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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomes the significant growth in the province’s recycling and composting capacity, which confirms the province’s position as a leader in the green economy. 

As revealed in a written reply, in 2024 alone, the Western Cape successfully diverted 1,110,586 tonnes of waste from landfills, with 860,006 tonnes specifically accounted for through recycling initiatives. These figures represent a significant dividend for the province, effectively turning potential environmental liabilities into economic assets.

A standout feature of this success is the unprecedented growth in organic waste diversion. Total composting reached 220,425 tonnes in 2024 and is projected to spike to over 341,600 tonnes based on preliminary 2025 data. This momentum is a direct result of the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning’s strategic roadmap, which includes a target to ban 100% of organic waste from landfills by 2027. This goal is unique to the Western Cape and serves as the primary catalyst for the current infrastructure expansion.

The data further reveals the critical role of the private sector in achieving these targets. Private composting surged from 140,029 tonnes in 2024 to an impressive 231,378 tonnes in 2025. By fostering an enabling policy environment through the Provincial Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP), the Western Cape Government is enabling private enterprises to lead the charge in organic waste processing.

Dave Bryant, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said: "The Western Cape is successfully shifting the narrative from waste disposal to resource recovery. We must change the way we deal with our waste. By setting clear, aggressive targets like the 2027 organic waste ban, we are providing the certainty that the private sector needs to invest in our green economy. Our provincial strategy is working, but it requires continued advocacy to unlock the national funding needed for municipal infrastructure. We remain committed to ensuring that the Western Cape stays at the forefront of sustainable waste management in South Africa."

The DA will be inviting the Department to brief the Standing Committee on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. This briefing will focus on the provincial strategy to meet infrastructure requirements and the specific milestones remaining for the 2027 organic waste ban.

Issued by Dave Bryant, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning