The aim is to mainstream the programme in the Western Cape Provincial Government by creating awareness amongst the employees on energy efficiency, water conservation and waste minimisation and recycling with the aim of effecting behavioural change and implementing interventions.
The plan outlines all activities to be undertaken to plan, assess, characterise, mitigate, implement, check and review the air quality within a specific area.
A status quo report conducted in 2006 on recycling in the Western Cape has informed the Provincial Strategy to focus on securing the supply of recyclables while stimulating the demand for recycled products.
To address the skills shortage, the department is in the process of embarking on an initiative to provide waste disposal facility operators with skills through capacity building and training. The province currently has a shortage of available landfill airspace to offer municipalities.
The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act No. 45 of 1965 (APPA) Schedule 2 lists 72 processes that emit pollutants into the atmosphere.
This has encouraged successful implementation waste minimization programmes such as recycling, composting, and waste separation amidst many challenges, such as the lack of financial resources and poor infrastructure experienced by many municipalities. It also assesses management practices within municipalities.
The project was initiated in 2005/2006 to assist authorities in addressing the challenges of waste management in the province.