The City of Cape Town has launched its first-ever Waste Strategy, which aims to improve waste management over the next decade. Approved by the city council, the plan is being implemented to create a cleaner Mother City.

According to the municipality, the strategy focuses on three key goals: optimizing current waste services, reducing landfill waste, and expanding waste management services through partnerships. Furthermore, it prioritizes tackling illegal dumping and minimizing waste through community involvement.

The city’s investment to tackle waste management includes R1.1 billion for new vehicles and equipment, R88 million annually for cleaning initiatives, and R163 million for Waste-to-Energy projects.

Urban waste management MMC Grant Twigg emphasized that waste management is a shared responsibility.

“Waste is everyone’s business. It’s part of our daily lives as we buy and use products, or experience the effects of illegal dumping. The future of Cape Town’s waste is in all of our hands. Sustainably managing waste in Cape Town is a shared responsibility, and residents, businesses and civil society are essential partners in realising the vision of a clean city for all,” said Twigg.

CAPE TOWN’S WASTE IN NUMBERS

·        CoCT currently manages about 2,1 million tonnes of waste annually, with about 31,53% of this waste currently diverted from landfill.

·       Every day, Cape Town generates about enough waste to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

·       In 2023/24, illegal dumping totalled about 15 000 tonnes of waste collected per month.

·       Cape Town’s population is projected to expand to 5,8 million by 2040, which will increase pressure on waste management systems.

READ MORE: Cape Town faces garbage collection delays due to flooding