Kruger pilots animal-proof recycling to cut waste
Kruger National Park has launched a recycling pilot at the Tshokwane picnic site near Skukuza, delivered by SANParks in partnership with producer responsibility organisation Petco. The animal-proof, three-bin system, colour coded for recyclables, general waste and compostables, is designed to divert tonnes of waste from landfill and support South Africa’s circular economy; over the festive season more than 43,000 food and beverage items were sold at the site and over half a tonne of recyclable packaging was recovered.
With day visitors accounting for more than 70% of gate traffic, picnic sites are a priority for improving waste management. SANParks noted that previous manual separation across 10 waste sites led to contamination and lost recovery, while the new 240‑litre bins, housed in tamper-proof casings developed with Pioneer Plastics to withstand wildlife, will be extended to Nkuhlu and Afsaal. Concession partners Tourvest and Tindlovu said waste data will inform product and packaging choices, strengthening sustainability and visitor experience at one of South Africa’s flagship tourism assets.
Source: PETCO