Johannesburg Celebrates Global Recycling Day with Awareness Campaign

The City of Johannesburg’s Waste Management and Regulation Unit, part of the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), has teamed up with various stakeholders to host waste recycling information sessions in observance of Global Recycling Day.

Global Recycling Day, held annually on March 18, underscores the critical role recycling plays in creating a sustainable environment. The 2025 theme encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to increase recycling efforts and embrace a circular economy.

To mark the occasion, Johannesburg will host a series of information-sharing sessions aimed at raising awareness, enhancing knowledge, and involving the community in recycling initiatives. The key objectives of these sessions include:

• Raising awareness about the importance of recycling and waste management in protecting the environment.
• Educating the public on recycling processes, materials, and proper disposal methods.
• Engaging local businesses, government representatives, and community members in sustainable practices.
• Promoting innovative recycling solutions and partnerships.
• Encouraging individuals to adopt recycling habits in their daily lives.

Key topics of discussion will cover:

• Recycling as a core component of a circular economy.
• The environmental benefits of recycling.
• Innovative solutions in waste management and recycling.

Makhosazana Mtshali, Director of Waste Management and Regulation at EISD, highlighted some of the City’s significant challenges. “One of the biggest concerns is the increasing volume of waste generated by residents and the limited space available in landfill sites for waste disposal,” she said.

The City disposes of more than 1.4 million tonnes of waste annually, all of which ends up in the City’s four operational landfill sites. These sites have less than five years of available space left for disposal. Additionally, illegal dumping remains a major issue, particularly in open spaces, with problematic waste streams such as builders’ rubble and green waste.

“Population growth, consumerism, and urban development are the main drivers of waste accumulation. If this trend continues, we will run out of space for waste disposal in the next five years,” Mtshali added.

The City is addressing these challenges by amending the Waste Regulation By-laws of 2022, which are in their final draft stage for gazetting. It is also developing the Alternative Waste Treatment Technologies project as part of its long-term strategy to manage waste more effectively.

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Sourced: City Of Joburg