Waste Management Practitioner

A steady increase in the demand for goods and services generates more and more waste. South Africa is fast running out of landfill space to effectively manage its large volumes of waste generated and requires more effective ways of managing waste, through waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Waste management includes various approaches to managing and disposing of all forms of waste.

Waste management practitioners organise and coordinate waste disposal, collection, reuse and recycling activities in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. They supervise the transportation of waste and manage budgets as well as ensure that all waste activities comply with health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. Some also investigate cases of illegal dumping and environmental crimes related to waste management.

Waste management practitioners can collaborate with environmental enforcement specialists and occasionally engage with communities to understand waste management needs. They can spend their time between offices and waste management sites such as landfills for regular inspections.

Skills

Waste management practitioners need to be fully aware of the sources and varied types of waste generated and have a comprehensive knowledge of health, safety and environmental laws and regulations related to waste management. They will also benefit from:

  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Good organisational and administrative ability
  • Leadership and management competence
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills

Tasks

Oversee and inspect waste disposal sites and recycling facilities

Manage teams of refuse and recycling collectors ensuring health, safety and environmental laws and regulation compliance

Manage budgets and organise the safe transportation of waste

Assist in the development, promotion and implementation of waste disposal schemes

Studies

B. in Environmental Health at NMU and UJ

Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Environmental Health at CPUT, CUT, MUT and TUT

Employers

National, provincial and local government.

Private waste management companies.

Recycling centres.

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