As South Africa enters 2026, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) highlights the waste management trends for this year and calls on all South Africans to embrace simple changes that collectively protect our planet.
With South Africa sending millions of tonnes annually to over 800 landfills and major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town having less than five years of remaining landfill capacity, the urgency for sustainable waste practices has never been more imperative.2026 Trends transforming waste management
Technology-driven solutions: Smart waste bins with sensors are optimising collection routes, while solar-powered compactors hold up to five times more waste than traditional bins, making waste management more efficient across municipalities and businesses. Although this trend is still in its infancy, the use of AI and robotics is set to irrevocably change the waste management landscape. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): With EPR collection targets effective until May 2026, almost 68,000 tonnes of e-waste has already been diverted from South African landfills through these schemes and looks set to gather momentum Circular economy focus: The shift from “take-make-dispose” models to circular systems is accelerating, with Botswana set to host the 2026 Circular Hotspot for Africa, positioning Southern Africa as a regional leader.
Right-to-repair legislation: New laws requiring manufacturers to provide repair access are extending product lifespans and reducing electronic waste. Whilst this is currently mostly an EU initiative, it is hoped that this will also be enacted in South Africa as a means to reducing unnecessary waste.
Play your part
While industry innovation and policy changes are crucial, the power to transform our waste crisis lies in the daily choices of every South African. Small actions, when multiplied across millions of people, create extraordinary impact. With this said, we should all consider implementing the following initiatives:At home:
- Make use of reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and coffee cups
- Compost organic waste – up to 57% of waste is organic material that can create nutrient-rich soil
- Buy thoughtfully, choosing second-hand items or products with minimal packaging
- Separate waste properly and rinse recyclables to prevent contamination
At work and school:
- Go digital to reduce paper waste
- Pack waste-free lunches using reusable containers
- Implement sustainable practices in your workplace or at school to amplify collective impact
In your community:
- Support local recycling programmes
- Repair items rather than replacing them
- Support businesses with sustainable practices
