Game Reserve sets waste management example
Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West has set the example when it comes to recycling waste generated in the reserve.
With the increase in private and commercially-owned lodges operating within Madikwe’s 75,000 hectares over the past few years, Allan and Yvonne McMaster, Managers of the privately owned Bosman Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, identified the need for the management of waste.
McMaster indicated; “In 2007, we launched the community-based Mmasebudule Recycling project which has grown into a full blown waste management solution. We are delighted at the support that we are receiving from other lodge owners and their management in the Reserve.”
The Mmasebudule Recycling project has received much support from various recycling organisations. One such organisation has been Collect-a-Can who has provided a great amount of support for this initiative. Barry Warren, Branch Manager for Collect-a-Can commented, “we at Collect-a-Can are very proud to be associated with this project, and will continue our support for this very worthwhile community-driven initiative.”
McMaster who spearheaded the project noted, “one of our biggest challenges to date has been the education and transformation of lodges to separate their waste at the source, as opposed to batch processing of all items. Some lodges were quick to adopt colour coded waste strategies and provide very effective internal training; however others are slower in their uptake when it comes to separating waste at the source.”
Due to the costs involved, and to keep the project sustainable, a recycling levy was introduced, which has been supported by all the stakeholders. This has also allowed the Mmasebudule Recycling project to expand and clean up illegal landfills in the area.
To date the project has recycled approximately 200 tonnes of glass and over 10 tonnes of cans. There is also a staggering amount of plastic waiting to be processed and sold, however before this can happen additional materials and suitable land is required for the separation of the different plastics.
The Mmasebudule Recycling project relies on funds raised from recycling. To get involved or for more information contact, Allan MacMaster on Tel: 083 325 8043 or e-mail: bosmanlodge@gds.co.za.