds that the millions spent on illegal dumping could be solved by placing large skips at strategic points – especially near informal settlements – to avert illegal dumping. “The reason many people dump their waste is that they do not have access to regular municipal services. The placement of skips close to these areas will not only help reduce illegal dumping, but it will afford communities greater dignity and safer environments to live in.”
Municipalities should also be using durable and safe equipment that minimises spills, reduces contamination risks and ensures responsible waste processing. The equipment should be supported by maintenance contracts to ensure breakdowns are dealt with immediately, allowing municipalities to operate at full capacity.
Pretorius says 600SA’s Orakçi ORV Waste Compactor series boasts advanced safety features that are setting a new standard for environmental care in industrial waste handling.
“Spills and leaks have been a major annoyance for South Africa’s populace in residential areas. That’s why our compactor bins are fully welded on both sides, translating into zero leaks. The bins also have automatic tailgate locking, comprising a rubber section to the rear of the compactor, which creates a seal that prevents spills or leaks. The municipalities using our equipment noted a reduction in complaints from the populace.”
Key to safe operation of the compactor is training. “When we deliver a new compactor, we ensure the recipient operators are fully trained on how the equipment works and all that needs to be done, to keep it well maintained.”
To ensure regional support for its equipment, 600SA is establishing two local service centres – in Johannesburg and Tshwane. “This is part of an enterprise development initiative that we are extremely excited about. These centres will ensure there is somewhere for equipment to be maintained – without the need to travel long distances to do so,” adds Pretorius.
She says 600SA has a vested interest in a cleaner, safer and more sustainable South Africa. “We want to be part of the solution to improve how communities live and dispose of their waste. We are invested in and support Vision 2030, with the belief that we need to act now to improve the spaces we live, work and play in.”
