Stellenbosch Municipality’s Waste Management Department, in collaboration with MetPac-SA, hosted a training and PPE handover yesterday at the Stellenbosch Material Recovery Facility for Kayamandi waste pickers.
This initiative invests in the important role that waste pickers play in recycling and recovering useful waste items, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
The event was attended by Mayco Member Cllr Reginald Pheiffer and Ward Cllr Johannie Serdyn, who both expressed appreciation for the dedication of our local waste pickers.
MetPac SA’s Belinda Booker provided the group of dedicated waste pickers with a comprehensive training program focused on enhancing their waste management skills. The training covered essential topics such as sorting techniques, adding value to collected materials, and valuable business tips to improve their livelihoods.
Upon completing the program, participants received MetPac-SA sponsored attendance certificates, acknowledging their commitment to improving their profession. Additionally, MetPac-SA provided them with personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety and well-being while working. This initiative not only equipped waste pickers with vital skills but also brought dignity and public recognition to their often-overlooked profession.
Key Highlights of the Training Program:
- Waste Sorting Techniques: Participants learned effective methods for categorising and processing waste, enabling them to maximise the value of collected materials.
- Adding Value: The training covered ways to transform collected waste into valuable products, increasing their earning potential.
- Business Tips: Essential business skills were shared to help waste pickers manage their daily operations more efficiently and profitably.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provision of PPE prioritised the health and safety of waste pickers, reducing the risk of injuries and illnesses.
- Public Recognition: The training and provision of PPE aimed to bring dignity to the profession, recognising the crucial role waste pickers play in community waste management.
By investing in the development of waste pickers, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive approach to waste management, ultimately benefiting both the environment and local communities.
