The North Coast’s waste problem is spiralling out of control and will only get worse until government intervenes.

This is the warning from newly-elected Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) president, Patricia Schröder, a seasoned environmental activist and Sheffield Beach resident.

Schröder, co-founder of e-waste recycling company Reclite and non-profit Circular Energy, says rapid urban expansion, illegal dumping, and unchecked pollution in rivers have overwhelmed private waste management efforts.

“We have a real issue with solid and liquid waste pollution in iLembe, both in illegal dumps and in river management,” she said.

“Private sector companies like Dolphin Coast Waste Management and non-profits are doing a lot to combat the issues, but the problem is already too big to address privately and is only getting bigger.

“We need proper waste disposal infrastructure, stricter oversight, and action against companies cutting corners.”

She highlights dangerous practices like burning PVC coatings off wiring to fetch higher scrap prices, releasing toxic fumes into the air.

“There are unfortunately plenty of bad actor companies in the area, who either claim to dispose waste with the environment in mind and then dump it, or do not even try and abide by legislation,” she said.

“A good example is scrap metal dealers who pay a higher price for metals and wiring that is not coated. Waste collectors often burn the PVC coating on the wiring to get rid of it, which has a terrible effect on health and the environment.”

Read: Hirsch’s and Circular Energy partner to tackle toxic battery waste with new disposal initiative.

Patricia said there are legal options for waste disposal, like Circular Energy, that will match scrap dealer prices and do not require uncoated metals.

“Unfortunately these people are scared and think they will get in trouble. That is where government should be filling the gaps and making these services available.”

As IWMSA president, Schröder aims to push circular economy principles and stronger regulation but warns that time is running out. She said Southern Africa was behind in terms of global waste management principles.

“It is IWMSA’s mission to improve landfill management, recycling and resource allocation,” said Patricia.

Originally from Mpumalanga, Patricia spent the first 15 years of her working life in Johannesburg before moving to Sheffield Beach in 2010. She has since become intimately familiar with the waste management situation locally through her various ventures.

To find out more about the work that IWMSA does, visit iwmsa.co.za

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