Open waste burning is one of South Africa’s most overlooked environmental and public-health challenges. In many communities, especially low-income areas where waste removal services are inconsistent or unavailable, burning becomes a default method of getting rid of household waste. Yet this practice has devastating health, climate, and environmental consequences.
To address this urgent issue, the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA), the Clean Air Fund (CAF), groundwork (gW), and WESSA have launched a collaborative community initiative focused on awareness, education, and data collection. The project is being rolled out across the Vaal Triangle, Highveld, and Watergate-Bojanala air quality priority areas.
Why open waste burning must be stopped
The scale of the problem is far bigger than many realise. According to the 2022 CSIR SA Pathways report:
- 37% of households in South Africa do not receive weekly waste collection
- As a result, 29% or 196 kilotons of household waste goes uncollected
- This waste often ends up in illegal dumping sites or is burned in the open
These fires release toxic pollutants into the air, affecting the health of millions and contributing to respiratory diseases, poor air quality, and climate-changing emissions.
Waste pickers as champions for change
One of the strengths of the initiative is the central role played by waste pickers. Often undervalued despite the essential environmental services they provide, waste pickers will be trained, supported, and recognised as leaders in sustainable community waste management.
By strengthening recycling networks and raising community awareness, waste pickers will help reduce the dependence on open burning while improving their own livelihoods.
Schools and communities at the heart of the project
Education is a powerful tool, and this project puts it front and centre. Schools, households, and community groups will participate in awareness sessions, activities, and practical guidance on how to manage waste responsibly.
The initiative also supports Education for Sustainable Development, empowering learners to understand environmental challenges and take meaningful action.
WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete highlights the role of young leaders, “Our Eco Schools learners and teachers are powerful agents of change; together we can reverse the harmful cycle of open waste burning and create a more sustainable future for all.”
Gathering data to influence policy
In addition to raising awareness, the project will collect community-level data through door-to-door surveys. This research will help map the patterns, reasons, and impacts of open waste burning, information that is critically needed for shaping effective policy interventions.
By combining real-life data with community-driven insights, the initiative aims to strengthen the national response to waste mismanagement and air pollution.
What the initiative will achieve over two years
The project aims to:
- Build widespread awareness about the health and climate impacts of open burning
- Reduce burning incidents through improved waste practices and increased recycling
- Support waste pickers and residents as active partners in air quality and waste management initiatives
- Provide evidence to inform policy and practical, effective interventions
- Help build healthier communities with cleaner air and more sustainable waste management
A pathway to cleaner, healthier communities
This initiative is more than an awareness campaign, it is a step toward building a more just, sustainable, and community-driven approach to waste management. By empowering residents and recognising waste pickers as environmental leaders, the project hopes to shift behaviours, influence policy, and ultimately reduce open waste burning across South Africa.
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