recyclinglatest news & developments
Informal waste pickers are responsible for processing more than 80% of South Africa’s recycled materials, which is an extraordinary contribution to the economy and environment. Photo: Mark Lewis

National emergency: The urban models turning waste into opportunity

An innovative project for informal waste pickers in Cape Town demonstrates how empowerment and a circular economy can make a difference

  • Eyaaz
4 min read

Join Sneaker LAB in Protecting Hout Bay on World Cleanup Day

On World Cleanup Day on 20 September 2025, Sneaker LAB and Sentinel Ocean Alliance are inviting Cape Town to join a Hout Bay cleanup. Sneaker LAB, the Cape Town-born global sneaker-care brand, is taking its sustainability mission beyond the shelves and onto the shoreline with a community cleanup in collaboration with Sentinel Ocean Alliance in […]

  • Shaun Goosen
3 min read
African countries, including South Africa, have limited waste infrastructure and uneven water treatment systems, which exacerbates the problem of antibiotic resistance. Photo: Sustainable Seas Trust

Beyond the bin: Rethinking bioplastic waste for a circular future

Stellenbosch University has developed a process involving enzymes that can break down bioplastics

6 min read
Recycle rather than expand or build more landfills.

Ubuntu can help achieve the dream of zero landfill

Our waste-management sites are filling up fast, with serious health and environmental consequences

5 min read
About 20% of global water waste and 10% of global carbon emissions are produced by the fashion industry, according to United Nations Environment Programme estimates

Upcycle for a greener fashion industry – but beware intellectual property infringement

Upcyclers must ensure that their activities comply with IP laws to avoid legal challenges from trade mark owners who may claim infringement of their brand

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
MEC Mbali Hlophe wants every household in the province to embrace the idea of food security.

Creating food security through training, technology and the establishment of Buy-Back Centres for recycling waste

Initiatives by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

  • Derek Davey
10 min read
A Unimog sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa for the Clean Surf Project, an NGO dedicated to cleaning up the country’s shores.

CCBSA, local communities join forces to help create a World Without Waste

The goal is for every package to have more than one life

  • Derek Davey
7 min read
Informal recycling gives people a sense of purpose and fulfilment and contributes hugely to recycling in the country.

How informal recyclers view their work

Informal recycling gives people a sense of purpose and fulfilment and contributes hugely to recycling in the country

  • Eyaaz
7 min read