Stellenbosch Municipality recently launched a new bin project aimed at reducing the amount of landfill waste by encouraging better recycling practices. This is according to Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager for Stellenbosch Municipality.
The launch event was hosted at Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate on 26 August and the estate management has been informing residents on how to use the new bin system by distributing pamphlets on what is recyclable, according to Melanie du Toit, marketing coordinator at Newinbosch.
A ‘smaller bin’
“By introducing a smaller 140-litre bin for general waste and a dedicated bin for recyclables, we want to divert more materials from landfill, increase recycling rates, and promote sustainable living,” said Grobbelaar.
The 140-litre bin is smaller than the normal bin, which is a 240-litre bin, according to Grobbelaar.
Stellenbosch Municipality will provide 140-litre bins to Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate through its new bin project, which aims to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by encouraging better recycling practices. This is according to Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager for Stellenbosch Municipality. The bins are yet to be given to Newinbosch Estate residents by the municipality, said Grobbelaar. PHOTO: Supplied/Newinbosch marketing team
Gerald Quinlivan, a resident at Newinbosch, said that he is concerned about the size of the bins.
“The smaller bin is a concern, as when they are full, what do we do with the waste?” said Quinlivan.
“If any resident feels the smaller bin is too restrictive, that information is valuable to us,” said Grobbelaar. “It will help us determine whether and how this system can be applied more broadly.”
According to Grobbelaar, the bins are yet to be delivered. He said that there was a glitch when manufacturing some of the new bins and that, as soon as they are all restored, the bins will be handed over to Newinbosch residents.
“There was a slight delay in the rollout due to a technical issue with some bin axles,” said Grobbelaar. “We have requested the supplier to repair all affected bins before delivery to ensure quality and durability.”
Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate, where the launch of Stellenbosch Municipality’s new bin project was held. “We received pamphlets of what is recyclable and what is not,” said Leon Poole, a resident at Newinbosch. PHOTO: Aubrey Phungo
Measuring success
“By piloting the new municipal bin system here first, Newinbosch helps shape practices that can expand across Stellenbosch,” said Du Toit.
The success of the recycling project will be measured through weekly monitoring of waste collections, according to Grobbelaar.
“The municipality will track the amount of general waste versus recyclables retrieved, as well as any noticeable reduction in landfill-bound waste,” said Grobbelaar.
Newinbosch will measure success through resident participation and the amount of waste diverted from landfill, according to Du Toit.
Leon Poole, a resident at Newinbosch, said that the bins will help to reduce the need for an additional plastic bag, which will be beneficial in cutting the unnecessary production of single-use plastics.
Plastic refuse bags on the side of Joubert Road in Stellenbosch Central. “The use of a separate bin is great, as it will tidy up the backyard by not having full recycling bags lying around waiting for recycling collection day,” said Leon Poole, a resident at Newinbosch Neighbourhood Estate. PHOTO: Aubrey Phungo