Waste

Overview

There is limited landfill space available in Johannesburg, and it is rapidly reaching capacity, reflecting the population increase in the city. It is estimated that it will take less than eight years for the landfills to reach capacity. The city’s largest waste management service, Pikitup, collects some 6,000 tonnes of waste from residential and commercial areas. Almost 70% of Johannesburg’s informal settlements receive waste management services, but illegal waste dumping is a persistent problem. Pikitup aims to reduce landfill waste by at least 33% through schemes such as Separation at Source, where residents are encouraged to separate their waste and recycle.

Current situation

In Makers Valley, each household receives one black bin collected weekly by Pikitup. Residents typically place their waste in plastic bin bags in the morning. Informal recyclers sift through waste in the streets and bins before Pikitup collection, seeking valuable items like plastic, paper, cans, and glass to sell to buyback centres. This job is hazardous due to sharp or dangerous items such as broken glass, metal scraps, and wire scraps in bins. Metal waste stores attract thieves due to perceived value. Pikitup, with over 4,500 employees, is Johannesburg’s official waste management provider. In May 2024, temporary Pikitup workers staged a two-week strike for fair wages and permanent employment, resulting in uncollected refuse citywide, including in Makers Valley. 

According to the City of Johannesburg, the percentage of households without waste removal services increases annually by 4.47%. Reasons for households not having access to Pikitup’s waste removal services include settlements not easily accessible for Pikitup trucks, illegally occupied homes not given bins, and some households producing more than one black bin of waste, typically due to overcrowding. This leads to illegal dumping or burning of waste. Illegal waste dumping remains a significant issue in Makers Valley, resulting in an unpleasant environment marked by the smell and sight of rotting waste. ‘Hotspots’ for illegal dumping include street corners, public spaces, and areas near informal settlements. Waste from households and construction sites contributes to these sites, creating large mounds of waste. 

Poor waste management can lead to public health and environmental issues. Waste blocks stormwater drainage systems, leading to flooding, and can impact water quality, such as through surface water contamination. Waste dumping also provides ideal conditions for pest infestation, as it offers abundant food sources, breeding grounds, and shelter for pests such as rats, cockroaches, and flies. 

Waste management problems have not gone unnoticed in the Makers Valley community, and several initiatives are now in place. Love Our City Klean (LOCK) is a creative start-up aimed at educating the community about recycling and the concept of ‘separation at source’. People can get points for recyclables, which can then be used in the community Swap Shop for essentials such as food, clothes, and toiletries. LOCK then sells these to a buy-back centre, where the products are sold to paper mills and glass manufacturers for closed-loop recycling. LOCK eventually aims to develop products made from recycled materials themselves. There are currently no e-waste recycling facilities in Makers Valley. There are some informal waste pickers who collect and may recondition e-waste depending on the value.

A mural painted on a wall in a garden that reads 'Love Our City Klean,' with a large tree and a corrugated metal roof visible in the background. The garden has a small patch of grass and dirt in front of the wall.
A collection of discarded plastic bottles, some with labels still visible, filling a large container. The bottles vary in size and color, suggesting they are being prepared for recycling.

RELEVANT CASE STUDIES

Take a look at the following case studies for more information and ideas. As you explore this area and the perspectives from the case studies, consider how the waste interconnects with other challenges identified by the community:

Projects

25 Engaging Makers Valley

The health and environmental impacts of improper waste management may not always be immediately visible, yet they significantly affect the community in Makers Valley. To foster effective waste management practices, it is essential to explore ways to engage the community and encourage their active participation. What strategies can be implemented to promote community buy-in for waste management initiatives in Makers Valley, ensuring that residents understand the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling for their health and the environment?

26 Transforming Waste into Income

Makers Valley is a vibrant creative hub with established recycling initiatives within the community. In this context, how can recyclables be transformed into new products by local residents, thereby closing the loop on waste and generating income? What innovative ideas and approaches can be explored to empower the community to create valuable products from recycled materials, fostering both sustainability and economic growth? 

27 Tackling Residual Waste

Residual waste often still ends up in landfills, posing significant environmental challenges. To mitigate the impacts of this leftover waste, what strategies can be proposed for treating it effectively? How can we explore methods that reduce the environmental footprint of residual waste while promoting sustainable practices in the community?