ReSource February 2022

is printed on 100% recycled paper

Promoting integrated resources management

The official journal of the

GOING BEYOND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING Organic Waste Turning Joburg’s organic waste into cleaner bus fuel

Medical Waste Tackling medical waste, post-Covid-19

Thought Leader The South African waste management industry plays a vital role in keeping our environment clean and can be counted among the most efficient on the African continent.

Kate Stubbs, Marketing Director at Interwaste, shares her insights into what can be expected in the industry for 2022.

ISSN 1680-4902 • R55.00 (incl. VAT) • Vol. 24 No. 01 • February 2022

Use waste for mutual benefit Join the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa in reducing waste to landfill, enhancing your industrial competitiveness and lowering costs through the reduction of material usage and waste management.

Register your waste streams on the NCPC-SA Waste Capturing Platform on www.ncpc.co.za.

Industrial Symbiosis is an innovative approach to waste management.

It is also a resource efficiency approach where unused/residual resources (material, energy, water, waste, assets, logistics, expertise etc.) of one company are used by another. This results in mutual economic, social and environmental benefit.

With the following benefits: INCREASED

DECREASED

Profit

CO2

Sales

Landfill costs

Jobs

Use of virgin resources

Utilisation of assets

Water usage

Innovation

Hazardous waste

Knowledge transfer

Transport

The NCPC-SA is a programme of the dtic hosted by the CSIR. CONTACT INFORMATION

THA 15-2020

Pretoria: +27 12 841 3772 | Cape Town: +27 21 658 2776 | Durban: +27 31 242 2441 | Email: ncpc@csir.co.za

the dtic

www.ncpc.co.za

Department: Trade, Industry and Competition REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Vol. 24, No. 01, February 2022

ON THE COVER KFC has made a commitment to implement more sustainable packaging options across all its outlets globally. However, KFC South Africa is taking its sustainability one step further. P6

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CONTENTS

LANDFILLS

F E B R U A RY 2022

REGULARS

Editor’s comment 3 President’s comment 5 News round-up 8 Events 48 Index to advertisers 48

COVER STORY

KFC: Going beyond sustainable packaging

INSTITUTE NEWS

What to expect from the IWMSA in 2022

6 10

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP State of our waste industry 12 LANDFILLS

Mechanisation and waste optimisation

14

GEOSYNTHETICS

Geomembrane liner installer certification: should this be a requirement?

PULP & PAPER

South Africa’s critical wastepaper shortage

18

PULP & PAPER

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Majuba ash disposal facility takes shape

MEDICAL WASTE

Tackling medical waste, post-Covid-19

PLASTICS

Industry veteran joins Plastics SA team

16 18 21 22 24

ORGANIC WASTE

24 PLASTICS

Turning Joburg’s organic waste into cleaner bus fuel 26

INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS

Amplifying Mpumalanga’s journey towards a green economy

E-WASTE

Industry welcomes e-waste landfill ban

VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

Heavyweight equipment supplier joins the IWMSA

29 30 33

RECYCLING

Supermarket trolley crowned recycled product of the year Recyclable labels trial delivers more options for brand owners SA’s biggest brands move towards sustainable packaging

44

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Where does the consumer fit in?

RENEWABLE ENERGY

POLLUTION

Why is Africa the next renewables powerhouse?

POLLUTION

Groundbreaking ocean pollution technology www.infrastructurenews.co.za

WATER RESOURCES

Protecting our water resources

34 36 38 40 42 44 46

A VACCINE AGAINST CLOGGING

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

WE CAN WIN,

Editor Nombulelo Manyana Managing editor Alastair Currie Features Ziyanda Majodina

if we join the fight

Head of design Beren Bauermeister Chief sub-editor Tristan Snijders Contributors Mpendulo Ginindza, Brendon Jewaskiewitz, Ziyanda Ngcobo, Nonhlelo Nhleko, Paula-Ann Novotny, Kate Stubbs, Jan Venter Production & client liaison manager Antois-Leigh Nepgen Production coordinator Jacqueline Modise Group sales manager Chilomia Van Wijk Distribution manager Nomsa Masina Distribution coordinator Asha Pursotham Printers Novus Print Montague Gardens Tel +27 (0)21 550 2300 Advertising sales Joanne Lawrie Cell +27 (0)82 346 5338 joanne@3smedia.co.za

Publisher Jacques Breytenbach 3S Media 46 Milkyway Avenue, Frankenwald, 2090 PO Box 92026, Norwood 2117 Tel +27 (0)11 233 2600 Fax +27 (0)11 234 7274/5 www.3smedia.co.za Annual subscription subs@3smedia.co.za R200.00 (incl VAT) South Africa ISSN 1680-4902 Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa Tel +27 (0)11 675 3462 Email iwmsa@iwmsa.co.za All material herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions of authors expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, editor or the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa. © Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Novus Holdings is a Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Contributor, with 125% recognised procurement recognition.

View our BBBEE scorecard here: https://novus.holdings/sustainability/ transformation The ABC logo is a valued stamp of measurement and trust, providing accurate and comparable circulation figures that protect the way advertising is traded.

ReSource is ABC audited and certified.

B

y now it’s common knowledge that South Africa is in the midst of a waste crisis. According to the latest repor ts by the Depar tment of Forestr y, Fisheries and the Environment, South Africans generate roughly 120 million tonnes of general waste per year and only 10% of that is recycled.

There is also an increase in waste volumes going to landfill due to a growing populace and urbanisation. However, the good news is that the South African waste management industr y is considered among the most efficient on the continent, with a recycling rate that beats most European countries.

In 2018, South Africa achieved a 46.3% input plastics recycling rate by conver ting 352 000 tonnes of plastic refuse into raw materials. In the same year, Europe managed a 31.1% plastics recycling rate. South Africa recycles 15.2% more of its post-consumer plastic waste than Europe. This has been a trend over the past decade.

we need a change of mindset within the private and public sector. We need to adopt a circular approach to waste management, which will add economic and social value.

