Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

In 2017, Singita’s Southern African lodges faced significant challenges in managing waste, producing over 136 tonnes of recyclable materials, including glass, tin, plastic, paper, and organic matter. A critical issue was the limited local facilities capable of processing this waste, particularly in rural South Africa. To address this, Singita partnered with the Acornhoek Recycling Facility, managed by Happiness, who had transitioned from an environmental educator to a business owner. Under her leadership, Acornhoek has become a vital resource for local businesses and the community, employing 34 people, primarily women, to sort and process recyclables.

Happiness has implemented a well-organized operation at Acornhoek, which includes a large sorting area and five baling machines. The facility processes recycling from various sources, including schools, shopping malls, and local businesses, significantly contributing to the community's waste management efforts. Notably, the facility has helped Singita reduce its plastic bottle waste by 97% since 2013 by promoting the use of filtered water and reusable bottles at its lodges. This reduction not only aligns with Singita's sustainability goals but also demonstrates the effectiveness of local partnerships in achieving environmental targets.

The financial benefits of this collaboration are evident, as Acornhoek sells processed materials to companies like Collect-a-Can, Consol, and Sappi, with tin cans currently fetching approximately R1600/ton (£95). Happiness has further ambitions to expand the facility's operations by starting a pig farm, utilizing organic waste as feed, which would enhance the sustainability of the operation and reduce landfill contributions. This initiative exemplifies how local businesses can innovate to address waste management challenges while providing economic opportunities within the community.