Climate change, slow economic growth, and a disproportionate reliance on mineral resources pose significant threats to sustainability. By adopting the idea of a circular economy, the effects of these challenges could be mitigated or even overcome.

“In South Africa, we’re already experiencing a downturn in commodities. One of the reasons for this is that resources are finite,” explains Stacey Davidson, chief executive of the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa).

“For too long, we’ve relied on a linear economy, where goods are produced and then thrown away. This approach leaves our future generations with a deficit – having no new raw materials to work with and a damaged environment,” she adds.

An estimated 108 million tonnes of waste are sent to landfill each year in South Africa, and, with only 10% of the country’s waste being recycled, useful raw materials – worth R17 billion – are being wasted.

By burying that value underground, low-skilled jobs in recycling collection, refurbishment, and repair sectors are being denied at a time when they’re sorely needed.

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