The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is calling all waste wise organisations in KwaZulu-Natal to enter this year’s IWMSA KZN Waste Management Awards.

The event is hosted biennially with the aim of encouraging all organisations in the province to consciously choose to act in the most efficient and effective ways when managing waste. The awards also seek to acknowledge the achievements organisations that practice and are committed to responsible and effective waste management.

Jan Palm, President of the IWMSA says all environmentally conscious organisations are encouraged to enter and be recognised for their contributions and commitment to responsible waste management practices.

Who can enter?

• General Manufacturing <250 Employees: Industries involved with the manufacturing of products, with a total number of employees of 250 or less.
• General Manufacturing >250 Employees: Industries involved with the manufacturing of products, with a total number of employees greater than 250.
• Service Industry: Any organisation which offers a service. For example: retail centres, hospitality establishments, housing estates or educational institutions.

The awards are open to all businesses in KwaZulu-Natal within the above categories and it is not a requirement to be a member of the IWMSA to enter the competition. If an organisation has multiple premises that operate independently, then each premise must be entered separately and will be judged independently. Entries close on 30 June 2018.

Judging process

Judging will consist of a site visit and audit which will be conducted between August and October 2018. Members of the IWMSA and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) will form the judging panel.

How to Enter

Organisations are encouraged to enter this prestigious competition by completing the online entry form.

Documentation to be included in the online form:

• Your company’s waste management policy statements.
• The report must include details about the managed waste including volume per waste type; waste classification; and name of the facility where waste is sent to for 2015/6 and 2017/8 periods.
• Projects undertaken to address waste management and cost savings.

Past winners include the Unilever Tea Factory Pietermaritzburg, Tongaat Hulett Sugar Darnall Mill and Dolphin Coast Landfill Management.

“The Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to be recognised by industry peers across the province, and we call upon as many organisations as possible to enter,” concludes Palm.