Pick ‘n Pay partnered with Green Gap Consulting to develop Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) for 61 of their stores in Cape Town. With stringent regulations in place and an ambitious goal to reduce organic waste sent to landfills in the City of Cape Town, they turned to Green Gap Consulting for expert guidance. Our team was well-positioned to help them navigate the complexities of the Integrated Waste Management By-law (2009) while ensuring the plans aligned with the Western Cape government’s sustainability goals.
What are Integrated Waste Management Plans?
An Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) is a comprehensive strategy designed to manage waste materials in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. It encompasses various methods of waste reduction, recycling, composting, and disposal, aiming to minimise the impact on the environment and public health.
Key elements of an IWMP include an assessment of waste types and quantities, plans for storage, collection, and disposal, strategies for separating recyclable materials, and waste valorisation and minimisation. It should also address pollution prevention, environmental impact, resource consumption, recovery targets, and educational strategies to promote recycling.
Effective IWMPs are often developed in collaboration with stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and the community, to ensure a holistic approach to waste management that considers social, economic, and environmental factors.
Who is required to have an Integrated Waste Management Plan?
In South Africa, Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) are a basic requirement for compliance in terms of waste management activities in alignment with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008) (NEMWA). All municipalities, under NEMWA, mandate that waste generators must develop and submit an IWMP to the respective municipality where they operate.
Businesses are required to have an IWMP in place to show how they manage and dispose of their waste responsibly, as well as their targets for waste minimisation. IWMPs should be aligned to the waste management hierarchy, which includes minimising, reducing, recycling, recovering, treating, and disposing of waste. It is best practice for IWMPs to be reviewed periodically to ensure they align with the current waste minimisation plans and procedures in place at your site. Your IWMP will also require updates if there are any significant changes to your operational plan or your service providers.
IWMP requirements vary slightly depending on the province and municipality where your business is located in South Africa. If you’re uncertain about your local municipality’s by-laws, Green Gap can assist in assessing your IWMP requirements.
In response to the Provincial By-Law banning organic waste to landfill by 2027, the City of Cape Town is driving compliance by mandating that all business waste generators submit an Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) to the City of Cape Town as per the Integrated Waste Management By-law (2009). This includes all waste generators that generate the following classes of waste:
- Business waste
- Industrial waste
- Building waste
- Event waste
- Priority waste
- Hazardous waste
About the Project
Green Gap Consulting was commissioned to develop Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) in strict adherence to the National Norms and Standards (2020) for 61 Pick ‘n Pay stores located throughout the City of Cape Town. This initiative was crucial to ensure compliance with the city’s rigorous IWMP requirements and to comply with the Western Cape government’s ambitious goal of reducing organic waste sent to landfills.
The government targets include a 50% target for 2022 and a 100% ban on organics from landfill by 2027. A key component of the project ensured that the Pick ‘n Pay stores had organic waste minimisation plans and targets in place to comply and support this endeavour. The ban on organic waste to landfill and the targets have added pressure on businesses to reduce organic waste and separate waste correctly. The City of Cape Town intends to issue fines for non-compliance for submitted IWMPs in compliance with the by-laws.
Results and benefits
- Ensures Regulatory Compliance
For Pick ‘n Pay, submitting Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMPs) across 61 stores ensured full compliance with Cape Town’s Integrated Waste Management By-law (2009). This helped the business avoid potential fines for non-compliance while meeting the stringent requirements set by local authorities.
- Reduces Waste Sent to Landfills
One of the key objectives of this project was to align with the Western Cape government’s ambitious goal of reducing organic waste sent to landfills. By implementing waste reduction measures and organic waste minimisation targets, Pick ‘n Pay directly contributed to the city’s goal of eliminating organic waste from landfills by 2027. This is crucial, as organic waste in landfills breaks down anaerobically, producing methane – a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
- Supports Sustainability Goals and Waste Minimisation Targets
This project allowed Pick ‘n Pay to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and meet its waste minimisation goals. By developing comprehensive IWMPs, the stores are now better positioned to manage waste more effectively, set targets for waste minimisation per store, and reduce their environmental footprint. By regularly reviewing these plans, areas for improvement can be identified and progress on the targets can be tracked.
What the Client Had to Say
We’re proud to share feedback from Steffen Burrows, Head of Sustainability at Pick ‘n Pay, regarding our recent collaboration.
Steffen Burrows commented, “Green Gap Consulting demonstrated a high level of professionalism and expertise throughout the project, which was completed ahead of schedule.” He added that, “Their comprehensive approach to waste management and their thorough understanding of the relevant regulations ensured that our plan for the Pick ‘n Pay stores not only met but exceeded compliance requirements. Linus Naik’s team was diligent, responsive, and displayed excellent project management skills. I have no hesitation in recommending Green Gap Consulting for similar projects. They are a reliable and competent firm that delivers outstanding results.”
At Green Gap Consulting, we’re dedicated to delivering results that drive compliance and action, and we’re thrilled to have supported Pick ‘n Pay in achieving their sustainability goals.
Ready to Ensure Your Compliance?
If you need assistance with preparing your Integrated Waste Management Plan, Green Gap Consulting is here to help. We’ll ensure that your business complies with local regulations and is aligned with the latest waste minimisation strategies. Get in touch with us today at info@greengapconsulting.com to get started.