Government policy and its strategic inter ventions for the waste sector are already aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. It is also aligned to South Africa’s National Development Plan: Vision 2030, which entails our countr y’s specific response to, and the integration of, the SDGs into our overall socio-economic development plans.

All that is left for us to do is to actually put in the work. We need to go beyond strategy, into implementation. The only way we can win our waste battle is to actively fight it.

A great idea alone doesn’t solve the problem – execution does.

Nombulelo

A solid framework The legislature has also seen notable improvement in the past five years, with the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, the Carbon Tax Act (No. 15 of 2019) and the National Waste Management Strategy, 2020 in terms of section 6 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008) coming into effect.

All these factors point to a solid framework that can help to alleviate our current crisis.

However, as one of our contributors in this edition points out, this will require enforcement.

“Waste legislation is one of the key drivers of innovation in the waste management industr y.

However, there needs to be enforcement and compliance. Suppor t structures need to be put in place to ensure that people are obeying the legislature,” says Kate Stubbs, marketing director at Inter waste.

I would like to take it a step fur ther: in addition to the framework and enforcement, FEBRUARY 2022

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PRESIDENT’S COMMENT

TACKLING OUR GROWING WASTE CRISIS To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.”

– Leonard Bernstein FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE IWMSA, VISIT THE WEBSITE

Dear Members,

W

elcome back, and I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. The ‘Year of the Tiger’ is bound to be a much better year for all, with activities at the IWMSA already in full swing, and a determination to build on our successes of 2021.

We appear to be moving into a period that seems to be closer to resembling some kind of ‘normality’, and we must realise now, more than ever before, that every single one of us can make a difference to our collective waste footprint. Rampant consumerism is destroying our planet, with humankind depleting available natural resources at a much faster rate than can be sustained, despite all the publicity and awareness around these matters we have seen over a number of years.

A mammoth task I was recently interviewed on the subject of textile and fashion waste, and was bleakly reminded of the mammoth task ahead of us when considering the reality of the waste crisis we are in. Globally, over

90 million tonnes of textile waste is generated every year, resulting in a garbage truck of textile waste arriving at a landfill every second. The fashion industry directly contributes to some 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and 20% of global wastewater.

Even more frightening is the fact that, on average, people are purchasing 60% more clothing than they did 15 years ago; it is estimated that, globally, around 56 million tonnes of clothing is purchased each year, and this is expected to increase to 93 million tonnes by 2030, and 160 million tonnes by 2050, according to BBC Future.

This is just one example of the rapidly increasing global waste problem we are faced with, and the reality is that while the global economic and environmental playing fields remain uneven, it simply cannot be resolved, and the negative externalities will be felt more and more by developing countries.

This also highlights the massive waste management challenge we are faced with, necessitating significant investment and expenditure, at much higher levels than have previously been anticipated or budgeted for.

The private sector will have a significant role to play, and government will need to seriously look at ways of enhancing the attractiveness of investment in the waste sector if we are to have any hope.

Let’s get involved At ground level, many individuals ask, “But what can we do?” As Nelson Mandela said, “You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.” By simply implementing some of the basic principles of a circular economy in our own lives, being serious about

reducing unnecessary consumption, minimising waste and extending the useful life of products – including repurposing and recycling where we can – we will go a long way to alleviating the devastating environmental effects of our ‘takemake-waste’ society.

I would like to take the opportunity of urging you all to get involved and participate in the IWMSA this year, by coming forward and taking part in our activities and actively working with or on our branch committees, which will soon be due for election. We cannot make a success of our organisation without the support and dedicated involvement of our members, particularly at regional or branch level.

After four years of absence due to cancellation in 2020, we also have the not-to-be-missed 25th edition of WasteCon being planned for 18 to 20 October, and are working on a much improved and coordinated training roll-out. We also recently held a successful strategic workshop with our regional branch managers, and the team is ready to build on their achievements of recent years and take the IWMSA to the next level.

We look forward to seeing you all, in person, soon.

Brendon Jewaskiewitz, President, IWMSA

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COVER STORY

GOING BEYOND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING KFC has made a commitment to implement more sustainable packaging options across all their outlets – however, KFC South Africa is taking their sustainability one step further, exploring a multilayered approach to its sustainability efforts.

I

n 2019, KFC South Africa made their mark in sustainability histor y when they announced the removal of plastic straws in over 900 of their restaurants across South Africa. This meant the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) outlet would be eliminating approximately 60 million plastic straws a year, equivalent to 70 tons. In 2022, KFC is being even bolder, by considering moves like converting the mash & gravy containers to paper which would mean a massive reduction in plastic from its restaurants.

This move forms par t of a global approach to reduce KFC’s environmental footprint – by ensuring that all of their plastic-based packaging items will be recoverable or reusable by 2025. Just two years shy of their goal, Chief Supply Chain Officer at KFC Africa, Siyabulela Ngcukana says they are looking into more than just getting rid of plastics.

“Sustainability goes beyond just packaging. We are investigating Siyabulela Ngcukana, Chief Supply Chain Officer at KFC Africa

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several other avenues which will help us to effectively reduce our overall environmental impact and in fact are bolstering our full sustainability programme as a key business pillar across Africa.”

Global meets local KFC’s global division developed a 360-degree sustainability roadmap - star ting with par tnering with major suppliers globally to identify sustainable processes and alternatives in value chains across each market.

Ngcukana adds that KFC SA is following a three-pronged approach which entails; reducing environmental impact, finding ways to reuse their waste, and utilising more recycled materials in their packaging. However, from a utility perspective KFC’s packaging is required to not only be useable but must uphold customer satisfaction.

“KFC remains committed to embarking on initiatives that uphold environmental standards, but we must also prioritise our customer base.

Therefore, the big question for us is how we can reduce plastics without sacrificing the good customer experience,” says Ngcukana.

A 360-degree approach to packaging “Paper has its own environmental impact, and we remain focused on ensuring that our consumer fiber-based packaging is sustainably sourced from responsible sources - be it recycled material, virgin material or a mix of both across our packaging por tfolio. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continue to par tner with packaging suppliers that source responsibly as well as par tners that promote forestr y practices that are environmentally sustainable.”

