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A Community Initiative Tackles Open Waste Burning
in SA’s Air Pollution Priority Areas
The South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA), in collaboration with the Clean Air Fund (CAF), groundWork, and Wildlife Environmental Society South Africa (WESSA) are in the process of implementing an “open waste burning awareness and data collection community initiative”. The project will raise awareness in identified communities and schools in the three air quality priority areas – Vaal Triangle, Highveld and Watergate-Bojanala, and further collect and analyse data to understand the scale, patterns, and drivers of open waste burning.
Open Waste burning remains a significant contributor to South Africa’s air pollution, affecting the health of millions of people, particularly in low-income communities. According to the SA Pathways report released by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in November 2022 in South Africa, approximately 37% of households do not receive weekly waste removal services. As a result, 29% or 196 kilotons of household waste is left uncollected and ends up being improperly disposed of through illegal dumping or open waste burning.
Waste pickers will be a key partner in the awareness campaign to mitigate the negative impacts of open waste burning. Through training and inclusion in formal recycling networks, they will be supported to improve their livelihoods and be recognized as environmental leaders in their communities.
Community Awareness and Education on Dangers of Open Burning of Waste
This project focuses on schools, households and community groups to raise awareness about the dangers of open waste burning. It seeks to promote safer, more sustainable waste management practices. The project will provide the necessary tools and knowledge to mitigate and manage waste in environmentally friendly ways. Reducing open waste burning and promoting recycling will help mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution, particularly respiratory illnesses and climate change impacts from emissions which is a byproduct of waste burning. At the same time, the project will support Education for Sustainable Development in schools.
“We are proud to partner with SAWPA, CAF and groundWork on this vital project. Enabling our schools to lead on sustainable waste management will not only reduce open burning and its harmful emissions but will also equip a generation of young South Africans with the knowledge and skills to build cleaner, healthier communities. Our Eco Schools learners and teachers are powerful agents of change; together we can turn the tide on open waste burning and create a more sustainable future for all,” said WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete.
Data Collection for Policy Impact
A key part of the initiative is community-based data collection to better understand the scale, drivers, and patterns of open waste burning. Door-to-door surveys and local reporting will help document where and how burning occurs, its frequency and impacts. The findings will support evidence-based policy development and strengthen community voices in shaping effective waste management and air quality interventions.
The project intends to integrate learning with real-life experiences in an inclusive and participatory approach while supporting Education for Sustainable Development in the national school curriculum.
Over its two-year duration, the project aims to:
- increase awareness of the health and climate impacts of open waste burning;
- support the reduction of open waste burning incidents through recycling and improved waste practices;
- empower waste pickers and community members as active partners in air quality and waste management initiatives;
- inform policy and support development of effective interventions to mitigate open waste burning; and
- contribute to clean air, healthier communities, and more inclusive waste management.
By positioning waste pickers and local residents as champions for clean air and sustainable waste management, the project seeks to change perceptions, reduce harmful burning practices, and promote a healthier, more just and sustainable approach to managing the environment.
