Spaza shops in South African cities are taking on waste management by learning about their legal duties and civic responsibilities. The Urban Waste Management (UWM) Directorate’s Public Awareness team is educating local retailers about waste reduction and composting, which can help fight climate change. While most shop owners have responded positively, those who do not comply face severe penalties. This initiative highlights the power of local initiatives and shows that everyone has a role to play in creating a cleaner and healthier community.