The Community of Practice (CoP) “Waste to Value: Transitioning South Africa towards a Waste-to-Resource Circular Economy” has convened a diverse group of experts. Their mission is to explore the intersection of existing waste management practices, legislation, and socio-economic realities in South Africa. A central insight from the CoP is that addressing the current state of affairs necessitates localised solutions for a global challenge. Recognising that transforming waste materials into economic resources must align with the local socio-economic context, the CoP emphasises that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The CoP engages in reflections on waste perceptions, investigates municipal solid waste management practices, examines the socio-economic conditions of waste pickers, and delves into the legal framework governing our relationship with an increasingly intricate material legacy in South Africa. To achieve a sustainable circular economy, the CoP advocates for material transformation processes akin to biogenic circular flows, emphasising reduction strategies, re-design, and end-of-life management within the South African socio-economic context.