Perspectives on integrated waste management: a case study for 2 West Rand district municipalities, Gauteng, South Africa

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of public awareness and participation on successful waste management and minimization practices in Mogale city Local Municipality (Mogale CLM) and Westonaria Local Municipality (WLM) in the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM), South Africa. Questionnaires were used to understand community perspectives on awareness, attitude and involvement in waste management. A critical component in any waste management program is public awareness and participation, in addition to the Municipal Systems Act legislation [1]. In addition, strong technical support and adequate funding are also key components towards effective waste management. Waste is a result of human activities and everyone requires a proper understanding of waste management issues, without which the success of even the best conceived plans becomes questionable [2]. Separation at source and the collection of recyclables separately has become a requirement with the promulgation of the Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008). This paper concludes by emphasizing public awareness in particular the consequences of improper waste management such as illegal dumping