Page 167 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2024/5 - ebook

TRANSFORMING WASTE Achievements and Impact
USE-IT’s work over the last three years highlights their
USE-IT is a pioneering non-profit organisation focused commitment to sustainable waste management.
on waste transformation, with a mission to reduce Through their programmes, USE-IT has diverted over
landfill waste and create sustainable jobs within the 6,167 tons of waste from landfills, resulting in a R11
green economy. Established with a strong commitment million saving in landfill costs. Their initiatives have
to waste beneficiation technology, USE-IT operates injected over R18 million back into the economy
primarily in the eThekwini area through a partnership through stipends and revenue generated from
with the Economic Development Unit of the waste sales, while also training 692 individuals in
municipality. Their mission is to reshape the way waste waste recovery skills. By enabling the trade of 3,429
is managed by converting it into valuable resources, carbon credits valued at R1.02 million, USE-IT also
delivering both environmental and economic benefits. supports businesses in achieving sustainability
goals, promoting carbon offsetting in both voluntary
The Origins and compliance markets.
Founded by visionary Chris Whyte in 2008, USE-
IT began as a small non-profit organisation with Vision for the Future
a bold purpose. Since then, it has evolved into a USE-IT operates in a collaborative environment,
major force within the waste recovery industry, forming partnerships with organisations with
known for its innovative work and impact on local synergistic objectives, and sharing knowledge and
communities. USE-IT established a world-class resources, the organisation intends increasing their
facility in Hammarsdale, Mpumalanga Township, footprint over the next three years by diversifying
which has become a vital resource for both their sources of funding to realise the euphoria of a
community members and industry stakeholders, circular economy future where everything is a raw
showcasing how waste beneficiation can drive material and no waste goes to landfill.
meaningful change. Join them as they work toward a sustainable tomorrow
— where waste becomes opportunity, communities
USE-IT’s governance is guided by a board of
directors with expertise across waste recovery, thrive, and the environment flourishes. Together, we
business, and environmental sectors. This team can make a difference.
of leaders has been instrumental in shaping USE-
IT’s strategic path. Among them, board chairman
Mr. Paulos Ngcobo deserves special recognition;
his dedication and insights have played a crucial
role in steering USE-IT toward sustainable and
impactful growth.
USE-IT stands out as a unique entity within the
waste recovery landscape, operating above the
waste value chain and driving industry inno-
vation. Their approach allows them to act as a
catalyst within the waste industry, addressing
roadblocks and creating novel opportunities
for waste-to-resource transformation. Through
this proactive role, USE-IT continues to unlock
potential within the green economy, positioning
itself as a trusted and indispensable partner in
sustainable development.
In recent years, USE-IT has focused on integrating
informal waste collection efforts into the formal
market, specifically within township economies. This
approach not only creates economic opportunities
for local waste collectors but also helps transition
informal waste collection into a recognised and
valued segment of the waste management chain,
fostering dignity and economic stability within
these communities.

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