​​Globally as well as locally, waste has become a major issue. Stellenbosch University (SU) has faced similar challenges with energy and water before and has done well in meeting them. Now the goal is for success in reducing the amount of waste materials going to landfill.

A Waste Response Group has been gathering monthly, convened by Facilities Management and comprising a range of representatives and champions from across the campuses. Specialist consultants are also being brought in to add their expertise and experience.

One of the first initiatives will be a survey sent out to all students and staff so that perceptions and suggestions from a wide variety of voices can be included in finding solutions. The overall objective is to divert more waste away from landfill by re-thinking, reducing, re-using and recycling, in more circular ways to help close the materials loop.

Changes to the University's waste management system to streamline efficiencies will be explored, including minimizing single-use plastics and materials. Communications, information and education to understand the system and make it easier to participate will also go out through various channels.

SU is already a leading university in the sustainability field. Waste reduction is one of its main sustainability aims and assists in environmental conservation by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Reseach (CSIR) also calculates that 16 more employment opportunities are created per 1,000 tonnes of waste by diverting it into the recycling economy rather than sending the same amount to landfill. So there are significant socio-economic benefits as well.

It costs the University millions each year to send waste not recovered or recycled from campuses to landfill. As landfills reach capacity, costs will only increase. It makes sense in many ways to reduce, re-use and recycle, waste whenever we can.

 As Nicolette van den Eijkel, Chief Director: Facilities Management, says: “We need to realise that materials discarded as waste gain in economic, environmental and social value if recovered or recycled, but are a cost if landfilled. All stakeholders – students, staff and service providers ­­– can play a valuable part in closing the loop and aiming for zero waste to landfill."