Waste is a serious challenge that impacts the economy of any nation and its environment. In Africa where the even increasing population has consequently increased the production rate with a human response to generate more waste, there has not been adequate approach to reduce and manage waste properly in the continent. With this ever increasing growth comes the need to provide food and social amenities needed to sustain the growing population. However, associated with the increase in the amount of waste generated is the continual loss of capital and a social and environmental cost to the populace. In this paper, we provide an overview of the nature of waste in the South Africa, the application and utilization of waste in the South Africa context and we also look as the cost of waste generated in the society in relation to the economy, society and the environment.