The idea of an “eco-estate” immediately leads us to picture sleek solar panels, indigenous green spaces, sustainable architecture, and sophisticated water recycling systems. These often aesthetically pleasing gated communities are designed to be beacons of sustainable living, existing in harmony with the surrounding environment. Yet, even in these green enclaves, a significant environmental responsibility often

South Africa’s landfill network is nearing a point where capacity constraints and non-compliance are converging into a national issue. Many municipal landfill sites have only a few operational years remaining, and several metropolitan areas have already confirmed critically low airspace. Landfills are not as simple as they may appear on paper. They are engineered systems

In South Africa, organic waste still accounts for more than 40% of material sent to landfill each year. This practice is both economically inefficient and environmentally damaging. By 2027, the ban on organic waste to landfill takes full effect. National government is likely to follow suit shortly after. Every business, whether in food, manufacturing, healthcare,

Food security begins with the soil that sustains life. When the structure and fertility of soil are weakened, entire food systems become fragile. Composting provides a biological correction to this imbalance. It rebuilds organic matter, improves the soil’s ability to retain water, and restores the microbial life that supports healthy crops. Organic waste plays a

Agriculture has long depended on the addition of nutrients to soil to maintain efficiency. Two of the most widely used soil amendments are fertiliser and compost. While both improve crop yields, they are fundamentally different in composition, function, and impact on ecological systems. Understanding these differences is critical for farmers, policymakers, and consumers who are

South Africa celebrates National Recycling Day on 21 September each year. The day is an important opportunity to reflect on how the country manages its waste and how ordinary people, communities, and businesses can contribute to more sustainable waste practices. Recycling is commonly associated with materials such as paper, glass, metal, and plastics. However, it

The upcoming 2027 organic waste landfill ban will have far-reaching implications for businesses of all sizes. For small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, the organic waste landfill ban calls for proactive preparation by finding alternative waste treatment (AWT) technology and methods for organic waste. While compliance is a legal requirement, this transition can also create

Across South Africa, large volumes of food and garden waste are collected each week – from homes, restaurants, fresh produce markets and public spaces. Most of it is taken straight to landfill, where it breaks down to emit a vast amount of methane. What many people don’t realise is that this everyday material, when managed

Across South Africa, large volumes of food and garden waste are collected each week, from homes, restaurants, fresh produce markets and public spaces. Most of it is taken straight to landfill, where it breaks down to emit a vast amount of methane. What many people don’t realise is that this everyday material, when managed properly,

Eco-estates are built on the promise of a better way to live, closer to nature, more conscious of our impact, and designed with sustainability in mind. But even in these greener, more intentional spaces, one challenge will always need attention: what to do with all the food and organic waste we generate. For an eco-estate

The clock is ticking for businesses in the Western Cape. By 2027, a complete ban on organic waste to landfill will be in full effect. This is a profound shift within the waste sector that demands proactive measures from every business generating organic waste. As businesses re-evaluate their organic waste management to comply with the

As Arbor Week in South Africa approaches, there’s a growing conversation around the importance of urban greening and the beneficial role this plays in our cities. While planting trees and food gardens can have far-reaching environmental and social benefits, this can only be sustained if the soil is taken care of first. This is why

It’s a figure that not only does the waste management sector know very well but also the food production industry, as many are uncomfortable with the 10 million tonnes of food waste that is produced every year. Understandably, as a large percentage of the country struggles with food security. However, taking a closer look at the food supply chain, provides a better understanding of the source of food waste per commodity, which also presents opportunities to reduce wastage and create circularity within the food production system; something that is needed. BiobiN South Africa takes a closer look at the food loss and waste stream.