KFC SA has already eliminated the use of single use plastics where possible, by replacing their plastic straws and other disposable packaging with more sustainably sourced alternatives. For the plastic packaging still in their system they are focused on moving the plastic to the most recyclable state possible.

“There has been an increase in deliver y across all industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this has put a lot of pressure and demand on packaging globally. As KFC, we know that our usage on packaging will increase and that’s why we are pushing to make our packaging as environmentally friendly as possible.”

Exploring alternative energy sources Ngcukana says KFC SA, together with some supply par tners, are working on a project which will see cer tain ingredients being repurposed into fuel to power deliveries to their restaurants. This type of thinking ties directly into circular economy framework and forms a critical par t of reducing, repurposing, and reusing materials in our value chain for the greater good of our environment.

COVER STORY

KFC SA is also considering supplementing their energy requirement by making use of solar energy. Ngcukana indicates that currently KFC is in a trial phase with some stores in terms of solar power.

“This will ser ve as sor t of a feasibility study and help us determine whether conver ting to solar will help to supplement our energy requirements for our restaurants. We obviously won’t be able to fully substitute our energy requirements but making a significant substitution will be impor tant.”

Partnering with purpose “Being one of the biggest QSR’s in SA gives us a certain level of responsibility and in 2022, we are going beyond just being a sustainable business. We are looking to influence the entire QSR sector to becoming more environmentally conscious,” says Ngcukana.

KFC SA is therefore planning to use their buying power to influence their network of supplier and distributors to go green – through the use of renewable energy in their factories and adopting sustainable practices.

“We are really focussing on par tnering with people who have the same vision as us when coming to sustainability.”

“There has been some investment in the countr y around these types of projects and we have harnessed the oppor tunity for this innovation – a project we plan to kick star t this year.”

“Through in-store and multi-layered environmental innovation in our restaurants, we are able to cut down on our waste production and reduce environmental impact.”

Conclusion Ngcukana concludes that KFC takes pride in their responsibility to implement the necessar y measures

and practices that will ensure that they can reduce their environmental impact as much as possible. And they will therefore remain committed to embarking on initiatives that uphold environmental standards.

“As KFC, we have a recipe for growth, and a recipe for good - and we strongly believe that being a good corporate citizen will ensure sustainable growth for our business.

But, as I have mentioned previously, we as KFC are going beyond just using more sustainable packaging, it’s about overall impact and this year the market will see significant shifts from us in this space!” concludes Ngcukana.

www.kfc.co.za

NEWS ROUND-UP

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Coca-Cola launches new sustainability platform in Africa The Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit and its bottling partners recently announced the launch of JAMII, the new Africa-focused sustainability platform. The platform will house the company’s existing and new sustainability initiatives.

Through this signature platform, CocaCola hopes to attract like-minded partners to help accelerate the on-the-ground impact of its initiatives. The new platform will build and expand on the past accomplishments in three areas: water stewardship, the economic empowerment of women and youth, and waste management.

Manufacturers need to redesign their ‘circular’ economy With 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from the way we make and use products, local business needs to start looking at how it contributes.

The South African government has been implementing the appropriate changes, through the implementation of an updated National Waste Management Strategy. It outlines government policy and strategic interventions for the waste sector and is aligned and responsive to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“Over the last year or so, we have seen a small increase in big manufacturing businesses wanting to improve their environmental footprint and reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill, but not enough has happened yet,” says Justice Tootla, managing director of waste management company Averda.

Tootla asserts that for this to be achieved, business will need to partner with experts in waste to help develop a comprehensive, end-to-end waste management programme that will help drive a circular economy.

“We all want to see a South Africa with zero waste-to-landfill, cleaner and safer communities, the financially viable and stable management of waste, and to allow for our natural systems to regenerate for future generations,” concludes Tootla.

In the area of women and youth economic empowerment, JAMII will promote and stimulate entrepreneurship opportunities through the provision of improved access to skills training, networks, finance and markets.

In the area of water stewardship, they will replenish 100% of the water used in the production of their products by managing water-use efficiency in their operations. For waste management, nearly all of Coca-Cola’s packaging is already recyclable, with the goal of recycling the equivalent of 100% of its packaging waste by 2030.

PPE recycled and converted to energy

A French start-up company called Plaxtil has come up with a solution to convert medical waste such as Covid-19 facial masks into energy.

How the process works: • The masks are collected and placed in quarantine for four days.

• After this period, they are ground into small pieces.

• The small pieces are then put through ultraviolet light, which ensures that they are completely decontaminated before the recycling process begins.

“We take fabrics, masks. We collect them, we grind them, mix them with binding material and we transform them into material that we call Plaxtil, which can be used in the industry and moulded like normal plastic,” says Olivier Civil, co-founder of Plaxtil.

The masks can then be recycled into a number of objects; however, they are currently being turned into objects that will assist in fighting Covid-19, such as face shields.

Biogas a billion-dollar industry in SA The Southern African Biogas Industr y Association has revealed that the biogas industr y’s local and foreign direct investment value is between R52 billion and R250 billion.

Many countries in Africa are faced with serious energy shor tages.

In rural areas, there are frequent power outages and insufficient energy assets in most African countries. Dr Timothy Afful-Koomson, CFO: Climate at the African Development Bank, says that biogas can be transformed into “clean and affordable energy, to help deal with

load-shedding and improve the accessibility and reliability of electricity supply in the African countries.”

The concept of using biogas in Africa should be highly considered, as the emissions reduction ability of biogas is much higher than other forms of renewable energy, such as solar.

“Unfor tunately, fewer than 30% of African countries have biogas as one of the renewable energy systems to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions targets.”

CHALLENGES IN SA RECYCLING INDUSTRY South Africa has one of the most effective recycling industries worldwide and, according to a Plastics SA repor t, SA’s recycling rate is also a step ahead of Europe.

Although most waste can be recycled, not all waste is.

Infrastructure plays a big role in recycling. Some materials are not recycled because of the lack of equipment that would be used to recycle. Among the issues that affect obtaining the adequate equipment are costs. Equipment is expensive and not enough undesirable waste is out there to warrant the need for it, Plastics SA revealed.

