The Better Together Games is an annual event which brings all Western Cape Government employees together to participate in a variety of sport codes. The day draws a big number of attendees as well as vendors who sell food and drink items to the participants.
The Better Together Games worked in partnership with 2Wise2Waste this year to ensure maximum recovery of waste generated on the day. As part of the commitment to 110% Green, the aim was to recover 40% of waste and this target was exceeded – a total of 98% of waste was recovered for recycling.
A waste recovery plan was put together by the 2Wise2Waste team in partnership with the Western Cape Recycling Action Group (WCRAG) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) as part of a greening strategy for the event.
The waste recovery plan incorporated various strategies for recovering the waste for recycling. Recycling bins for plastic, glass, tins, and food waste, sponsored by the WCRAG, were placed at various points to maximise the recovery of recyclables. The university allocated 20 workers to service the area for the day. They were also involved in ensuring that waste was correctly separated at the various waste stations.
Wasteman also made three of their staff available to weigh and record all the waste recovered on the day and mascots were provided by Collect a Can and Console glass to create awareness amongst WCG officials.
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is the driver department behind the Games and it has committed to ensuring the maximum recovery of generated waste at next year’s games.