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Waste Management

Implemented measures:

  • Exchange visits
  • Student exchange
  • Support for the Greening programme of 2010 World Cup
  • Peer reviews
  • Educational toolkits

Progress in 2006-2007:

Increasing Waste Management Knowhow through a Peer Review

Waste Management Experts from three Local Municipalities of BPDM visited Lahti in May 2006. They reviewed the waste management practices at Päijät-Häme regional waste site in Lahti and were introduced also to other sites that offered innovative methods for waste management. Since the first waste management expert visit to Lahti, a follow up visit to the waste recovery centre of Päijät-Häme regional waste site was made in September 2007.

Student Exchange

In 2006, two students from the Lahti University of Applied Science spent 3 months in Rustenburg to conduct their graduation work on landfill gasses and electronic waste recycling.

Progress in 2008-2009:

Implementing the lessons learned from Lahti

The challenges of waste and its disposal in the area of BPDM are growing. The lessons learned from Lahti waste reduction, land filling operations and the handing of the recyclable and hazardous waste materials have been incorporated into the Rustenburg Local Municipality’s new waste transfer stations and the developing regional site.

Furthermore, the Northern experiences are utilized in the planning of a Sustainable Waste Management Centre for Rustenburg. The centre will serve as a recycling centre, where used household and electronic goods will be repaired and recycled. It is also going to have an educational purpose. Implementing ideas from Lahti, an educational energy kitchen was introduced to the Centre. Other educational features are also being planned.

Greening Program for Rustenburg 2010 World Cup

The cooperation has supported the planning of a Greening programme for the Rustenburg 2010 World Cup. One of the aims has been to create an efficient recycling structure. The practical recycling at the stadium will be outsourced to the BPDM Eco-Clubs and Eco-Guides as well as women’s recycling groups, all of which have been established as part of the BPDM recycling and environmental education programs.

Eco-Guides have been used in Lahti during mass sport events (e.g. the annual Lahti Ski Games) and the cooperation has aided in the training of Eco-Guides for the 2010 World Cup. In addition, educational toolkits on energy and waste have been developed and introduced for BPDM in March 2009 based on the models used in Lahti. These toolkits are used in the local schools and Eco-Clubs. The cooperation has also supported the installation of recycling bins in and around the stadium.