“With a solid history spanning over 45 years, EnviroServ now benefits from the global expertise and financial backing of its new owners – SUEZ, Royal Bafokeng Holdings (RBH), and African Infrastructure Investment Managers – who actively support its commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation and responsible waste management solutions.”

EnviroServ focusses on two areas: enhancing its own operations to foster a safer, more sustainable environment for people and the planet, and helping businesses reduce their ecological footprint and adopt sustainable industry practices.

“Internally, we are constantly working towards achieving our own sustainable development targets, while also providing solutions to our customers that create economic, environmental, and social value. We assist customers in moving toward a circular economy by supporting them with their various strategies, like zero waste, reduced emissions or resource conservation, and ultimately taking a step forward in reaching their various SDGs,” says Dave Morrey, commercial director, EnviroServ.

Waste management impacts all 17 SDGs by influencing environmental sustainability, economic growth, social well-being, and climate resilience. “Good waste management creates positive environmental, economic and social outcomes,” explains Morrey.

Morrey details how EnviroServ actively contributes towards the SDGs:

SDG 1: No poverty

EnviroServ operates in a dynamic sector that generates a wide range of jobs across various levels of expertise, including in logistics, sales, transportation, waste collection, treatment and disposal as well as recycling and circular economy activities.

“EnviroServ has found creative ways to tackle poverty through forming joint ventures with local partners wherever possible. We prioritise the employment of people from local communities in various waste management projects around the country.  For example, at two of our waste management facilities, waste reclaimers rely on recyclable waste for their livelihoods. EnviroServ supports this by providing the necessary training and personal protective equipment. The communities benefit fully from the economic value of the recyclable waste.”

SDG 2: Zero hunger

Composting organic waste improves soil health and agricultural productivity. EnviroServ works with a number of fast-moving consumer goods companies that produce beverages and food. They use the organic waste from those production processes to make compost and even offer onsite solutions for customers in the form of mobile composting units.

“Additionally, in communities around our Holfontein waste management facility, there are projects sponsored by the company that help ensure people have access to food. EnviroServ has sponsored agricultural training for the Holfontein community to teach them how to start gardens and farm sustainably,” states Morrey.

SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing

Effective waste management helps maintain clean air and water, reducing the risk of diseases. It further drastically reduces unpleasant odours and keeps communities free from rodents and flies, creating a healthier and more hygienic environment. “At all our waste management facilities, we adopt best practices and operate in full compliance with legislation to ensure there is no negative impact on our neighbours,” reiterates Morrey.

He adds, “Our commitment to good health and well-being starts with a dedication to the thousands of men and women in our employ. Necessary SHEQ and other precautionary measures are in place to ensure that, at all times, our team members are safe.”

SDG 4: Quality education

EnviroServ launched an annual national ‘Dress a Learner’ programme in 2014, where each year, 210 learners from child-headed homes, learners with unemployed parents, and those facing other unfortunate circumstances from different schools receive brand new school uniforms to kick-start the year. The main objective of the programme is to bring dignity to learners, promoting less absenteeism and fewer incidents of bullying.

Morrey also highlights the company’s commitment to youth development through learnerships for matriculants and internships for graduates. These programmes upskill young people, including those with disabilities, providing essential skills for future employability. “Additionally, EnviroServ visits schools. holds webinars and presents papers at local and international forums on a range of topics related to waste management, the circular economy, and sustainability.”

SDG 5: Gender equality

In 2017, EnviroServ developed a comprehensive Transformation Charter, committed to embracing inclusion, diversity, and fair business practices. EnviroServ has made a concerted effort to address the underrepresentation of females in historically male-dominated management roles.

“This diversity brings broader perspectives and insights into business challenges, enabling us to enhance processes and systems. EnviroServ’s success is built on valuing and respecting the contributions and innovations of every team member,” adds Morrey.

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation

EnviroServ’s ethical, compliant, and responsible waste management protects water sources – both groundwater and surface water – helping to reduce waterborne illnesses.

Sustainable wastewater treatment improves water recovery and reuse. As a SUEZ company, EnviroServ offers expertise in desalination and can design, build, and operate water and wastewater treatment plants. The company has technologies that can improve drinking water quality, reduce pollution, and provide leak detection tools for distribution networks, thereby reducing the loss of non-revenue water and making water an economically viable resource for the public sector. EnviroServ also has proprietary technologies related to smart metering.

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

Waste to energy (WTE) facilities reduce the volume of waste while generating electricity or heat. These facilities process suitable waste through incineration, gasification, or anaerobic digestion, converting it into usable energy. This approach reduces landfill use, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to a circular economy.

“SUEZ operates numerous WTE facilities worldwide and EnviroServ therefore has strong competencies in the different technologies. We believe that WTE provides terrific public private partnership opportunities,” adds Morrey.

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

EnviroServ employs around 2 300 staff members and adheres to applicable labour laws that protect workers. The company offers competitive compensation, and as elaborated above, ample career development opportunities. The company aims to grow the number of people trained in the workforce to 76% by 2028.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

“By offering waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery solutions, we help industries minimise their environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiencies,” says Morrey.

The waste management sector is currently a hotbed of inspiration and innovation. This rapid innovation is not only improving efficiency but also unlocking new economic and environmental opportunities.

EnviroServ is involved in advanced landfill management methods that capture methane for energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote symbiotic relationships where one industry’s waste becomes another’s raw material, as well as carbon capture. Its integrated waste management facilities and green landfills are proof of the innovative nature of its operations and strict adherence to the improved regulatory framework.

