Geopolitic / Africa
Empowering Waste Reclaimers in South Africa
In eThekwini, South Africa, a waste revolution is underway as waste reclaimers collect significant amounts of recyclables. In just four weeks, they gathered over 13 tons, preventing nearly four tons of carbon emissions and reducing landfill costs for the city.
Source material: How Data Helps Waste Reclaimers Power South Africa’s Circular Economy
Summary
In eThekwini, South Africa, a waste revolution is underway as waste reclaimers collect significant amounts of recyclables. In just four weeks, they gathered over 13 tons, preventing nearly four tons of carbon emissions and reducing landfill costs for the city.
The work of reclaimers supports South Africa's circular economy, yet their contributions have often been undervalued. With assistance from the World Bank, efforts are being made to enhance the efficiency of the waste management system and recognize the reclaimers' roles.
Data collection through GPS tracking is being implemented to better understand the daily operations of reclaimers. This data will help integrate their work into the city's waste management plans and improve their working conditions.
Gender disparities are evident among reclaimers, with women typically working closer to home and facing unique challenges compared to men. Addressing these disparities is crucial for fostering an inclusive circular economy.
Perspectives
short
Support for Waste Reclaimers
- Highlights the significant contributions of waste reclaimers to recycling efforts and carbon emission reduction
- Argues for the need to recognize and support the work of reclaimers through data and infrastructure improvements
Challenges Faced by Reclaimers
- Notes the undervaluation of reclaimers work and the gender disparities in their roles
- Identifies safety risks and limited infrastructure as ongoing challenges for reclaimers
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledges the role of data collection in improving the efficiency of waste management
- Recognizes the importance of integrating reclaimers into city waste management plans
Metrics
other
over 13 tons
amount of recyclables collected by waste reclaimers
This volume indicates the significant impact of reclaimers on waste management
In just four weeks, reclaimers collect over 13 tons of recyclables
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
In eThekwini, South Africa, waste reclaimers have collected over 13 tons of recyclables in four weeks, significantly reducing carbon emissions and lowering landfill costs. The integration of data collection and GPS tracking is enhancing the recognition of their contributions and improving their working conditions.
- In eThekwini, South Africa, waste reclaimers collected over 13 tons of recyclables in four weeks, significantly reducing carbon emissions and lowering landfill costs for the city
- Data collection and GPS tracking are helping to recognize the often undervalued contributions of waste reclaimers, mapping their routes and integrating their work into the circular economy
- Training programs are being introduced to enhance the skills of reclaimers and improve their working conditions, aiming for better integration into the citys waste management strategies
- Gender disparities among reclaimers are evident, with women typically working closer to home and facing unique challenges compared to men, who often travel further with trolleys
- Infrastructure improvements, including local buy-back centers and upgraded equipment, are crucial for increasing the efficiency of waste management and enhancing the livelihoods of reclaimers