According to the Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), South Africa (SA) annually generates 110 million tonnes of waste, the combined weight of more than one million African elephants, with an average weight of around 5 tonnes each.
TGRC is an entity promoting sustainable and eco-friendly glass recycling in SA. The organisation warned that if the country does not step up and re-evaluate its waste management practices, particularly glass recycling, the current landfills will rapidly run out of space.
Sustainable and Vital Solution
The TGRC’s observation confirms concerns expressed by environmentalists and other waste management experts that landfills across the country, especially in densely populated cities such as Gauteng, are reaching their limits. To address the problem of overflowing landfills, the company highlights recycling as a pivotal and environmentally sustainable solution.
The City of Johannesburg collects approximately 6 000 tonnes of waste every day and generates 1 400 000 tonnes of waste annually. Similarly, Ekurhuleni generates an estimated 1 700 000 tonnes per year. The TGRC said despite this, the country is on the right track in terms of recycling its waste with approximately 80% of all glass in circulation being either recycled, re-used and refilled.
Time is Running Out
According to TGRC, recent reports on the current status of landfill pace in Gauteng show that these landfills have less than five years before they would need to close. The current operating landfill sites in Johannesburg rapidly running out of space include:
- Goudkoppies Landfill
- Marie Louis Landfill
- Genesis Landfill Site
- Robinson Deep Landfill
Glass Recycling Saves Energy
Shabeer Jhetam, TGRC’s chief executive officer, says that “glass recycling in particular significantly reduces landfill space. Glass persists in landfills indefinitely when not recycled, but glass can be recycled infinitely; meaning there is no need for any glass to exist in landfills”. He added that it is imperative we address this matter with a sense of urgency. Glass recycling and glass bottle re-use in SA has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of landfill space annually.” In addition to preserving landfill space, recycling glass saves energy compared to the production of new glass from raw materials.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes
“EPR schemes in line with SA regulations, producers can further enhance sustainability efforts. EPR regulations mandate producers and manufacturers to manage the end-of-life disposal of their packaging products. This holistic approach ensures producers and manufactures take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from production to disposal,” said Jhetam. The TGRC is collaborating closely with producers and manufacturers to promote and encourage sustainable practices.
Re-evaluating Packaging Choices
Jetham said TGRC is encouraged that with growing consumer awareness on environmental issues. He said there is also a notable shift towards products packaged in infinitely recyclable materials like glass. This evolving market trend underscores the importance of re-evaluating packaging choices and driving a circular economy. The company also inspires communities to embrace sustainable recycling practices by organising initiatives such as the Annual Schools Competition.
“In essence, glass recycling in SA represents a significant opportunity in the quest for a greener, cleaner future. Through collaborative efforts between government, businesses and consumers, we can build a sustainable waste management framework which preserves our environment for generations to come”, Jhetam concluded.
Originally in Greening Afrika by Thabo Mohlala, July 17, 2024