Click here to view the launch news item of the Separation at Source Pilot Programme
What is Separation at Source Recycling?
It is the practice of separating recyclable materials from general waste at the point of generation (e.g. in your home) to prevent it from entering the general waste stream that is destined for a landfill site.
Where is the S@S Pilot Project implemented?
Phase 1 is located within a portion of Ward 9 and comprises the following suburbs: Westering/Linton Grange/Bramhope/Taybank/Moregrove.
The area consists of approximately 2000 households and the project will run for 18 months from the day of implementation.
Who can take part in the project?
All households that are located within the identified area may register.
Sectional title properties that currently have a waste collection contract with the Municipality can also register (flats, townhouses, old age homes, etc).
More information:
Z-FOLD FLYER: HOW TO MANAGE WASTE IN A SEPARATION AT SOURCE RECYCLING PROJECT
Click on the map below to view the larger version.
Click on the image below to view the
information sheet
What must I do to take part?
You need to register by clicking on the Submit button below.
REGISTER TO BE PART OF THE S@S PILOT PROJECT
Residents that do not have access to internet can complete a registration form at the Linton Grange Library or contact Ward 9 Councillor's office and drop it in the marked box.
Not sure how to register?
What is expected of residents that participate in Separation at Source Recycling?
Each household that registers to be part of the project will be issued with a coloured refuse bag on a weekly basis and will required to place dry recyclable material (paper, plastic, metal, glass) in the bag.
The bag of recycling needs to be placed out on the same collection day as the normal refuse (black bags) - which is on a Friday in the pilot area.
How will the Municipality communicate with residents about the project?
Once registered, communication will mainly be done via email, as it is the easiest way to reach participating households.
The MY Waste page on the NMBM website will also be updated with important information as the project unfolds and households that do not form part of the pilot project can educate themselves and follow the progress.
Look out for the NMBM Green team that will be undertaking Blitz awareness campaigns in the parking area of the Linton Grange Spar and communication that will be placed in post boxes during the next few weeks.
Who to contact for more information?
If residents need further information all queries can be submitted via below or contact 041-506 2833 during office hours.
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION
What happens if residents do not register?
The waste of households not registered to participate in this pilot project will still be collected as per the normal schedule.
Why is it important that as many people as possible participate in this project?
At the moment this is a voluntary project, but in future it will become mandatory for all households to recycle.
The more households that participate during the pilot phase, the more data will be made available to the Municipality to make cost calculations and to determine how to roll it out to other areas.
How much will it cost the resident?
There will be NO additional cost to the households that participate: all that is expected of you is that you become more waste conscious and do your bit to preserve our environment.
\What must residents do that are already recycling with a private service provider?
It is advised that resident continue recycling through the existing systems that they use.
The municipality have a relationship with the recycling companies that run recycling initiatives and the aim is to work together and not to interfere with their normal day to day operations, this will assist in getting the best results on data collected during the pilot project.
Important points to remember when you are registered to be part of the project.
- Always check on the list what is accepted and what not, as not all items with a recycling logo are recyclable. (The list will be provided once the recycling service provider is appointed. Estimated date: end Aug 2021)
- Ensure that your cans and bottles are emptied, give it a rinse, shake off the water so other items won’t get wet, and throw it in your bin! There is no need to rinse your recyclables except to keep unwanted pests away from your bag, please use grey water or dishwashing water for this purpose.
- You do not have to remove labels from bottles and cans, but boxes and plastic bottles need to be a flattened as much as possible to save space.
- Put out the coloured bag of recycling together with your black bag of general waste - no later than 6 am on collection day.
- Keep food and liquid out of your recycling bag as this will contaminate your clean recyclable material.
WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!
If you’re not sure if an item is recyclable, it’s better to just throw it in with your general waste.
Why is separation at source projects implemented?
The National Environmental Management Waste Act, Act no. 59 of 2008 (The Waste Act) requires a shift from traditional ways of managing waste, which focused on collection and disposal of waste. The emphasis now is to manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
The Municipality is responsible to comply with National legislation and the local Integrated Development Plan (IDP) objectives and policies to ensure that its community is exposed to a clean and healthy environment.
