Lumec

22/04/2026

We are conducting research for Petco Producer Responsibility Organisation NPC on compostable and biodegradable packaging and how these materials impact on PET recycling systems.

We are looking for buy-back centres, waste management companies and recyclers to assist us complete a survey to gather data around collection, sorting, recycling and composting of these materials.

Please share this post with any businesses that might be interested in assisting 🙏

03/02/2026

We have been part of the Sustainable Recycling Industries over the past 4 years. One of the final milestones for the project, which ended in 2025, was the development of an introductory e-waste masterclass. The WEEE Masterclass has officially been released through the WEEE are SA website. Please share this with anyone who is interested in learning more about the e-waste management in South Africa!

13/11/2025

Lumec had the privilege of working with GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) on developing case studies for 3 zero-waste models being implemented by local government and community organisations in Accra (Ghana), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Quezon City (Philippines).

"Together, these cities show that community-rooted zero waste systems—when supported by public waste management programs—can bring about a holistic and effective waste management system that yields both environmental and social benefits. They turn climate ambition into tangible results: recovered resources, dignified work, just transition, resilient food systems, reduced waste disposal, community ownership, and measurable methane mitigation that begins at the community level."

Follow this link to access these case studies! https://www.no-burn.org/zero-waste-business-models/

NEW PUBLICATION: BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND GREEN JOBS THROUGH ORGANIC WASTE

Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, local governments and community organizations are demonstrating that zero waste systems can deliver a rapid, equitable climate solution. The cases of Buenos Aires (Argentina), Quezon City (Philippines), and Accra (Ghana) illustrate how decentralized, community-based organic waste management creates green jobs, reduces methane emissions, and strengthens local governance. 👉 https://www.no-burn.org/zero-waste-business-models/

Join us as we launch this at , visit https://unfccc.int/cop30/schedule?date=2025-11-11 and look for the November 11 schedule titled Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA): Compost for the win: How COP30 can deliver methane cuts and good jobs, 17:00-17:30 (Brazil time), Press Conference 2

ClimateFinanceForMethaneReduction

12/11/2025

South Africa recently published its Second 'Nationally Determined Contributions' (NDC). The NDCs outline the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement, and communicate our "fair and ambitious contribution to collective action in the fight against climate change".

Lumec supported groundWork in preparing a formal response to the draft NDCs and providing recommendations, specifically in the waste sector, which contributes significantly to climate change, mainly through emissions generated at landfills. Sadly, many of these recommendations have not been incorporated into the final NDC, with the waste sector still significantly underrepresented. Regardless, the principles that underpin these recommendations are still extremely relevant and provide a framework for how we can mitigate climate change through collective action.

Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) have developed a wonderful report that provides a deeper look into how zero-waste approaches can drive climate mitigation and a just transition. Download the report at the link below, and let us know what you think?

Prioritize the Waste Sector for a Just Transition!

The South African 2025 NDCs do not offer clear objectives for reducing methane and ensuring worker livelihoods and jobs are protected. But they should!

Landfills are a major source of methane, threatening public health and the environment, particularly in vulnerable communities. At the same time, informal waste workers play a vital role in recycling and resource recovery but are often excluded from formal systems. Read GAIA’s excellent piece on how South Africa could integrate waste methane reduction with environmental justice in South Africa to simultaneously tackle harmful emissions, protect communities, and support livelihoods. https://www.no-burn.org/NDC3-south-africa/





Earthlife Africa Durban Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Africa Zero Waste Hub Earthlife Africa Durban

26/06/2025

We are extremely proud of the work we've achieved over the past five years. Have a look at this amazing video produced by Samora Chapman, which gives some insight into the SA e-waste landscape and outcomes of the SRI South Africa Project. 🔌

Learn more about the challenges, objectives and achievements of the Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) programme in South Africa.SRI is funded by the Sta...

17/06/2025

We are excited to share the latest cost-benefit analysis report for the Durban Zero Zero Waste composting project! The report explores the net cost or benefit of sending organic waste from city markets and parks to landfills compared to diverting this waste into small-scale, decentralised composting sites. Give the report a read and let us know what you think 🌿

31/10/2024

Over the past year, we have been working on a few exciting pilot projects. Through these projects, we've developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for the concept of zero waste, and how this concept can be applied in our everyday lives. Our latest blog provides some insight into what exactly 'zero waste' is and how you can start your zero waste journey! We'd love to hear about your journey, so please share any thoughts or ideas :)

This blog explores the concept of 'zero waste' and provides some practical examples of how households can apply zero waste principles

17/07/2024

The new WEEE are SA website is now live! The website is a knowledge platform for all things electronic waste in SA, and there is lots of information, useful tips and resources www.weeearesa.org 🔌🔋

13/06/2024

The Warwick Zero Waste composting pilot project is an example of how small-scale, decentralised circular projects can result in savings for local government. Our latest blog provides some insight into the pilot project and sheds light on the results of the cost-benefit analysis that was done by Lumec.

The Warwick Zero Waste composting pilot project presents a case study on funding decentralised circular economy initiatives

26/03/2024

The recent strike in Durban has highlighted that as residents, we need to take more responsibility for our waste, and we need to do this now! By separating your food waste and other recyclable materials, you will be left with almost nothing else to add to your black bag.

Lumec is excited to be part of the Glenwood zero waste pilot project, which in collaboration with residents, waste pickers, and the municipality, will pilot a separation at source initiative to drive recycling in the area. If you're interested to learn more, give this article a read and feel free to reach out to me.

Durban is grappling with a mounting waste crisis following a strike by municipal workers last week which left the city streets littered with uncollected refuse.