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Its only new to you: why waste pickers must be involved in community-based Green Economy projects
One of the main challenges we have experienced since 2009 is that waste pickers are excluded from decisions that directly affect their livelihoods, despite being among the most experienced actors in the local recycling system. Many green economy policies and programmes — such as introducing formal recycling contractors, waste separation systems, youth-led initiatives or mechanised sorting facilities — are often planned without engaging the very people who have been doing this
4 days ago2 min read


How to INCLUDE us in the Green Economy of Makhanda
This is a step-by-step guide on how any stakeholder in Makhanda's solid waste management can meaningfully include us in their plans to improve the city's waste management systems.
4 days ago2 min read


The hidden costs behind buy-back centres and exclusive private waste management
After Masihlule abandoned the workshop, some of the waste pickers started to use the old workshop as a shade from the sun (there is not a single tree at the dumpsite), for cooking, and shelter from rain. When we visit the landfill, we are accustomed to finding the guys seated around a fire, preparing breakfast under this shelter. Despite how essential this broken down structure is, the iron sheets have since been disappearing.
Aug 24, 20183 min read


Inside the Waste Industry in Makhanda
On a normal day, there are over 200 waste pickers at the municipal landfill in Grahamstown. They come from the poorest households in the...
Nov 30, 20176 min read
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