NGO leads efforts to keep environment clean

Chatsane Waste Management, operating under the Maseru City Council (MCC) provides sustainable waste collection, recycling and environmental education to create healthier communities.

In this interview, theReporter’s ‘Mantšali Phakoana set down with the organisation’s Marketing Manager, Limpho Tshabalala who shared their vision for expanding waste management services and strengthening partnership with local businesses to boost recycling rates.

Please tell us about Chatsane Waste Management and its objectives.

Chatsane Waste Management is a leading waste management company that is operating under the Maseru City Council, dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability in Lesotho. Our primary objective is to provide comprehensive waste management solutions that address the needs of various stakeholders while prioritising environmental sustainability. We specialise in the collection, treatment, and disposal of non-hazardous waste, as well as remediation activities aimed at mitigating the impact of waste on the environment.

We are passionate about protecting the environment and promoting a culture of responsible waste management. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. We strive to minimise the environmental footprint of our operations while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Through our work, we aim to contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for future generations.

What are the biggest waste management challenges facing Lesotho, particularly in urban areas?

Lesotho, particularly urban areas, faces significant waste management challenges that threaten the country’s environmental sustainability and public health. One of the primary concerns is the rapidly growing population, which puts immense pressure on existing waste management infrastructure. This, coupled with limited recycling facilities, results in a substantial amount of waste ending up in landfills, exacerbating environmental degradation.

Other notable challenges include a lack of public awareness about proper waste disposal practices, financial constraints that limit the government’s ability to invest in waste management infrastructure, and inadequate waste collection infrastructure. Poor infrastructure, especially in urban areas, hinders the efficient collection and disposal of waste, leading to illegal dumping and associated environmental and health problems. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach that involves government intervention, public education, and investment in waste management infrastructure to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for Lesotho’s citizens.

How do you currently handle waste disposal, and what methods are used?

We employ a systematic approach to handle waste disposal, ensuring that waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner. Our process begins with the collection of waste from households, commercial establishments, and industrial sites, using specialized vehicles designed for efficient and hygienic waste collection. The collected waste is then transported to our designated waste management facility.

Once at the facility, the waste undergoes sorting and processing, with recyclable materials being sent to a licensed recycling centre for further processing. Non-recyclable waste is disposed of in a responsible manner, adhering to environmental regulations and guidelines. By utilizing a licensed facility and implementing best practices in waste management, we minimize the environmental impact of waste disposal and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

What initiatives have you implemented to reduce waste and promote recycling in Lesotho?

We recognise the importance of reducing waste and promoting recycling in Lesotho. To achieve this, we have implemented initiatives that educate and engage our community on the importance of sustainable waste management practices. We conduct awareness campaigns and workshops to teach residents about the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. By empowering our community with knowledge, we encourage individuals to take an active role in waste management and promote a culture of sustainability.

Furthermore, we facilitate access to recycling centers where community members can deposit recyclable materials, ensuring that these materials are diverted from landfills and given a new life. Through these efforts, we aim to minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations. By working together, we can make a positive impact on our community and promote a more sustainable future.

How do you engage with local communities to promote waste reduction and proper disposal practices?

We prioritise community engagement as a cornerstone of our mission. Every opportunity we get, we educate locals about reducing waste, recycling, and maintaining a clean environment for a sustainable future. Our team conducts workshops, clean-up drives, and door-to-door campaigns to share practical tips on waste management. For example, we teach residents how to compost organic waste, segregate recyclables, and avoid single-use plastics. By making these practices accessible and relevant, we empower communities to take ownership of their environment.

We also collaborate with local leaders and schools to amplify our reach. Children, in particular, are eager to become “green ambassadors,” spreading awareness in their families and neighborhoods. This grassroots approach fosters a culture of environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term impact. Our goal is to make waste reduction a shared responsibility, not just a guideline.

What role does the organisation play in addressing environmental pollution in Lesotho?

We are committed to reducing pollution through responsible waste collection and disposal practices. We align our efforts with government initiatives, ensuring that communities receive accurate information about environmental protection. Our teams regularly collect waste from urban and rural areas, preventing illegal dumping and littering, which are major contributors to pollution. We also promote recycling, diverting reusable materials from landfills to reduce environmental strain.

