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Waste management practices amongst small businesses in the townships of Gauteng province in South Africa

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This paper investigated waste management practices of small businesses in the selected townships of Gauteng province, South Africa. Surveys were conducted by means of questionnaire-administered interviews and primary data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that most businesses generated wastes in the form of plastics (59–75%), cardboards (31–61%), and food remains (21–37%). Approximately 64–68% of small businesses relied on the municipality for waste collection and disposal. By contrast, 10–20% of businesses gave away their recyclable materials to informal waste reclaimers while only a few were recycling (7–14%) or reusing (6–12%) their wastes, respectively. The survey found a significant association between the formality of businesses and certain types of wastes that they were generating, namely, office paper, glass, metals, food items, and other waste materials. Based on these findings, some recommendations are suggested for improving existing waste management practices and maximising waste reduction efforts in the townships.

Source: Development Southern Africa

DOI: 10.1080/0376835x.2024.2398541

Authors: Isaac Tebogo Rampedi, Dorothea Christina Schoeman, Phyllis Rumbidzai Kwenda

Institution: University of Johannesburg

Language: English

Topic: Municipal Solid Waste Management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: University of Johannesburg