In South Africa, waste that cannot be recycled or that is deemed ‘unprofitable’ is often dumped in landfills, while other countries have equipment such as incinerator technologies that can be used to process plastics to oil or energy. South Africa currently recycles 46% of its plastics, which is higher than most countries. Paper is recycled at 70%, beverage cans/metal is recycled at 72%, and glass is recycled at 42%.

Use of wood to help nations decarbonise Emissions from the built environment come from two main sources: operational emissions and embodied emissions.

David Hopkins, chief executive of the Timber Trade Federation, says, “Going into COP26, the case for embracing the forest and timber industries has never been stronger or more urgent. Wood products can create better livelihoods for millions, and a built environment that works in harmony with nature.”

The world can make greater use of sustainable wood to transform the built environment, which is currently responsible for approximately 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.

“South Africa is ripe for scaling up the use of timber in construction; however, many people perceive wood as rudimentar y or weak. But for engineering professionals and architects of mass timber structures, there is significant oppor tunity for innovation, localisation and employment creation.”

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INSTITUTE NEWS

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE IWMSA IN 2022 The Institute of Waste Management South Africa (IWMSA) has its work cut out for it in 2022 and we are more than up to the task.

By Mpendulo Ginindza*

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outh Africa faces severe constraints in the availability of landfill space. Yet, in 2017, 89% of the 55 million tonnes of waste generated was routed to landfill.

This is according to the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) 2020, published by the current Depar tment of Forestr y, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). This same strategy promises to overhaul the countr y’s waste management ideology and presents definite targets to be achieved.

We are seeing the fruits of those commitments today but the journey continues and the IWMSA aims to lead from the front. Covid-19 and the resulting national lockdowns were considerable hurdles to the continuity of the countr y’s waste management activities.

Of course, waste cannot be put on hold, so, as the world learns to live with Covid, it is imperative to develop strategies and practices that are effective in spite of it.

This is also par t of our focus for the year. *Vice president of the IWMSA

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CRITICAL LIAISON BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY In 2022, the IWMSA continues to be an essential conduit between government and the organisations and professionals in waste management. In light of the pandemic and the need for inventive solutions, it is more important than ever that we support the flow of information between the various stakeholders who can make a difference.

Our contributions will help the country formulate and enforce the best policies for the future based on what is really happening on the ground now and pressing concerns in the industry.

In the same way, we will facilitate the transmission of national and global analysis, policy, standards and the latest best practices to our members, stakeholders and industry so they can be implemented as effectively as possible.

COLLABORATION WITH THE DFFE The IWMSA counts its collaborative partnership with the DFFE as a vital component in its mission.

While we have always mediated between industry and government, last year we took a step forward by inviting our patron members to participate in quarterly DFFE meetings. We will continue to expand this initiative in 2022.

PAST PRESIDENTS We believe our past Presidents remain a valuable resource for us and they provide thought leadership which we cannot afford to lose.

We are actively pursuing them in our different activities including introducing initiatives to allow industry and municipalities to tap into their considerable expertise.

INSTITUTE NEWS

PUBLIC AWARENESS

TRENDS IN THE WASTE INDUSTRY

18 - 22 OCTOBER

South Africa is moving steadily towards a circular economy, which will see the country adopt a better model of production and consumption.

According to the European Parliament, this model “involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible”. In short, waste must become a source rather than a sink and should provide ongoing utility to the world.

We also continue to encourage compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations that came into effect in May 2021.

Another undeniable trend is the global move towards waste-to-energy, which exposes exciting opportunities. Converting waste-to-energy – or the fuel to create it – is an enticing application but demands creative strategies and the technological means to accomplish this goal. It is something the IWMSA intends to pursue vigorously.

Although the Institute does not prescribe the use of specific technologies in the industry, we recognise their importance. For example, RFID aids in tracking waste batches and provides useful data to inform policy and practice. So, we continue to make technology a core theme at events and on forums.

A critical aspect of waste management in South Africa is building public awareness. Many people and businesses dispose of waste without knowing how the country’s waste management system functions or its constraints.

Through the media, and our own publications, programmes and events, we aim to build this awareness and encourage all citizens to become social partners in waste reduction.

WASTECON 2022 The jewel in the IWMSA’s crown is our biennial WasteCon event, which will be held from 18 to 22 October this year at Emperors Palace, Gauteng.

Institute members, industry experts, academics and government VIPs will meet to spotlight and discuss emerging waste management trends, and network with their local peers and our international guests. Together, we will discover solutions that work for Africa and Africans.

Covid-19 has changed the face of conferencing and we will focus squarely on hygiene and safety protocols, including social distancing and

mask compliance. This year sees greater collaboration between the Institute and our government partners to ensure alignment between WasteCon 2022 and their own conference in achieving our mutual objectives.

Lastly, WasteCon 2022 will serve as the run-up to the International Solid Waste Association’s World Waste Congress in 2024.

The IWMSA is proud to have won the bid to host this momentous event in Cape Town. It is akin to the world cup of waste management and will afford our local entrepreneurs, vendors and small businesses access to the global market.

BUSINESS AS USUAL Even with a full programme for the year, we are no less excited about the daily contributions of our team. They make sure our quarterly ReSource journal is packed with insightful and interesting articles. They continue to offer both our IWMSA-approved and SETA-accredited training courses.

Our website is regularly updated with the latest regulations and resources, available to our members and the public. And our branches develop relevant annual programmes to satisfy the needs of our regional communities.

The process is not as easy as it sounds, but it runs like clockwork year after year to ensure the IWMSA offers outstanding value, as will be the case in 2022.

TRANSFORMATION The Institute has long recognised that economic empowerment is essential to the long-term sustainability of waste management in South Africa.

Our ongoing commitment is to ensure that the knowledge and talent to build and maintain a world-class waste management system are not limited to a few segments of society, but are ample across all communities.

