The annual Clean-Up and Recycle SA Week is taking place from 11-16 September, and SST would like to encourage individuals, communities and businesses to join us as we turn the tide on litter in South Africa.
Since its launch over two decades ago, this calendar week has quickly evolved into a nationwide campaign that calls on citizens from all walks of life to make a conscious effort to remove litter from our streets, neighbourhoods, schools, inland water sources, and nearby beaches.
Some of the highlights to look forward to are National River Clean-up Day (13 September), National Recycling Day SA (15 September), International Coastal Clean-up Day and World Clean-up Day (both falling on Saturday, 16 September).
With South Africa facing a waste crisis, this six-day campaign is your opportunity to help reduce the amount of waste polluting our land environments and oceans. Pick any day in the week of 11-16 September, get together with friends or work colleagues, and do your bit by cleaning an area in your community.
This year’s action-packed week promises to see thousands of volunteers engaging in hundreds of clean-up events across South Africa. It’s also actively supported by environmental organisations, packaging manufacturers, Producer Responsibly Organisations (PRO’s), national and local government, and community organisations.
A big part of Clean-up and Recycle SA Week’s objective is to increase awareness around the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling. During this week, please support our recycling industry by separating your collected waste before curbside placement or by taking it to a recycling facility near you.
If you would like logistical support for your clean-up, simply complete the International Coastal Cleanup registration form. We are also encouraging everyone to record the types of litter collected and by making use of the Ocean Conservancy mobile app, Clean Swell. Collecting data litter helps determine where it comes from and can aid longer-term efforts to cut down on marine pollution.
