The City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate applauds the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) for its bold step in leading and embracing a zero-waste journey in the higher education sector.
The Zero-Waste Initiative celebration, held at the CPUT Bellville Campus this week, showcased how institutions of higher learning can lead the way in creating a sustainable future.
Speaking at the event, Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, emphasised that universities, businesses and government must all move beyond words and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through real action.
‘Hope is not in what we say, it is in what we do. If it cannot be reused, recycled, or composted, it does not belong in our future. This kind of campus outreach is vital. By engaging directly with students, we are helping to grow a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens who understand that every small action – from separating recyclables to refusing single-use plastics – contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable Cape Town,’ said Alderman Twigg.
Bingo the anti-litter mascot and Alderman Grant Twigg,
The City commends CPUT for its separation-at-source system, circular economy practices and leadership in building a culture of sustainability on campus. The initiative highlights the critical role universities play in shaping young leaders who will demand better, choose better and drive meaningful change.
However, ensuring zero waste to landfills requires broader collaboration. The City urges businesses and other universities across South Africa to re-examine their procurement practices and prioritise products and services that are environmentally-friendly. Every contract signed and every purchasing decision made is an opportunity to reduce waste and protect our planet.
The City calls on:
• Businesses to shift away from unsustainable suppliers and invest in compostable, biodegradable and recyclable alternatives.
• Universities and other institutions to integrate circular economy practices in operations and procurement policies.
• Students and communities to demand sustainable options and hold institutions accountable for their choices.
‘Waste diversion – keeping recyclables, organics, and other recoverable materials out of landfill – is critical to extending the lifespan of Cape Town’s disposal sites and protecting the environment. I want to thank CPUT for organising this impactful week and for giving the City the opportunity to contribute to such an important cause. Partnerships between the City and institutions like CPUT strengthen our collective ability to build a greener future, and we thank the event organisers for shining a spotlight on this important issue for the leaders of tomorrow,’ said Alderman Twigg.
Cape Town is committed to working alongside innovators, academia, and the private sector to accelerate change. Every ton diverted from landfill and every single-use item refused is real progress toward a zero-waste future.
Together, through decisive action, we can build a culture where sustainability is not just a vision but a daily reality.
WHAT: Zero-waste
WHERE: Cape Peninsula University of Technology
INFO: Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) VISIT | see also Cape Town Green Map
LEAD PHOTO: Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management with the Urban Waste Management Directorate’s Public Awareness and Education team at CPUT.