Beyond collection, we advocate for sustainable habits. For instance, we encourage the use of reusable bags and support local artisans who repurpose waste materials into products. By addressing both immediate needs and root causes, we aim to mitigate pollution’s impact on Lesotho’s ecosystems. Our work is a step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

How do you ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards in Lesotho?

Compliance is a top priority for us. We maintain close ties with government departments, such as the Ministry of Environment, to stay updated on regulations. Our team regularly consults with officials to align our practices with national standards. We also train our staff on best practices, from safe disposal methods to handling hazardous waste. Transparency is key—we engage the public on our processes, so communities know what to expect.

We conduct audits and self-assessments to identify gaps and improve. For example, we ensure our vehicles meet emission standards and that our disposal sites adhere to environmental guidelines. By leading by example, we encourage others in the sector to prioritize compliance, fostering a culture of accountability.

What are the plans for expanding waste management services, particularly in rural areas?

We are already active in rural area. Our approach begins with dialogue: we meet with local councils and community leaders to explain the benefits of proper waste management. By emphasising health, cleanliness, and economic opportunities (like recycling jobs), we gain community buy-in. We start with basic services—collection, education, and clean-up—and gradually introduce recycling programs. This phased approach ensures sustainability.

Challenges like infrastructure and resources exist, but we adapt. For instance, we use compact, low-cost equipment in hard-to-reach areas and train local youth as “waste champions.” Our goal is to expand to every corner of Lesotho, making waste management inclusive and equitable.

What measures are in place to mitigate the environmental impacts of waste disposal in Lesotho?

We implement the 5 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. We encourage communities to minimise waste by opting for reusable products and composting organic materials. Our sorting facilities maximise recycling, diverting plastics, paper, and metals from landfills. For non-recyclables, we ensure safe disposal in engineered landfills, preventing leakage into soil and water.

We teach the public about proper disposal of hazardous waste and run clean-up campaigns to remove litter. Collaborating with environmental groups, we restore degraded sites, turning them into green spaces. These efforts reduce pollution and protect Lesotho’s natural beauty.

How do you balance the economic and environmental aspects of waste management in Lesotho?

Balancing these priorities requires innovation. We create economic value from waste by recycling materials into sellable products and generating jobs in collection and sorting. This offsets costs and supports local livelihoods. Environmentally, we prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains, investing in eco-friendly technologies and reducing emissions.

For example, our recycling plant reduces landfill waste while supplying affordable materials to local industries. We also partner with businesses to implement waste-reduction systems, saving them money. Our mission is to prove that responsible waste management can drive both ecological and economic progress.

What are the biggest successes and challenges you face in your daily operations?

Our greatest success is resilience. Despite financial constraints, we’ve maintained services, even expanding to rural areas, earned community trust, created jobs. Laying off staff was a difficult but necessary decision, yet it allowed us to streamline operations and continue serving communities. We’ve seen tangible results: cleaner neighborhoods, increased recycling rates, and growing community trust.

However, challenges persist. Funding remains a hurdle, and public cooperation isn’t always consistent. But we adapt—using social media campaigns, partnering with schools, and offering incentives for recycling. These efforts gradually shift mindsets, making waste management a shared goal.

What educational programs or awareness campaigns do you offer to promote sustainable waste management practices?

Education is at our core. We visit schools to teach the 5 Rs, conduct community clean-ups, and host radio talks on waste issues. We create accessible materials (posters, videos) in local languages to reach wider audiences. However, we face a challenge: limited resources. We rely on government guidance and partnerships to amplify our message.

What are your long-term goals and vision for waste management in Lesotho?

We envision a Lesotho where waste is a resource, not a burden. We aim to expand our services to every community, create hundreds of green jobs, and achieve zero waste to landfills. Partnerships with international organizations and private sectors will help us secure funding and technology.

We also want to influence policy: advocating for extended producer responsibility, where manufacturers fund recycling. Most importantly, we dream of a culture where every Basotho person values sustainability. It’s ambitious, but with community effort, it’s possible