Summer holidays on the South Coast have always been for families, fun and sun, the time when our economy gets a boost from visitors, and it’s well known that many local businesses use this opportunity to carry them for the next few months to the April break.
The issues with water and sanitation have impacted our tourism potential for many years, and potholed roads have been unwelcoming, but somehow, business owners and private people have managed to keep the illusion going by putting in water tanks and solar panels, and sometimes even fixing their own potholes and pavements.
But, December 2024 really was a low point for the area, with the local municipality abdicating responsibility, denying problems and blaming workers for the lack of waste collection at the most critical time of the year.
Fortunately, we know how to make a plan. We survived the pandemic, the riots, no water and no electricity because we are a resilient community that works together and supports each other. Community groups have managed to coordinate private recycling efforts, and many residents are now using this opportunity to reduce their waste – and the associated smell and health hazards.
Here are four easy steps to reduce your waste and avoid flies:
1. Sort waste at source (at home/office/school etc). The most important thing is to keep organic waste (food) separate so that it can’t contaminate the rest. Medical waste such as soiled nappies, sanitary towels and meat should be buried if possible.
2. Vegetable waste – vegetable and fruit peelings, leftovers, etc – is food for your soil. Start a compost heap or bury it directly in the garden. Paper, tissues and cotton fabric can also be added to compost. Meat will attract pests – rather bury it.
3. Clean and separate your recycling, especially food/drinks containers – a quick rinse will do. Clean, sorted recycling is collected by private recycling companies at no charge.
4. You should be left with approximately 20% of your original waste and no contaminants. This can be turned into ecobricks or kept aside for landfill.
Please recycle:
Plastic – bottles, food containers, LDPE and HDPE. No clingfilm, styrofoam or polystyrene.
Paper and cardboard – printing paper (office), newspaper and cardboard boxes.
Tetrapak – milk, juice, wine, etc. (rinsed).
Cans – aluminium (drinks) and steel (food).
Glass – bottles, all colours (not plate glass or ceramics).
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
