SOUTH AFRICA – Sustainable packaging company Huhtamaki has partnered with the international charity WasteAid for a two-year program that provides training and support to South African waste collectors.
Dubbed “Wastepreneurs,” the initiative aims to develop South African waste collectors’ skills and capacity, move up the value chain and earn more money.
The Waste Entrepreneurial Challenge Fund commenced in the township of Diepsloot, South Africa, on March 30, 2023.
It is designed to support up to 50 informal waste collectors over two years to develop their skills and capacity in recycling.
Furthermore, the challenge will involve a tailored 12-week holistic training course, culminating in an opportunity for candidates to pitch for seed funding to grow their businesses.
“The Wastepreneur Challenge is an initiative designed by WasteAid and supported by Huhtamaki to support those on the first rung of the waste management value chain,” said Michelle Wilson, director of programs at WasteAid.
WasteAid, a UK-based international NGO, says it has been “pioneering” approaches in South Africa, Egypt and The Gambia to support young waste collectors to move up the value chain to increase the income they make from recycling.
In South Africa, informal waste collectors are a vital part of the country’s recycling system, assert Huhtamaki and WasteAid.
They provide a much-needed service for communities, diverting waste from landfills or being illegally dumped, and provide value to the economy by helping to regenerate value through the reuse of material.
Today they collect more than 90% of recycled waste, yet many collectors live on less than 50 Rand—or 2.50 euros, which is not sustainable.
“The objective is to help the informal waste collectors derive more income from their efforts,” added Wilson.
“In past iterations Wastepreneurs have purchased containers to help them aggregate more material and store them securely. Others have used the funds to fence their existing sites, a laptop to enable them to record their business information digitally.”
Over 12 weeks, participants will take part in a holistic training course on various topics, from better understanding the world of waste to personal and business finance.
It will be followed by a month of tailored business mentorship and culminate in a pitching event where the Wastepreneurs can pitch for seed funding to develop their business idea.
The training builds practical skills in waste, helping Wastepreneurs to understand the breadth of waste streams, processing potential and where they can find end markets for their materials.
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