What a mess: Rethinking municipal waste management 30 years into South African democracy

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Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Academy of Science of South Africa

Abstract

Significance: Within South Africa, local governments hold the mandate for providing waste management services. Unfortunately, 30 years into our democracy, reliable waste management services remain out of reach for vast segments of the population – a situation which contributes to environmental degradation and increased inequality. Safeguarding service delivery and addressing inequalities requires deep structural changes and a rethinking of our waste management systems. This must include the decentralisation of waste management services to incorporate all stakeholders within the waste value chain, the depoliticisation of local government, and reconsideration of the financial model to allow for a basic level of services to all.

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Keywords

governance, inequality, service delivery, solid waste management, South Africa

Citation

Kalina, M., & Schenck, C. (2024). What a mess: Rethinking municipal waste management 30 years into South African democracy. South African Journal of Science, 120(11/12). https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2024/18995