In terms of membership, we have seen an increase in African, Asian, Coloured and Indian members, from 45% in 2018 to 51% in 2020, and the majority of organisation applications are now from 100% black-owned companies.In the same way, we continue to promote greater inclusion of female professionals.

Taking office as the Institute’s first African female president from July 2022, I find myself well positioned to champion inclusive transformation and the sorely needed transfer of critical skills.

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

State of our WASTE INDUSTRY The South African waste management industr y plays a vital role in keeping our environment clean and can be counted among the most efficient on the African continent.

Kate Stubbs, Marketing Director at Inter waste, shares her insights into what can be expected in the waste industr y for 2022.

T

he South African waste management industry is evolving and is one of the most efficient on the continent. However, the country is still generating large amounts of waste annually and most of our landfill sites are fast approaching full capacity.

According to the latest available statistics, South Africans generate roughly 122 million tonnes of waste per year. Of this waste, a maximum of only 10% is recycled or recovered for other uses, while at least 90% is landfilled or dumped illegally.

Current situation Currently, South Africa has a comprehensive legislative framework, and that is mainly due to the fact that it’s still relatively new. However, we all know that we have a severe waste management problem that needs our immediate attention.

Some of the biggest drivers for waste are population growth, urbanisation, a lack of compliance and general behaviour towards managing waste effectively. The population of South Africa was estimated to be 60.14 million at mid-year 2021 – an increase of about 604 281 (1.01%) since mid-2020. We are also experiencing rapid urbanisation and have one of the highest urbanisation rates globally. This means we are going to produce more waste – which will inevitably exacerbate an already quite dire situation.

We are also dealing with a legacy issue; many of our landfills are not compliant with the current legislature and are not being managed effectively. This in turn pollutes our natural resources and environment. Although I do not like to single out plastics (as plastics do have their role to play), we have to face the fact that South Africa has a plastics issue, due to its incorrect handling and disposal. The Covid-19 pandemic saw the rise of single-use plastics through personal protective equipment and single-use plastic wrapping. The pandemic also saw a rise in illegal dumping and a general rise in municipal solid waste production – which naturally put the municipal waste management system under a lot of pressure.

Another challenge we are facing is that we don’t have accurate data within the market; we have not fully quantified our waste problem. These statistics, coupled with the current state we are in as a country, reflect an urgent need for us to start focusing on diversion from landfill, finding alternative uses and revenue streams, and a commitment to adhering to legislative frameworks.

We can no longer look at waste management with a linear view though – we must change our behaviour from the ‘throwaway culture’ many businesses, individuals and households have to a more circular approach, where we try to eliminate waste wherever possible or reuse, recycle and recover it for alternate purposes.

The good The upside is that South Africa has a large informal waste sector.

According to the Waste Pickers Association, South Africa has more than 90 000 waste pickers. The CSIR stated that in 2014 alone informal pickers saved municipalities between R309 million and R748 million in landfill airspace. This by simply diverting recyclables from landfills.

They are doing an outstanding job and it’s encouraging to see that numerous municipalities are now developing initiatives to formalise informal workers. We have seen this through the development of the waste pickers integration guideline for South Africa, produced by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in 2020. It provides guidance to municipalities and industry on measures to improve their working conditions.

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Kate Stubbs, Marketing Director at Interwaste

The opportunity Waste legislation is one of the key drivers of innovation in the waste management industry. The updated National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) talks to the circular economy, waste beneficiation, job creation and SMME development. Additionally, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and carbon tax schemes have brought a lot of great shifts in the way waste is viewed and will become a great driver in the ongoing development of waste technology.

However, there needs to be enforcement and compliance.

Support structures need to be put in place to ensure that people are obeying the legislature. We need to implement, measure and manage.

There also needs to be greater investment in infrastructure and skills development for the officials and people who are decision-makers in the waste industry. We need to see practical expertise being strategically placed with our public and private sectors. New models need new skills.

The future As a country, we have many challenges across the board, but we need to figure out how to operate better for economic, social and environmental purposes. Waste is complex and, although the theory sounds very simple, there are many complexities and very limited understanding.

Before we even get into some of the exciting changes that need to be implemented within the waste industry, the first thing that needs to change is our attitude towards waste. We have seen a lot of awareness from the government and private sector to drive change; however, we need to educate the public about the value of waste, the costs associated with the handling of waste, as well as transport and labour costs. Zero waste does not mean zero cost.

In terms of what we can expect in the industry in 2022: • With the upcoming bans of organic waste to landfill in 2028 and the Western Cape already banning 50% of organic waste disposal to landfill in 2022, we are seeing a large focus on alternative organic waste processing such as composting, bioremediation and biogas plants.

• The global and local focus on decarbonisation and a transition to introducing alternative energy sources is creating an opportunity for more development and investment in the renewable energy sector such as solar, wind, green hydrogen and waste-to-energy.

• New waste legislation continues to be developed and implemented, such as the EPR regulations and more bans of certain waste types to landfill disposal continue.

• The technological side is also going to be a big focus in 2022. Digital disruption has the potential to reshape South Africa and the waste sector will see the digitisation of waste collection coming to the forefront, providing important benefits given that complex industrial processes can now be automated.

• We require a stronger focus on waste data capturing and reporting to provide insights to make accurate decisions and assist with the development of appropriate solutions.

• We can also look forward to businesses becoming more aware of their environmental footprint.

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13

LANDFILLS

and

MECHANISATION

waste

OPTIMISATION

The general premise of pretreatment technologies is the treatment of waste before final disposal to reduce the volume that is landfilled and enhance or accelerate the stabilisation of the waste, thus minimising the long-term disadvantageous effects on the environment.

While the global quest is to promote a circular economy that emphasises recycling, the reality is that a percentage of the waste stream will always have to be disposed of in sanitar y landfills. Ziyanda Majodina speaks to Thibault Dechamps – specialist: Waste & Recycling Segment for Caterpillar’s Europe, Africa, Middle East & Eurasia – about Cat mechanised solutions.

Cat Landfill GPS Mapping is designed to address many of the objectives in the landfill: safety, production/ planning, and airspace/density

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LANDFILLS

What solutions does Caterpillar field for the landfill and waste management industry?

