City launches community-led waste minimisation pilot projects
15 September 2025
To mark Clean-up and Recycling Week SA 2025, the City of Cape Town has launched a series of innovative, community-led waste minimisation and recycling pilot projects in vulnerable communities. The initiative is spearheaded by Alderman Grant Twigg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.
While households generate most waste, many areas, especially informal settlements, lack effective recycling or separation-at-source options. These new pilots aim to fill that gap by empowering communities to lead their own recycling efforts.
Local volunteers will drive the projects, conducting door-to-door collection of recyclables and running education campaigns to promote waste minimisation. The pilots are made possible through partnerships with local communities and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).‘This is an inspiring example of how the City, communities, and private sector can work together to build cleaner, greener, and more sustainable neighbourhoods. These projects reduce landfill waste, create income opportunities, and support entrepreneurship at the local level,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
Two Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) Polyco and Metpac are supporting the pilots by:
- Supplying PPE and collection bags,
- Connecting projects to recyclers and material buyers,
- Providing training, technical support, and infrastructure,
- Reporting monthly on the volume of waste diverted.
‘Partnerships like these are essential for building long-term, community-driven recycling systems. We encourage local businesses to get involved by offering prizes and incentives to further boost participation and growth,’ added Alderman Twigg.
Residents are urged to support the initiative by cooperating with volunteers and embracing separation at source as part of their daily routine.
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Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
