Page 20 - Waterfall_Issue 8_2022

Waterfall News

A mountain of compost ready for use

that it still has its place due to the FUTURE THINKING are to identify certain waste items,
limitations of what can be realistically Spies believes it is important to draw which can be potentially recycled or
recycled in South Africa. In the inspiration from what the rest of the repurposed in an attempt to further
same breath, property is a valuable world is doing when it comes to waste. minimise what is thrown away. Such
commodity, and it can be argued “There are many forward-thinking processes are important, to ensure
that there are more economically companies and entrepreneurs waste is broken down and disposed
attractive developments than having involved in waste management. We of responsibly,” says Joubert.
a landfill near your premises.” are constantly researching and looking
for ingenious ways to repurpose The central message though is clear.
“But there are significant logistical waste since it forms such a critical Because of the capital investment
costs in terms of distances travelled, aspect of sustainability. We also feel required to acquire and set up
also factoring in the high fuel costs, it is essential to help the surrounding equipment, Waterfall needs complete
which further exacerbate the problem. communities in this regard. For visibility of what it has in terms of
Furthermore, it takes a long time to example, we envision assisting waste and how to manage it as
establish a licensed landfill, which Alexandra to drive sustainability and optimally as possible. Only once the
essentially entails environmental waste awareness. The success thereof homework has been done, can things
impact studies, construction and will depend on support from The City be rolled out to enhance Waterfall
fulfilment of operational requirements of Johannesburg and relevant NGOs and the surrounding communities.
before waste can be landfilled. In where the ideal scenario would be
addition, there is a post-closure to address pollution concerns of the Lourens du Toit, Head of Sustainability,
period which can be anything from Jukskei River, which will benefit all Infrastructure and Land at Attacq,
ten to thirty years before the land communities downstream,” says Spies. echoes this sentiment. “It begins
can be used again. So, we hope this with developing an integrated
centralised waste management facility “Waterfall already has processes in waste management plan that entails
will be well received,” he comments. place that include people picking an in-depth study of the waste
up litter along the river to support generated. This includes the type
Joubert adds that Waterfall will in cleaning it up. The next steps and volume of waste generated.
also consider various recycling From there, it is about understanding
initiatives in which residents and the waste value chain in order for
businesses can participate, and The gardens of us to identify the opportunities,
where recognition will be provided Waterfall enjoy as well as determine the potential
the nutrient-rich
to those who contribute significantly compost produced to leverage economies of scale of
towards the recycling process and on-site any specific initiatives,” he says.
the efforts of the development.
Joubert says it all comes down to
“This will help create healthy rivalry communicating the seriousness of the
between our estates, the commercial waste issue in South Africa. “Many of
entities, and schools in the development. our residents want to participate in
From our perspective, it will greatly recycling, especially when it comes
assist in helping to measure how many to organic waste. It is up to us to
tons of waste we are recycling as well provide them with a viable, user-
as changing behaviour to put waste friendly solution,” he concludes.
management top of mind, making this
sustainable messaging a part of what Reference
*https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_
living in Waterfall means,” says Joubert. document/202101/44116gon56.pdf

18 Waterfall Issue 8 2022