TD Looking at the composition of the waste stream, the average household income, and particularly taking into consideration South Africa’s growing economy, exploring recycling opportunities will be of great assistance in lessening the volume of waste disposed of in sanitary landfills.

Key machinery to manage sanitary landfills includes track-type tractors with waste handling arrangement (TTT WHA), track-type loaders with waste handling arrangement (TTL WHA), and landfill compactors (LFCs). The LFC is purpose-built for landfill operation. It delivers features, performance and efficiency that draw on Caterpillar’s 50-plus years of industry experience. Field-proven protection and integrated technologies provide peak availability and optimised landfill performance.

The first Cat 816 model was launched approximately 50 years ago, in 1972, making it the first ever LFC created by Caterpillar.

The current version of the 816 weighs 25 t and delivers 284 hp of gross power, which insures efficient waste compaction through its maximum compaction rate.

Other Caterpillar compactor models are the approximately 40 t Cat 826K, and the 55 t Cat 836K. These machines are designed for the harsh operating environments typically experienced on landfills.

The wheels of the compactor are the machines’ true work tools. There are five types of wheels to choose from: ‘Plus’ tips, ‘Paddle’ tips, ‘Diamond’ tips, ‘Chopper’, and ‘Combo’, which combines ‘Plus’ and ‘Paddle’.

The ‘Plus’ tip is larger and heavier and is designed for waste streams that include construction and demolition materials. It also has a greater side slope stability.

The ‘Paddle’ tip is designed for a waste stream composed mainly of municipal solid waste. It cuts through garbage bags. Running at a lighter weight allows the compactor to operate at maximum speed.

‘Plus’ and ‘Paddle’ tips have a pro-rated 10 000-hour warranty. The ‘Diamond’ tips, available on the 826K and 836K, have a pro-rated 15 000hour warranty.

Then there is our ‘intelligent’ machine solution, Cat Landfill GPS Mapping. It is designed to address many of the objectives in a landfill such as safety, production/planning, and airspace/density.

Technology, where real-time data is in front of the operator, drives production increases in the

landfill operation.

Operators have access to operational and design parameters throughout their shift.

Managers also have access to reporting capabilities such as volumes, densities, productivity of single machines or the whole fleet, fuel consumption, idle time, etc. The ability to measure these parameters means management can make data-based decisions to enhance operations.

What recommendations would you make for smaller municipal landfills when it comes to mechanisation and affordable machine options?

The equipment compaction performance, uptime and fuel consumption are just as important for smaller municipal landfills as for larger sanitary landfills.

The LFC is obviously my first recommendation, as it is a purpose-built piece of equipment. The TTT WHA and TTL WHA can also be considered as alternatives to process the waste stream. However, TTTs and TTLs won’t be able to achieve the level of compaction an LFC does.

What are some of the common mistakes that landfill operators make when it comes to general machine selection?

These are not specifically mistakes – it comes down to the degree of understanding regarding equipment

Every single cubic metre is crucial to optimise landfill air space

principles, role, size, and configuration. It is essential for machine users to educate themselves on the specifications of the equipment and the job to be performed. It is also critical to pay attention to the significance of compaction.

Compaction is key to preventing risks that may occur – e.g. the risk of fire (spontaneous combustion) and waste landslides.

What are some of the key tips to note?

Every single cubic metre is crucial to optimise landfill air space. Proper compaction targets will maximise the life of the landfill. Within this context, correct machine selection and operator training are important. They will ensure optimum equipment utilisation, efficiently processing the waste stream.

Landfill operation must avoid over- or undercompacting. The first scenario results in excessive fuel burn and unproductive utilisation. The second shortens landfill life.

There are five types of wheels to choose from: ‘Plus’ tips, ‘Paddle’ tips, ‘Diamond’ tips, ‘Chopper’, and ‘Combo’, which combines ‘Plus’ and ‘Paddle’

GEOSYNTHETICS

Geosynthetic materials play a vital role in any well-engineered landfill site. Charl Cilliers, president of GIGSA (Geosynthetics Interest Group of South Africa), covers the impor tance of employing cer tified welding technicians in the management of risk on liner installation projects.

LINER WELDING TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION:

should this be a requirement?

T

he role and use of geosynthetic materials in landfill construction is well known and documented.

Landfill liner systems are a critical element of the designs of new landfills. This is due to their essential function in protecting soil and groundwater by isolating landfill contents from the environment and draining leachate to collection and treatment facilities.

In a panel discussion hosted by GIGSA during the IWMSA’s Landfill and Waste Treatment 2021 Virtual Seminar, group members unpacked the importance of correct

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installation and the possibility of introducing a liner certification programme in South Africa.

This certification would play an important role in providing a higher level of construction quality management.

National standards The National Norms and Standards (GNR 636 (23 August 2013): National Norms and Standards for Disposal of Waste to Landfill) prescribe the barrier systems required for various classes of landfill – in many of the classes, geosynthetics are prescribed. The standards also prescribe the

level of detail required in design, which is then submitted to authorities for approval.

The requirements also include submitting a construction quality assurance (CQA) plan, which is widely recognised as a critically important factor in overall quality management for waste containment facilities of all types.

This includes geosynthetic materials.

CQA is a system of activities that provides the owner and permitting agency assurances that the facility was constructed as specified in the design. It also includes inspections, verifications, audits and evaluations of the materials and workmanship necessary to

GEOSYNTHETICS determine and document the quality of the constructed facility.

Importance of proper installation Cilliers asserted that the correct installation of geosynthetics, as per CQA plans and the national standards, is essential to ensure that engineered landfill sites perform effectively.

“Correct installation is vital and, in many instances, millions are spent on the procurement of correct material, only to fail during the installation process.”

Having certified lining contractors and welding technicians would mitigate against the incorrect installation of geomembrane barriers.

That is one of the reasons why implementing a liner certification programme would be advantageous for the industry. Cilliers stated that certification would help to determine whether companies or individual liner installers have an industry-determined base level of experience to complete a particular project.

