Reduce Waste at Home - Here’s How!

Be Part of the Solution – 10 Tips to Reduce Waste

South Africa produces about 107 million tonnes of waste every year, according to the 2023 Market Study of the Circular (& Waste) Economy of South Africa. Consequently, capacity at our landfills is dwindling, with about 84 million tonnes (90%) ending up there. However, there is a rise in a circular economy where recyclable waste is put back into the economy, which is where you can do your part.

Many of our landfill sites have not been compliant. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) recently gave an overview of landfills in the country. In total, there are 544 sites, and upon inspections in the 2023/24 fiscal year, 92 of those sites (60%) were not compliant. To get to a point of zero waste going to landfills, proper waste disposal must be taken seriously at home. Our 10 tips can help you navigate waste better and sustainably.

1. Compost Organic Waste

Instead of throwing items away, arrange food scraps, plastics, yard trimmings, and other organic waste into a compost pile. By adding the compost you make to the soil, you allow your garden to retain water better and avoid easy soil erosion. Some examples of waste that you can put in a compost heap include:

Vegetable and Fruit Scraps – apple cores, banana peels, potato peels, carrot tops.
Teabags
Crushed Egg Shells
Grass Clippings
Sawdust
Wood Shavings

For the waste that ordinary composting can’t handle, you can create a Bokashi bin. It’s a unique system that helps ferment food waste by using microorganisms. It requires a sprinkle of Bokashi Bran in the bucket. Here, you can place items such as meat, cooked food, and dairy products. After a few days, you can use the liquid from the bucket as fertiliser.

2. Separating Household Waste

The process starts at home. Invest in separate bins, having one for recyclables, non-recyclables, and compost. Remember that paper, plastic, glass, and metals can be put into your orange or clear bag, indicating the contents can be recycled. Your usual black bag is specifically for waste that can’t be recycled. It’s worth noting that informal waste pickers

depend on recyclables to earn a living. Perhaps, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with a few and ensure you keep your recyclable waste for them when they come along.

3. A New Use

If you come across items that are broken or no longer of use to you, instead of throwing them away, check if they can be used in another way. For example, if you’ve finished the coffee, consider using the container as a storage option. Clothing and shoes that have slight issues can be fixed or repaired instead of being thrown out.

Additionally, if you’re in the market for furniture or even clothing, check local spots for used goods made from recycled materials. It will do the planet a world of good. Check out our member directory for organisations near you.

4. Avoid Single-Use Products and Plastic

Single-use items are usually not recyclable, such as disposable razor blades, straws, or cutlery. These types of products typically consist of plastic that ends up in landfills or the ocean, and they can take hundreds of years to decompose. One of the biggest single-use products that is used in South Africa and around the world is plastic water bottles. Instead of buying a new bottle every time you’re thirsty, carry a bottle and refill it whenever necessary.

Use reusable shopping bags and eliminate cling film and foil in favour of beeswax wraps.

5. Plan and Don’t Overbuy

Planning your meals not only benefits the environment, but it will also help your waistline. It reduces spontaneous food purchases and waste, where the packaging usually ends up in a landfill. Consuming food more efficiently will greatly contribute to proper waste disposal.

Additionally, you can look at bulk buying for the month instead of weekly trips to the shop. It is more cost-effective and reduces the amount of packaging waste. Finally, as much as it’s difficult to turn down a free sample, think about how often you actually use it and where that waste ends up. Rather turn it down and turn up for the planet.

6. Giveaway or Sell

Either one will fill your heart with joy. Pre-loved clothing, electronics, and furniture may not be of any use to you, but some charities and organisations will accept them with open arms. Alternatively, you can put up usable items for sale and enjoy extra cash. At least, you know that those items will be used instead of wasting away at a landfill.

7. Think Long-Term

Whenever you’re out shopping, consider items that can stand the test of time. Rechargeable batteries are a prime example of a reusable product. Instead of opting for a cheaper version of a product, spend a little more, knowing that it will serve you longer. In addition, small decisions like buying a bath soap bar as opposed to liquid soap in a plastic bottle will go a long way in improving our waste management.

8. Electronic Waste Disposal

You may assume it’s safe to simply throw away electronic waste along with general waste, but that’s not true. Items including batteries, printer cartridges, consumer electronics, and CFLs must be dropped off at designated facilities such as Leroy Merlin or Build-It.

We have a map on our homepage that provides information about your closest collection point. More often than not, electronic waste contains hazardous materials, which can cause harm to people if it’s incorrectly disposed of. For this reason, it’s advisable to use the correct channels and be a responsible member of society.

9. Support Local

Buying from local stores and vendors means eradicating the need for packaging, which you end up throwing away. Consider the emissions used to transport an item you purchased from overseas, in addition to its packaging, which adds up to impact the environment. Local producers are also often producing less waste and are engaged in the same recycling efforts that you are. As a result, you may find recyclable packaging and products available. When you purchase from them, you’re investing in the local economy, promoting financial growth for local communities and our country.

10.Spread the Word

After adopting these tips, take time to educate friends and family about your efforts. Explain the benefits of the responsible disposal of waste. Make it fun by using different-colored bins and rewarding family members who collect the most recyclable materials.

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