GEORGE NEWS - With landfill space under increasing pressure, George Municipality is challenging local businesses to become part of the solution through a new campaign aimed at reducing waste, increasing recycling and keeping thousands of tonnes of recyclable material out of landfill sites.
In partnership with Henque Waste and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality's Waste Management and Pollution Control Section has launched the Waste Wise Business Pledge Campaign, calling on businesses across the city to commit to responsible waste management and help build a cleaner, more sustainable George.
Launched on Friday 17 July, the campaign encourages businesses to voluntarily improve their waste management practices by separating waste at the source, increasing recycling and reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill. The new facility is expected to serve municipalities across the district, but reducing waste at source and increasing recycling remain key priorities.
Although introduced as part of the municipality's Mandela Day activities, the campaign will continue beyond this commemorative day, and businesses are still able to sign the pledge and join the growing Waste Wise Business Network. The initiative comes as local authorities continue to focus on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
GRDM Mayor Marais Kruger said last week that the regional waste disposal site near Mossel Bay is expected to be completed by November.
The first businesses to sign the pledge during the launch event at the Thembalethu Community Hall were Shoprite, Boxer, Hungry Lion and Jam Alley Tavern. The event included an interactive educational session highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of responsible waste management and demonstrating how simple changes in daily operations can reduce landfill waste and improve recycling.
To support the participating businesses, each received some recycling bins and refuse bags, as well as a Waste Wise Business Certificate and an official window sticker recognising their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Nombuyiselo Majola, George Municipality's manager of solid waste and infrastructure, said the launch was a success, and the participating businesses showed enthusiasm for the initiative and a willingness to work alongside the municipality to improve waste management across the city.
Douw Bezuidenhout, Henque Waste's CEO, said the campaign was about creating a lasting culture of environmental responsibility through collaboration. "Real environmental change happens when government, businesses and communities work together with a shared purpose," he said. "The Waste Wise Business Pledge is about far more than recycling. It is about building a culture of responsibility in which every business recognises that the waste it generates is also an opportunity to protect our environment, conserve valuable resources and create lasting value for future generations."
Back: Henque Waste employees Lindile Ndabeni, Vuyisanani Liwani, Sivuyile Klaas and Khuselo Ncola. Front: Douw Bezuidenhout (Henque Waste CEO), Nombuyiselo Majola (George Municipality's manager of solid waste and infrastructure), Ndumiso Baleni (Henque Waste logistics and operations manager) and Andile Mobo (Henque Waste public relations and marketing manager). Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
He said waste should not be seen as the end of a product's journey, but as the beginning of a new resource when managed responsibly. "Meaningful change does not begin with large-scale projects. It begins with one business making one responsible decision, one employee choosing to separate waste correctly, and one community working together towards a common goal. Sustainability is built through partnerships, education and the everyday choices we make."
Bezuidenhout said Henque Waste was proud to partner with George Municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality to help businesses take practical steps towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable George.
The Waste Wise Business Pledge Campaign forms part of an ongoing programme to expand the George Waste Wise Business Network through education, collaboration and practical support.
Businesses interested in joining the Waste Wise Business Network or arranging a free waste management awareness session for their staff are encouraged to contact the Waste Management and Pollution Control Section at [email protected].
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