“The certification will provide assurance that the on-site liner installer and their team have the necessary skillset. However, if they don’t have that certification, you’d have to base their competency on the CVs submitted,” said Cilliers.

This is one of the main motivations behind introducing certification into the South African liner industry – providing assurance that liner installers have the experience to deliver a quality end-product.

Certification Currently, South Africa does not have its own certification body, meaning that the certification of liner installers would take place through the International Association of Geosynthetics Installers (IAGI) body. Founded in 1995, IAGI is the professional association representing geosynthetic material installers and their industry partners.

IAGI’s Certified Welding Technician (CWT) programme aims to recognise the knowledge, experience and skill of those technicians who hold the certification. Project teams benefit from IAGI’s CWT programme because certification verifies that the job’s welding technicians have experience in geomembrane welding and meet the expected industry skill levels for different types of geomembranes.

All the information needed to conduct the CWT exams is contained in the Proctor Manual for every specific material type. The six-step certification programme includes: 1. Determining whether the welder meets the minimum experience level for the type of geomembrane being tested.

2.

An experienced proctor is needed to coordinate and oversee the exam process.

3. Setting the date, ordering the exams for the material type, and choosing the language of the exams.

4. Assembly of the geomembranes needed for certification exam.

5. Test preparation.

6. Taking the exam.

The certification by IAGI is renewable on a fiveyear basis.

An established industry contractor asserts that the IAGI welding technician certification is just the first step in the right direction. As argued during the IWMSA discussion, “More important is the certification or accreditation of companies. Certifying welding technicians is crucial to ensuring the people on the ground know what they are doing but when it comes to critical applications you need more.”

The following was recommended: • Companies must be responsibly managed and employ qualified individuals throughout their organisation who can deal with matters in a competent way.

• The company needs to have the financial ability to provide bonds and insurance.

• References from engineers, clients and manufacturers are needed to prove that business is conducted in a professional and competent manner.

Drawbacks Cilliers stated that although GIGSA recognises the many benefits associated with introducing certification, there are some disadvantages that would require consideration to insure fairness.

“Certifying an entire team can be a costly exercise for smaller companies. One option is to implement a tiered approach, where higherspecification facilities require more stringent certification measures compared to lowerspecification ones.

“There is also a perceived need for ongoing monitoring of the technician’s development between renewals to ensure that the individual can still perform at a base level,” said Cilliers.

All-inclusive approach GIGSA believes an equally important aspect would be to insure that “we do not exclude any companies from operating within the liner industry, through this certification.”

Opportunity needs to be maintained to ensure that the smaller companies will be given the chance to develop skills to grow and tender on bigger projects.

Cilliers concluded that the discussion on this topic was only the start and conversations like these are essential for industry development. GIGSA is convening a working group to develop this topic further and all interested parties are invited to contact GIGSA through their website.

Organisations like GIGSA aim to educate the industry and promote the appropriate use of geosynthetic technology throughout South Africa.

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P U L P & PA P E R

South Africa’s critical The South African paper recycling industr y is facing a critical shor tage of various grades of wastepaper, in par ticular pre- and post-consumer kraft cardboard.

T

he Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) is concerned about the shor tage of wastepaper within the South African recycling industr y. The organisation has even warned that should this trend continue, it will put even fur ther pressure on domestic paper mills.

“The K3 and K4 paper grades are used in the production of paper packaging such as corrugated cases for the export market and transit of domestic goods,” explains Jane Molony, executive director, Pamsa. With the citrus season now complete and fewer cardboard boxes in circulation, there is less material available to recover.

On average, 1.2 million tonnes of wastepaper are recovered in South Africa annually, with more than 90% of this being locally recycled into new paper, packaging and tissue.

Demand exceeds supply The disruption of Covid-19 on supply chains

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WASTEPAPER SHORTAGE

has had a direct effect on the consumption, demand and recovery of paper products.

“With offices and schools remaining closed or on rotation during 2020 and early 2021, there was less paper to collect,” says Molony, adding that there is a rising demand for paper packaging with the move to online shopping and to a more environmentally responsible form of packaging.

Various large retailers also embraced online shopping and delivery platforms over the last few years. These changes in consumer shopping

behaviour saw the demand for paper packaging – specifically made of brown/kraft paper/ cardboard. This type of wastepaper has proven to be a more renewable and recyclable form of packaging.

“The challenge, however, is that – at the same time – South Africa is experiencing a shortage with regard to these specific wastepaper grades that serve as ‘stock’ in the recycling process to manufacture new packaging material.”

Along with the disruptions to major international shipping routes, the continued reduction in stock levels is driven by a

P U L P & PA P E R

significant appreciation in expor t prices of wastepaper. As a result, wastepaper traders are favouring the expor t market.

According to Molony, a paper mill using recovered wastepaper requires 21 days of wastepaper stock per grade for optimal operations.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, paper mills could hold adequate stock levels of kraft, mixed and office paper for at least 30 days.

More recently, domestic mills have had to consume more of their stock levels, resulting in an average 63% deterioration of stock levels from 36 days to 13 days.

Local industry cannot compete with export prices Exporters of locally recovered wastepaper supply large foreign buyers.

“Some of these buyers exceed the size of the combined South African paper industry and can afford to pay significantly higher prices for wastepaper than our local manufacturers,” says Molony.

Pamsa’s members have invested billions of rand into the recycling value chain and are the primary source of demand for recovered wastepaper.

These companies collectively employ around 16 300 people while also supporting a thriving network of informal waste collectors and small recycling enterprises.

Molony notes, “The International Trade Administration Commission is working closely with all players in the sector to ensure that export permits are well managed.”

Wastepaper constitutes a significant portion of raw material for some 80% of local paper manufacturers who produce packaging paper and tissue.

Paper mills obtain wastepaper from a variety of sources:

• industry-led activities through the collection and purchase of pre- and post-consumer recyclable paper • various paper pick-up programmes, including commercial, kerbside, school, church, community, housing complex and office programmes • independent third-party recyclable material traders.