The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has now called on Municipalities to also focus on the introduction of recycling activities within their mandated functional areas, with special attention being drawn to source separated waste i.e., separating recyclable waste from other waste generated by residential properties
Why start with a Pilot Project?
A pilot study is one of the crucial elements of a good study design. Conducting a pilot does not guarantee success on the main study but increases the likelihood of success. It is conducted to identify potential problems once rolled out to other areas.
To determine the cost effectiveness of such a recycling initiative & if potential incentive schemes can be considered.
Following on the results of this Pilot Project, a model be designed for expansion into other areas.
How can I assist in making sure this is a successful project?
- Educate yourself with the information available on the My Waste pages and on the project specific material.
- Speak to your neighbours and encourage them to join the project.
- Identify a recycling champion in your household, that can explain the do’s and don’ts to the rest of the household and to keep an eye on what end up in the refuse bin and the recycling bin.
- A separate container for your recycling bag is a good option, this don’t have to be an expensive bin or container. Use your imagination and re-use boxes, plastic containers, or an old bin for this purpose.
- Be an example in your neighbourhood by demonstrating good stewardship in the waste separation at source project and to encourage others to follow suite.
How much will it cost the resident and the municipality?
The pilot project is voluntary and there will be NO additional cost to the households that participate, all that is expected of you is that you become more waste conscious and do your bit to preserve our environment
During the pilot project the municipality will carry the cost of the bags, labour and transportation to determine the cost effectiveness of such a recycling initiative & if potential incentive schemes can be considered once rolled out to all residential areas.
What are the long-term benefits of Separation at Source Project?
- A key benefit is the reduction in waste to be disposed of at landfill sites, thereby extending the lifespan of these sites, whilst deferring the need for large capital amounts to be spent on developing new disposal sites.
- A Green Economy is linked to the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, repair) and sustainability. By reducing the amount of waste going to landfills, economic opportunities can be created by re-use or recycling ventures. This is important, because landfills create greenhouse gas emissions, which (if not managed) contribute to a deterioration in air quality and climate change.
- Separation at Source eases the strain on South Africa’s natural resources and helps to create employment in both the informal and formal waste reclamation sectors.
I want to be part, but my ward is not mentioned yet. What can I do?
Educate yourself on waste minimisation practices and how you can minimise waste by practicing the Waste Hierarchy.
Get involved in existing recycling initiatives. Visit the Sustainable Seas Trust Recycling and Waste location map: https://sst.org.za/maps/recycling-and-waste-locations/.
What are the future expectations?
- It is recognized that service to be rendered towards separation at source may differ between areas depending on the practicality and cost efficiency of delivering the service.
- Following on the results of this Pilot Project, a model be designed for expansion into other areas and in terms of budget provision.
- To build partnerships with the recycling industry and by doing so, provide an enabling environment for all households to participate in source separated recycling.
- To investigate alternative recycling initiatives in lower income areas and areas where Separation at Source might not be feasible.
- Revise the existing Waste Management By-laws to include Separation at Source, it will then become mandatory and no longer be voluntary in future.
What influence the decision on where to implement a recycling project?
A key part of waste minimisation is to first ascertain what the current waste stream consists of. The Waste Management sub-directorate undertook a waste characterisation study to obtain an understanding of the amount and type of waste generated in various income areas.
This study was done by means of random sampling in pre-selected areas and assisted in selecting areas to be considered in possible pilot areas for a Separation at Source Pilot project, as the anticipated amount of recycling generated in the various income levels is now known to the municipality.
Percentage of recyclable material that can be retrieved from your normal household waste steam per income level
When selecting an area, existing recycling initiatives, that service customers with a door-to-door collection service and those schools and churches that are part of recycling initiatives, must also be taken into consideration. The aim is to rather work together and not to interfere with their normal day to day operations, this will assist in getting the best results on data collected during the pilot project.