Modern waste management aims to counter the environmental and social impact of waste by ensuring safe operations, while also safeguarding communities and the environment, asserts 600SA national sales manager Sonia Pretorius.

A division of CFAO Equipment, 600SA aims to help municipalities deal with waste more effectively, creating safer environments for all South Africans.

Pretorius explains that no new landfill permits have been granted to Gauteng over the past two decades and the province produces about 45% of South Africa’s municipal waste, which is adding to the challenge for the country to meet its Vision 2030 goals as laid out in the National Development Plan, specifically as it relates to environmental sustainability.

“The country’s Waste Management Strategy (2020) is premised on three pillars – cleaner communities, a well-managed and financially stable waste service and a culture of zero tolerance of pollution. Part of this strategy is aimed at diverting 55% of waste from landfill by 2030. With about 90% of waste reportedly still going to landfill, our efforts need to be fast-tracked if we are going to make significant progress over the next five years,” she says.

“Currently, Gauteng spends millions on landfill rehabilitation and dealing with illegal dumping every year. Additionally, 178 out of 420 waste compactors are not operational in the area this year, further stymieing efforts to keep up with their heavy workloads,” Pretorius adds.

She asserts that placing large skips at strategic points – especially near informal settlements – would help avert illegal dumping, noting: “The reason many people dump their waste is that they do not have access to regular municipal services. The placement of skips close to these areas will not only help reduce illegal dumping, but it will afford communities greater dignity and safer environments to live in.”

In addition, Pretorius urges municipalities to use durable and safe equipment that minimises spills, reduces contamination risks and ensures responsible waste processing. The equipment should be supported by maintenance contracts to ensure breakdowns are dealt with immediately, allowing municipalities to operate at full capacity.

Pretorius says 600SA’s Orakçi ORV waste compactor series boasts advanced safety features aimed at ensuring high standards of environmental care in industrial waste handling.

The compactor bins are fully welded on both sides to prevent leaks, and the bins feature automatic tailgate locking, comprising a rubber section at the rear of the compactor which creates a seal that further prevents spills or leaks.

The company offers training to ensure that operators are able to use the new compactors effectively and is also establishing two local service centres, in Johannesburg and Tshwane, to provide maintenance for equipment.