Without an effective waste management system, a country faces serious public health and environmental risks. In 2024, South Africa generated approximately 108 million tonnes of waste — 90% of which ended up in landfills, with only 10% being recycled.

Sonia Pretorius, National Sales Manager for 600SA, a division of CFAO Equipment, that supplies waste compactors to operations servicing municipalities and businesses nationally, says South Africa has much to do to reduce waste to landfill and establish a circular economy. 

“At 600SA, we are cognisant of the larger issues at play in the waste management sector, as well as the role we play in ensuring that waste is efficiently collected, compacted and disposed of. In this respect, the choice of equipment is critical.”

The business supplies Orakçi waste compactors to waste disposal operations. “Our waste compactors reduce waste volume by up to 85%, shrinking it to just one-sixth of its original size. This ensures the waste takes up less space at landfill and decomposes more rapidly," notes Pretorius.

Orakçi compactors stand out in the market for their high level of customisability. “The compactors we import are not standard Orakçi units. They have been specifically modified to meet the unique demands of the South African market,” explains Pretorius.  A recent innovation, for example, involves repositioning the sensors from the top of the compactor to either side of the tailgate, helping to protect them from damage caused by overhanging tree branches.  

“Additionally, we have extended the rear steps of the trucks to reduce the risk of waste collectors falling, especially when navigating potholes and other road challenges commonly found in South Africa,” notes Pretorius.  

Orakçi reinforced the sub-frame of its compactors with additional steel for added durability to suit African markets. Compactors operate in more rugged conditions, and thus, the steel that lies on top of the truck chassis was being jolted around excessively, causing the units to crack. Since the additional steel was added to the design, this no longer happens.

“Every year, Orakçi makes adjustments – some big, some small – but this continuous improvement is aimed at making waste collection in our country as seamless as possible,” asserts Pretorius.

Critical to effective waste management is making sure fleets operate at their peak, thereby reducing downtime.

Pretorius says waste compactors and skip loaders are tenacious workhorses. “They work hard on a consistent basis, which means they must always be properly maintained. Generally, the units need to run from Monday to Friday. If they don’t, it’s extremely difficult for operators to catch up. Operating on weekends also translates into overtime costs for municipalities.” 

This is why 600SA has introduced Saturday or weekend services. The business supports waste management companies by reminding them when services are due. “Our role does not stop after a unit is sold. We continue working with the contractors to make sure their equipment is always functional,” adds Pretorius. 

With almost 60 years in the industry, 600SA is well positioned to play a broader consulting role for waste collection operations. “We don’t just sell waste compactors, we partner with our customers today to help them build a legacy for generations to come,” says Pretorius.

The business was recently approached by a potential customer who was awarded a contract to operate in one of the provinces, collecting waste in seven municipalities. The operation wanted an equipment quote, but 600SA delivered considerably more. The 600SA team helped create a business plan that covered all bases: how many compactors would be needed; what terrain the compactors would be covering; how to save on fuel costs; whether renting or buying would be the most viable option; where the equipment would be stored overnight and how many waste collectors would need to be employed, amongst other considerations. 

Pretorius says the operator was grateful for the input and recognised 600SA’s commitment to going the extra mile and being a trusted partnership for customers. “We are more than an equipment supplier; we prefer to partner with our customers. After all, there is no greater endorsement for us than their success.”

She says South Africa, with all its challenges, is a beautiful country. “We don’t need a war to create havoc. If our waste is not managed in a reliable and efficient manner, our communities will suffer from health issues and our environment will be at enormous risk. With our landfill sites severely strained and our population constantly expanding, now is the time for everyone to think and act in ways that drive sustainable impact.”