Within our communities, individuals and organisations are actively reshaping the way we think about waste – turning illegal dumping sites into thriving recycling hubs, incentivising communities to embrace sustainable practices, and empowering young people to see waste management as an avenue for employment and social change. This International Day of Zero Waste, we highlight the work of Umphakathi Recyclers and Bontle Ke Tlhago, entrepreneurs within the FURTHER community who are driving lasting change.
Transforming dumping sites into community resources
For Smanga, the founder of Umphakathi Recyclers, the motivation to launch a buy-back centre was clear, he wanted to get his community actively involved in recycling. What was once an illegal dumping ground the size of a school football field has been transformed into a fully operational recycling centre, proving that sustainable change is possible with commitment and collaboration.
One of the biggest obstacles in making this happen was the state of the land itself. Years of illegal dumping had left it in severe decay. Smanga and his team engaged with the municipality, pitching the benefits of recycling not just for environmental protection, but also as a source of income for community members. This collaboration helped secure the necessary support to rehabilitate the area and turn it into a valuable community resource.
Umphakathi Recyclers employ two key strategies to engage local households. Firstly, residents receive monetary incentives for their recyclable contributions. Secondly, the enterprise offers an innovative Umphakathi Recyclers Burial Scheme, which provides member households with essential funeral equipment in times of need. This unique initiative ensures that recycling is not just an environmental effort but also a means of securing financial and social support.
Now in its fourth year, Umphakathi Recyclers is continuously improving its sustainability and efficiency. To enhance participation, the organisation has transitioned from using single-use refuse bags to a Multi Bin System, providing community members with dedicated 125L bins for recyclable materials. This shift ensures long-term commitment to recycling and instils sustainable habits in future generations.
Empowering youth and promoting environmental pride
Bontle Ke Tlhago operates as both a buy-back centre and a community awareness initiative, fostering a cleaner environment and a sense of pride in preserving nature. The organisation envisions becoming a fully integrated recycling centre that processes waste into consumer products, addressing both environmental and social challenges within the community.
One of Bontle Ke Tlhago’s most unique approaches is the integration of arts and culture into its environmental advocacy. From using waste materials to create artistic pieces to leveraging music and theatre as educational tools, the organisation ensures that recycling and sustainability are creatively embedded in community life. Schools play a critical role in these efforts, encouraging students to innovate and find new ways to repurpose waste.
Bontle Ke Tlhago provides young people with an opportunity to earn an income through recycling. Youth collect and sell recyclable materials to the buy-back centre while also learning how to sort waste efficiently, map out collection routes, and negotiate better prices for their materials. Clean-up campaigns further provide hands-on experience in community service, teamwork, and problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Bontle Ke Tlhago calls for a combination of financial, practical, and collaborative support:
- Financial investment: Funding can help expand infrastructure, such as providing additional recycling bins in Diepsloot, where many homes lack waste disposal solutions.
- Practical support: Businesses can partner with Bontle Ke Tlhago to create structured waste management plans, provide the necessary equipment, and assist with operational improvements.
- Community collaboration: Individuals can get involved by volunteering for clean-up efforts, donating recyclable materials, purchasing recycled products, and sharing expertise to strengthen sustainability efforts.
A call to action on International Day of Zero Waste
The stories of Umphakathi Recyclers and Bontle Ke Tlhago showcase the power of local innovation and community-driven solutions in tackling waste management challenges. Their work proves that a zero-waste future is achievable when communities, businesses, individuals, and municipalities collaborate to drive meaningful change.
On International Day of Zero Waste, let’s recognise and support the entrepreneurs making a difference. Whether it’s through participating in a clean-up, advocating for better waste management policies, or supporting local recycling initiatives, every action brings us one step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Are you ready to be part of the zero-waste movement? Join the conversation and take action today!
