The Alliance to End Plastic Waste report published this week, illustrates initiatives against plastic waste are progressing.
CEO of the Alliance, Jacob Duer, wrote to stakeholders this week, “For me, though, it’s not only about the large numbers who will benefit: some 1 million residents and more than 230,000 households will receive bins in which to separate their trash, and enjoy regular waste collection. And not only about the 1,400 jobs created. It’s also about building a solution that works for everyone, together with the community.”
In South Africa, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy, held a National Stakeholder Consultation session, ahead of the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on the development of the international legally binding instrument on curbing plastic pollution. The INC-4 is scheduled to meet in Ottawa, Canada, later this month.
Speaking to stakeholders, Creecy said the stakeholder contribution would shape and inform South Africa’s negotiating position at the INC-4.
“South Africa remains resolute in supporting global efforts to end plastic pollution. Plastic pollution affects the terrestrial and marine environments. South Africa boasts a coastline that covers over 3 000 kilometres, and it is in the interest of environmental sustainability that South Africa is actively engaged in the INC process.”
South Africa’s strategy has an emphasis on strengthening waste management services to prevent plastic leaking into the environment. There is also a concerted effort towards improving recycling systems, and promoting public awareness and clean up campaigns.
An IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) study on Regional Results on Plastic Pollution from the Eastern and Southern Africa, concluded that South Africa provides some 35% of plastic pollution leaking into the Southern and East Africa marine environment.
Of an estimated 2, 4 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in SA, Packaging Gateway, claims 368, 000 tonnes, was collected for recycling, in 2023.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Cape Town’s Environmental & Process Systems Engineering Research Group, Harro von Blottnitz, Takunda Chitaka, Clare Rodseth, released industry figures claiming that South Africa recovers 43,7% of its plastic waste for recycling, outperforming Europe’s plastic recycling by a significant margin of 12,5%.
According to law firm CMS, The National Environmental Management Waste Act of 2008, as amended in 2014 (Waste Act) is the umbrella legislation for the environment. It is based on the principles and provisions contained in the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (NEMA).
Picture: Fair Planet