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

Collaboration and diversity are some of EnviroServ’s core values. The company regards broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) as a strategy to open up opportunities for previously disadvantaged communities and individuals. It recently retained its Level 1 BBBEE status.

“This is a significant milestone for our stakeholders, as purchasing from Level 1 suppliers can directly enhance your company’s BBBEE performance. The accomplishment goes beyond compliance—it demonstrates EnviroServ’s ongoing dedication to contributing positively to society and fostering long-term sustainable growth,” notes Morrey.

He adds that preferential procurement is directed to previously marginalised communities and that these SMMEs employ people from local communities. The company has no fewer than 800 suppliers, all of whom employ individuals who support families and communities.

In South Africa, the waste landscape is deeply tiered. Large corporations prioritise sustainable waste management, investing in efficient systems and environmental responsibility. In contrast, poorer communities often lack even basic waste management services, making sustainable practices unaffordable and impractical. This disparity exacerbates environmental and health challenges, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive waste solutions.

“How do we achieve sustainable solutions that are effective for all but also affordable? We need to get the basics right; we need to service all of our communities in an affordable way that allows waste to be directed to better outcomes. The first step in waste management is simply removing waste from the areas where it has been produced and then centralising it where it can be reused and recycled or directed to a properly managed landfill. Infrastructure must be in place so that all waste can be collected responsibly and repeatedly in compliance with legislation. EnviroServ is well-positioned and wiling to partner with municipalities to assist in this regard,” comments Morrey.

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Efficient waste management reduces pollution, making cities cleaner and healthier. EnviroServ partners with clients across multiple sectors to ensure that all waste streams are well-managed and traceable. The company further advises customers on how to attain their sustainability targets.

“We collaborate with local stakeholders on public health and awareness programs to promote cleaner communities. In Motherwell, Eastern Cape, EnviroServ helped start the Motherwell Buyback Centre. Community members are able to take their recyclables there and earn an income. Similarly, over 300 waste reclaimers in Gauteng help keep communities clean by collecting recyclables,” mentions Morrey.

SDG12: Responsible consumption and production

EnviroServ supports the waste hierarchy, helping clients substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. “We ensure the environmentally sound management of waste through source segregation and recycling. It is crucial to gain a deep understanding of the secondary and tertiary impacts of waste, identify its sources, and assess its broader environmental and social consequences. Industries should be weary of abdicating responsibility and assuming that waste will be taken care of down the line,” cautions Morrey.

Additionally, EnviroServ, as a waste management company operating in South Africa, must adhere to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) and support the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS), which covers waste management from ‘cradle to grave’. Customers can therefore have peace of mind knowing that for years, EnviroServ has handled waste responsibly and continues to do so.

SDG13: Climate action

The company has set a sustainability target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions at its six waste management facilities by 60% by 2028.

This is done through the reduction of methane gas. Most landfills produce methane.  According to the United Nations Environment Programme, cutting methane emissions by 45% by 2030 could help meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to less than 1.5°C.

“We have also been converting methane to carbon dioxide, a gas seen as having 28 times less impact on global warming when compared to methane, as well as extracting methane and giving it to industry as an energy alternative. Adapting our facilities using international best practice has already resulted in a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2022, so we have already made a significant stride towards our 60% goal for 2028,” adds Morrey.

SDG 14: Life below water and SDG15: Life on land

Good waste management practices prevent waste from ending up in the environment. EnviroServ’s actions invariably reduce waste, contributing to the prevention of ocean pollution, land degradation and soil contamination, inherently protecting marine life as well as biodiversity and ecosystems on land. Their wastewater treatment capabilities reduce chemical runoff into water bodies.

Focussing on its own green landfills, EnviroServ aims to double the amount of renatured and restored capped landfill areas by 2027, using 100% indigenous species. Almost 26 hectares of land will be renatured across EnviroServ’s operating sites, as the company plans to double the amount of land restored by 2027. Within the same timeline, no phytosanitary products will be used in any of the company’s green spaces or facilities.

SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Morrey adds that many waste challenges are difficult to solve without compliance. “Fortunately, entities in South Africa face mounting pressure to manage waste responsibly, with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment showing a willingness to bring non-compliant public and private entities to book.”

“EnviroServ prides itself in giving clients environmental peace of mind. We work with clients to ensure that all regulatory frameworks are followed and safety mechanisms are in place. We focus on providing compliant solutions with compliant outcomes.”

SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals

“We collaborate with clients across the waste management cycle, starting by understanding their needs. Improper segregation and contamination often hinder recycling efficiency, so we provide labour and equipment to ensure proper waste separation, minimizing contamination and maximizing environmental outcomes.”

EnviroServ then goes a step further by sourcing the partners that can take that waste and recycle or reuse it. “They may be the typical paperboard manufacturers, glass recyclers and plastic recyclers. Then there are more novel partnerships around organic waste for farming and animal nutrition or recyclers of waste that contains used oils and hydrocarbons as an alternative energy source to coal, there are also solvent recyclers.”

Waste is multi-faceted. Almost all waste that comes from a client’s site is, to a degree, unique. Each company has its own manufacturing processes and raw materials and packaging. “Therefore, it is impossible for a single company to have solutions for every type of waste. That is why we look both internally and externally for solutions when dealing with a client’s waste,” says Morrey.

EnviroServ is also geared towards partnering with government to improve waste and water basic services. “There is a willingness for the private sector and municipalities to engage with public private partnerships to provide next level solutions that ensure exemplary waste management practises,” he concludes.