With the current Covid-19 pandemic in full swing, more and more residents are self-isolating in their homes. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) has taken this time to encourage all citizens to use the extended period at home to evaluate their current recycling system.

“While we improve our hygiene practices, avoid gatherings, and prepare for an extended period at home, we should also be looking at ways to reduce our individual ecological footprints,” says Leon Grobbelaar, President of the IWMSA.

“Now is the perfect time to conduct your own home sustainability audit, including your recycling system.”

Global Recycling Day takes place every year on 18 March and seeks to recognise the people, countries and technology that play an important role in recycling.

“Global Recycling Day highlights the importance for collaboration to bolster the circular economy and re-use resources instead of extracting more raw materials from natural ecosystems,” says Grobbelaar.

“This is especially important in a time such as we are experiencing now; environmental degradation and climate change exacerbates the likelihood of an infectious disease outbreak,” continues Grobbelaar.

“In the coming months there is going to be a lot of empty bottles of hand sanitizer and antibacterial soaps; let’s see how much of these things we can recycle. Along with good hygiene, let’s also start with good recycling practices at home.” Recycling and the circular economy key theme at this year’s WasteCon hosted by the IWMSA.

“WasteCon 2020 is set to take place from 06 to 08 October 2020; we are still proceeding with the event as planned,” says Grobbelaar.

“The IWMSA will monitor the Covid-19 situation carefully over the next few months and plan accordingly, as the safety and health of our delegates are a top priority.”