Semiformal waste management at the community level: a case study of employment opportunity creation in Cape Town, South Africa
In order to effectively tackle the pressing matter of municipal solid waste management, particularly in developing countries, it is imperative to employ inventive and sustainable approaches. At the core of these approaches lie waste workers, who assume an essential function within Solid Waste Management Systems (SWMS). The contributions of their efforts yield substantial advantages for both society and the environment; nonetheless, they frequently encounter obstacles such as societal marginalization, stigmatization linked to diminished social standing, and sometimes a perception of engagement in illicit behaviors. Literature done in South Africa on informal waste workers have identified some of these issues. With a population over 60 million individuals, the nation generates a substantial quantity of waste, approximated at 122 million tones on a yearly basis. Despite the considerable scale of this matter, the proportion of waste that undergoes recycling remains very modest, amounting to approximately 10% as of 2022. The majority of the remaining waste is typically disposed of in landfills or improperly discarded, dumped, or incinerated, resulting in significant environmental and health issues. Within this particular setting, the ZeroToLandfill (ZTL) project emerges a noteworthy endeavor. ZTL, situated in the suburbs of Rosebank and Mowbray in Cape Town, is primarily dedicated to the mitigation of landfill waste by means of recycling, composting, and horticultural practices. Beyond environmental impact, it also aims to provide much-needed employment opportunities for unemployed individuals in neighboring communities and within the Cape Town Metropolitan area. The project's impact extends beyond environmental factors, as evaluated through the application of the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF). This methodology facilitated the assessment of the effects of ZTL on the well-being and livelihoods of its part-time employees, taking into account five categories of capital assets: human, social, physical, natural, and financial. The participants have reported a diverse range of benefits. Individuals have acquired personal development skills, a more profound comprehension of environmental concerns, and stronger social relationships, resulting in improved financial stability for some. The aforementioned results illustrate the diverse effects that community-led initiatives can potentially have, encompassing the ability to significantly alter the lives of individuals as well as the wider community. However, the project has encountered several obstacles. The participants have communicated several practical difficulties, including insufficient remuneration, disparities in job-related conditions, and the financial strain associated with commuting. These concerns underscore the significance of implementing complete support systems that encompass financial and structural requirements, thereby supporting the viability and efficacy of such initiatives. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights into understanding waste management dynamics within local communities in South Africa. It also stresses the importance of continuous endeavors at both the local and institutional levels to promote sustainable behaviours and enhance the well-being of individuals concerned. Future research is crucial to further understanding of the socio-economic impacts of waste work and to develop strategies that genuinely improve the lives of underprivileged individuals, thereby enriching our comprehension of the waste sector's potential in driving socio-economic development in South Africa.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
Department of Environmental and Geographical Science