Waste collection member – Johannesburg, South Africa

Framework

In the past few years a vast network of cooperatives operating in the collection of plastic waste has been testing a new model of social enterprise in the waste management sector, sponsored by the metropolitan municipality of Ekurhuleni (approx. 3 million people) and by Oxfam SA.

Model

The strategy, is based on constant dialogue with the public sector, with the aim of integrating the cooperatives into the official waste collection system. The municipality provides free space, energy and other services to cooperatives, in addition to a license for door-to-door collection in a number of neighbourhoods. Furthermore, Oxfam promotes innovation and education in plastic recycling, in collaboration with schools and local communities.

Impact

While significantly improving the existing waste management system, the project has created job opportunities within the community, especially for local unemployed women, and is encouraging training and capacity building to develop workers’ skills, promoting stability and growth.