The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has supported the recommendation from the Urban Waste Management Portfolio Committee for the City to consider the future phasing out of non-recyclable and non-compostable materials across its internal operations to help protect the environment.
Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, said he welcomed this step as an important signal of the City’s commitment to lead by example in the shift towards more sustainable and responsible consumption.
“This recommendation aligns closely with the City’s broader waste-reduction and environmental goals. If we expect households, businesses and communities to adopt more sustainable practices then we must take the lead within our internal operations. Our continued use of certain single-use materials in City operations highlights the scale of the challenge,” said Twigg.
Exploring alternatives
“Once these materials are disposed of, they contribute to long-lasting waste that remains in the environment for decades. By exploring compostable or recyclable alternatives, the City can significantly reduce its own waste footprint while setting a powerful example for residents and businesses.”
Twigg said this recommendation encouraged the City to consider the future phasing out of items such as bottled water, certain stationery, kitchen utensils, operational consumables and plastic waste bags, and to explore compostable or recyclable alternatives where appropriate.
“This will be a carefully considered process involving multiple directorates, attention given to practicality, cost implications and operational requirements. As a start a joint portfolio committee (PC) task team, including all relevant PCs, will be established to look at ways to further reduce plastic and other relevant single-use materials used within the City departments. This is not an overnight shift, but a responsible long-term direction for the City. The noting of this recommendation by Mayco is a positive step toward reducing our environmental footprint and strengthening the credibility of our call for a cleaner, more sustainable Cape Town for all.”
