The EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) is sponsoring vital food parcels for reclaimers at the Marie Louise Landfill in Johannesburg.

This initiative is in response to the urgent appeal by the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) to provide essential support to 153 reclaimers and their families during this period of hardship.

The Marie Louise Landfill has been closed to general waste for the past two months due to ongoing restoration following a major fire, leaving reclaimers without their usual means of income from recyclables. Recognising the crucial role reclaimers play in waste management and recycling, eWASA is stepping forward to offer immediate relief and assurance that their basic needs are being met during this challenging time.

The food parcels, tailored to address the specific needs outlined by ARO, will include staple items such as maize meal, rice, cooking oil, pilchards, soap, and other household essentials to sustain reclaimers and their families for one month.

This handover, planned for 10 Dec 2025, demonstrates eWASA’s ongoing support for community members central to the waste value chain and aligns with the association’s broader environmental and socio-economic impact strategies, which include job creation, community upliftment, and waste picker integration.

“At eWASA, we believe in fostering resilient communities by uplifting those most affected by disruptions in our waste management systems,” said Keith Anderson, CEO of eWASA. “By partnering with organisations like ARO, we enhance the well-being of the unsung heroes of recycling and extend our commitment beyond environmental protection to direct social impact.”

For more information about eWASA’s initiatives or to partner with us, please get in touch via info@ewasa.org or visit www.ewasa.org