Our Community Impact

Experience the green transformation of Cape Town, one household at a time.

Benefits for the community

The Zero team has produced 27,000 grow bags to date, which have been distributed to farming hubs country wide, and has a second order for a further 68,000 bags.

During the first 20 months, ZeroToLandfill employed 89 part-time workers and two full-time supervisors with an average of 48 workers at any one time. This includes recycling collectors (on e-bikes), recycling sorters, farmers, cutters (of fabric for grow bags), and sewers of grow bags.

Our journey towards a waste-free Cape Town has started in Mowbray and Rosebank but we hope to expand to other areas soon.

ZeroToLandfill is a partner of CORC (Community Organisation Resource Centre), and one of 44 urban farming hubs nationally.

It is funded by The Social Employment Fund through CORC as well as donations by sponsors and is managed by a team of local community volunteers.

Economic boost

Recycling industries create job opportunities, driving economic growth.

Healthier living spaces

Reduced waste leads to cleaner neighborhoods and decreased pollution.

Education & Awareness

Teaching the next generation about sustainable living and the importance of recycling.

Community & Environmental Impact

Through combined community efforts, the positive environmental impact we’ve made is evident.

48+ jobs created

89 part time workers

27,000 grow bags created

1300 bags of garden refuse collected

361 kg of e-waste recycled

6600 kg of food waste collected & composted

6000 kgs of dry recycling, of which 600kg was ‘unrecyclable’ plastic

Finding new purpose for waste

Plastic bottles

These ubiquitous containers are transformed into ingenious irrigation systems. By puncturing holes into the bottles and inserting them into our grow bags, we’re able to ‘bottom water’ our plants. The water goes directly to the soil and roots, reducing water wastage, and mitigating the risk of pests and diseases.
Woman sorting different waste.

Cardboard & paper

We are repurposing the sturdy paper bags we receive from Checkers and Pick’nPay home deliveries. These bags are being provided to local shops, where they are used as appreciated packaging.
Woman sorting different waste. Girl holding a plastic cap. Recycling and ecology concept.

Plastics

In addition to recycling, we also find innovative ways to repurpose plastics. Even so-called ‘non-recyclable’ plastics find new life as they contribute to strengthening concrete, offering a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal.
E-waste electronic, computer circuit cpu chip mainboard core processor electronics device.

E-waste

Whenever possible, we repair electrical appliances to extend their lifespan, and these items are then made available for purchase. For items beyond repair, we ensure that their parts are responsibly recycled, diverting them from the landfill.