The issue of waste is key to reducing emissions and managing climate issues in South Africa.
While South Africa has climbed seven places in the 2025 Climate Performance Index to 38, it remains an overall low performer. Though the country has set a target to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, significant challenges remain for it to meet this goal.
In fact, research further states that South Africa is one of the major carbon dioxide emitters in the world and the highest emitting country in Africa.
While, the country’s greenhouse gas emissions have decreased recently, the reductions are not yet sufficient, and emissions remain a major contributor to global warming.
In 2024, South Africa signed into law the Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 aimed at addressing the effects and impacts of climate change.
Despite efforts to transition to greener practices, South Africa’s reliance on coal, slow adoption of renewable energy, and economic constraints still raise doubts about meeting its 2050 target.
Emissions from waste in South Africa
Of course, individuals can contribute by reducing their carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices, recycling, and supporting sustainable initiatives, but systemic change is essential for meaningful progress.
While some progress has been made, current policies are still insufficient. Much more work will be required to achieve national targets – and the waste sector has a vital role to play.
The invisible link between waste and emissions with a carbon markets and policy lens
What we do know is that, in South Africa, most Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in the waste sector have focused on biogas recovery and landfill gas extraction, as these were quick, cost-effective ways to cut methane emissions while generating alternative energy.
Many metros now run landfill gas projects that have issued millions of carbon credits. However, after the collapse of global carbon markets around 2010 and persistently low credit prices, many projects stalled, with unsold credits left in registries and developers struggling to cover the high costs of registration, monitoring, and verification.
The introduction of South Africa’s carbon tax revived interest in these projects. Because the tax allows companies to offset part of their liability with carbon credits, credits from CDM and other recognised standards are now more valuable locally than on international markets.
With the tax set at R236 per tonne of CO₂e, and demand for offsets expected to outstrip supply, these projects are gaining renewed importance despite earlier setbacks.
These projects are beneficial in reducing emissions within the waste sector, which has limited opportunities to achieve meaningful reductions.
However, recent developments, including the introduction of biodiversity credits and plastic credits, have widened the scope for projects that drive more sustainable waste management practices.
Looking forward where waste is part of the solution
The journey to reaching a net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 is not an easy one but significant progress can be made if we full recognise and the role waste can play.
Interwaste‘s CEO, Justin Bott, believes that the invisible link between waste and emissions could become one of the most visible proofs of South Africa’s climate progress.
Waste is often considered last when it comes to strategic actions for climate change, but as we commemorate Zero Emissions Day on 21 September, we need to turn the tide around, and make waste management a frontline solution for the climate burden.
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