The Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa says job opportunities can be created through recycling.
She was speaking during the launch of the Mpact Liquid Packaging plant on Tuesday.
“Ekurhuleni is one of the rapidly growing metros in South Africa, particularly in terms of industrial output and population numbers.
“Waste is one of the urban ills that most towns in metropolitan municipalities across the country are grappling with.
“As a result any opportunity that is directed towards the minimisation of waste within the boundaries of the metro needs to be given a sense of urgency.
“This is largely because of the high costs that municipalities have to pay to provide for waste collection services.
“It is also due to the effects of waste on human health and the environment,” she says.
Molewa says there are also employment opportunities and SMME development that can be created through this initiative.
“We are making strides to divert most of its generated waste away from landfills.
“The culture of landfilling needs to change – and urgently.
“This initiative will help divert a lot of packaging material that currently ends up in our landfill sites.
“We need to work together in ensuring that waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner, but also by working towards a sound materials-cycle society.
“It is important to note that the government needs society and industry to ensure sustainable materials management,” she says.
The minister says it is a sad reality that some cities are grappling with diminishing landfill spaces, illegal dumping sites and the high costs of rendering waste management services to our communities.
“We are looking at long-term interventions that would significantly transform the waste sector to such an extent that it makes a significant contribution to the growth of the secondary materials economy that creates jobs at every level and supports industrial efficiency,” she says.
