Responsible waste disposal is not a waste of time
SAXONWOLD – Working closely with Sapra, Boomba not only collects waste but uses it for various worthwhile purposes.
Removing and disposing of waste responsibly is a mission but Boombadotmobi (Boomba) is there to help. According to the co-founder of Boomba, Sbusiso Shongwe, Boomba is a waste management business platform that facilitates the process of responsible waste disposal.
“They achieve this through connecting waste generators with waste collectors and instruct them where waste should be responsibly disposed. Boomba uses construction waste to rehabilitate gravelled streets in townships, distribute green waste to local farmers for composting and local waste manufactures,” said Shongwe.
He added that general waste is distributed to informal waste collectors for commercial recycling and Boomba sends its customers pictures showing the final destination of the waste. The platform established a relationship with the Saxonwold and Parkwood Residents Association (Sapra) which Shongwe said is informed by the common concern in illegal dumping.
Shongwe said, “As a community, they have been experiencing illegal dumping in the area in the City of Johannesburg in general. Because most waste collectors (the trucks in this case) don’t practise responsible waste disposal, they tend to dump anywhere and this obviously has an impact on the environment.”
He said they contacted the Sapra management to form some sort of partnership (online) with the aim of having their residents use Boomba’s services for responsible waste disposal and the response was positive.
According to Sapra secretary Caryn Turnbull, “The biggest impact for us is that now the residents have a recommended and reputable provider that they can call when it comes to clearing rubble and the best part is that Boomba sends you photos of where the rubbish ends up and what it’s going to be used for. A win-win for everyone!”
Shongwe added that they have been getting requests ever since and ‘we have been clogging the smartphones with pictures full of rubbish’. “It’s very uplifting to know that they know where their waste ends up. It brings about a great sense of achievement to see their smiles.”
Details: Boombadotmobi boombadotmobi@gmail.com
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