Oasis Recycling and Waste Management Project

In 1992 the Oasis Recycling and Waste Management Project was implemented in Elsies River and Claremont in the Western Cape. The primary objective of the project is to provide meaningful and sustainable employment to adults with intellectual disabilities. To make this possible,  partnerships were formed with various government departments, the National Development Agency, Sappi, Plastics Federation of South Africa, Fairest Cape Association and the National Lottery Distribution Board. These partnerships have resulted in the following activities: special events clean ups (e.g. J&B Met, Kenilworth; Community Chest Carnival; Two Oceans Marathon), educational programmes (green bag campaign), business and collections (monthly 1200 voluntary drops occur from domestic households), recycling and re-use, production and marketing (making people aware of the service rendered by the project). The success of this project is evident by the many awards that it has received.

Innovation 

When recycling was still a relatively new concept, the Oasis Association could picture the benefits that it could have for intellectually impaired individuals.

Effectiveness 

24 protective workshops provide employment to 1969 people with disability. Ten of these workshops provide services specifically to 1020 intellectually impaired people. Oasis employs 336 workers, therefore employs a third of this group. Achievements include the Green Award 2001 (Mail and Gaurdian/Nedbank), Caltex Environmental Award 2001, etc. Special Events Clean Ups (5 tons of material were collected at the J&B Met, Kenilworth, 154m³ of cardboard, glass bottles and cans at the Community Chest Carnival, 55m³ at the Two Oceans marathon), Educational programmes (Green Bag Campaign) etc. These materials are recycled and employment is created for people with intellectual disabilities.
Poverty Impact

The positive impact of this project relates to the many jobs that are created, while providing a secure working environment for people with special needs. Some of those employed are the sole breadwinners, while other caregivers are able to pursue other income generating activities.
Sustainability

Funding and income generating activities indicate that the project will be able to continue for the foreseeable future.
Replication   

Possible, given the necessary support from the community and government.
Partnerships
•    Provincial Administration of the Western Cape
•    Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
•    Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation (Funding)
•    Cape Metropolitan Council
•    National Development Agency  (Funding)
•    National Lottery Board (Funding)

 

Visit www.oasisrecycling.co.za for more information