CLEAN-UP AND RECYCLE MONTH BUILDING CLEANER, GREENER COMMUNITIES

Each September, South Africa marks Clean-up and Recycle Month, a nationwide campaign that highlights the importance of responsible waste management, recycling, and community participation in creating cleaner, healthier environments. In 2025, the theme carries renewed urgency as municipalities, civil society, and industry partners intensify efforts to combat pollution, reduce landfill pressure, and foster a culture of sustainability.

A National Effort with Local Impact

Municipalities remain at the forefront of this drive, coordinating clean-up activities in neighbourhoods, schools, parks, and waterways. These initiatives not only remove litter but also raise awareness of the link between waste management, public health, and environmental resilience.

Local government has a critical role in enabling effective recycling systems, from establishing separation-at-source programmes to ensuring reliable collection and supporting waste pickers and cooperatives. By embedding

recycling in municipal planning, cities and towns can divert significant volumes of waste away from landfills, extending their lifespan and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

“By turning waste into opportunity, municipalities are not only cleaning our cities but also creating jobs, supporting small enterprises, and building greener communities.”

Partnerships that Work

A key success factor in Clean-up and Recycle Month has been collaboration. Municipalities are working alongside private companies, producer responsibility organisations, and community groups to extend the reach of recycling initiatives. Public-private partnerships are helping to strengthen infrastructure for plastics, glass, paper, and electronic waste, while education campaigns ensure that households understand how to participate.

The circular economy presents a vital opportunity: waste is no longer just a burden but a resource that can create jobs, support small enterprises, and stimulate innovation. Many municipalities are already showcasing best practice by piloting projects where recyclable materials are processed locally, creating employment and supplying inputs back into the economy.

Empowering Citizens

Central to the campaign is citizen action. Whether through joining a community clean-up, reducing single-use plastics, or recycling at home, small daily actions add up to meaningful change. Municipal leaders are urging residents to take ownership of their environment, recognising that clean, safe spaces enhance quality of life and attract investment.

Looking Ahead…

Clean-up and Recycle Month 2025 is not only a reminder of the challenges posed by waste but also an opportunity to showcase solutions that are already working. By scaling up recycling programmes, strengthening community involvement, and promoting innovation, municipalities can ensure that environmental sustainability becomes embedded in service delivery and local development.

Together, government, business, and communities can transform waste into opportunity - creating cleaner cities, healthier citizens, and a greener South Africa.