Increased waste separation Paper packaging – such as cardboard boxes – makes up a large portion of the paper collected for recycling, at 77%. Around 40% of office paper is collected; it is often archived, and many homes, businesses and schools are not conscientious with waste separation.

Molony appeals to all businesses and households to separate their paper and paper packaging from general waste. “You can simply leave the items in a box or bag next to your bin for your local informal recycling collectors.”

Used office paper, cereal boxes, brown cardboard boxes, milk and juice cartons, and even egg boxes are just some of the paper items that collectors will take to buy-back centres.

“We need to see increased and better separation-at-source by larger users of paper – businesses, schools and travel/tourism.

Paper needs to be separated from wet waste to maintain its integrity and quality – wet, degraded products will fetch a lower price for the collectors/sellers. We also need more suppor t from the media industr y to carr y this message.

Trends for 2022 “We are seeing more people and organisations becoming conscious about the impact that products and packaging have on our environment. With the increasing popularity of online shopping and paper packaging in general, the demand for paper packing will continue to increase through 2022, which will most likely add to the pressure of the supply shor tage currently experienced,” says Molony.

Pamsa is ver y excited about the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in place. These regulations will help to fur ther improve paper recover y, recycling and research effor ts, with EPR gaining traction as companies star t to pay their fees.

“Such funds will help to suppor t awareness campaigns and develop infrastructure to improve the collectability and recover y of paper products. Hopefully, as a result of many of their recycling initiatives, it will alleviate the pressure of the current shor tages,” she concludes.

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19

WASTE MANAGEMENT

MAJUBA ASH DISPOSAL

FACILITY TAKES SHAPE The Area 2 terraces with bulk earthworks, layerworks and HDPE liner installation in progress

Concor has passed the halfway mark on its project to extend the continuous ash disposal facility (ADF) at Eskom’s Majuba power station near Amersfoor t, Mpumalanga. The ADF will accommodate ongoing ash generation until Februar y 2036, ensuring that Majuba remains compliant with ever-stricter environmental regulations.

T

he project is being conducted in a fully integrated joint venture with Midrand-based contractor Lubocon Civils on an 85%/15% split, with Concor holding the majority stake.

To date, Concor has handed over Terrace 2A and is in the process of handing over one of the two rehabilitation dams. The construction of the extensive terraces – which measure 1.2 km long by 175 m wide – began with bulk ear thworks, cutting down to a design level before constructing the various layers.

These layers include 100 mm of filter sand, followed by a Class 2 geomembrane and two 150 mm layers of clay. This is covered by a double-textured 1.5 mm HDPE geomembrane, followed by a 300 mm coarse ash layer. Each liner terrace, constructed from stabilised ash,

is broken down into compar tments of 5 m widths, located ever y 100 m.

“Underneath these layers, we are constructing a network of herringbone subsoil drains with a leachate collection system, which will flow into a pollution control dam,” explains Mabandla Dlamini, contracts director at Concor.

Specialist subcontractors have been used for the all-impor tant lining beneath the dams, as well as the identification of any potential leaks.

“The excavation and bulk ear thworks for the pollution control and rehabilitation dams are followed by the construction of a subsoil drainage layer,” he says. “In addition to the geomembranes and layers of filter sand and impermeable clay, this layering includes 250 mm thick geocells, a ballast layer comprising 300 mm thick cement-stabilised sand (8% by mass), and geocells.”

Water perimeter canals Enhancing the environmental controls are water perimeter canals around the whole facility to separate and channel clean and dir ty water. These are lined with 100 mm geocells filled with 30 MPa concrete, controlling the stormwater in the area.

“The canals play a vital role in reducing the risk of any washdown from the tailings facility,” Dlamini continues. Measuring up to 7 m in width, the total combined length of these canals will amount to more than 4 km.

The Concor-Lubocon JV is also constructing 5.5 km of internal or monitoring road, with G5 and G7 materials sourced from commercial operations in Newcastle and Ermelo respectively.

The eastern embankment earthworks, road layerworks, culvert construction, and concrete-lined canals

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21

MEDICAL WASTE

TACKLING MEDICAL WASTE, post-Covid-19 New research suggests that more than 8 million tonnes of Covid-19pandemic-related plastic waste were generated globally.

P

lastic waste causes great harm to marine life and has globally become an environmental concern. At least 14 million tonnes of plastics end up in the ocean ever y year, making up 80% of all marine debris.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for single-use plastic in the form of disposable masks and gloves. New research has found that more than 8 million tonnes of pandemic-related plastic waste have been generated globally, and 25 000 tonnes of it has flowed into the world’s oceans.

Published in PNAS, the research article titled ‘Plastic waste release caused by Covid-19 and its fate in the global ocean’ used data from the star t of the pandemic in 2020 through August 2021 and found that most of this global plastic waste entering the ocean is coming from Asia.

“When we star ted doing the math, we were surprised to find that the amount of medical waste was substantially larger than the amount of waste from individuals, and a lot of it was coming from Asian countries, even though that’s not where most of the Covid-19 cases were,” says study co-author Amina Schar tup, an assistant professor at Scripps Oceanography.

The researchers from Nanjing University’s School of Atmospheric Sciences and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography used a model to evaluate the massive amount of plastic waste and its impact on the marine environment in the future. The model suggests that by the end of this centur y, almost all of the pandemic-associated plastics

will end up in either the seabed (28.8%) or beaches (70.5%), potentially hur ting those ecosystems.

The study authors are therefore calling for better medical waste management in pandemic epicentres, especially in developing countries. Justice Tootla, managing director at Averda, agrees that medical waste must be carefully regulated, adding that it needs to be destroyed or disinfected at specialist treatment facilities, as it poses a contamination risk.

“In the case of the medical waste processed by Averda, the waste is either incinerated or shredded into small par ticles and thereafter deactivated by means of microwave technology.”

Averda is a national leader in the safe collection, transpor t and treatment of infectious, pathological and pharmaceutical waste streams.

Waste becomes more healthcare-focused Tootla noted that the pandemic changed the nature of residential waste – making it more medical. The increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) introduced the need for the disposal of medical-type waste within domestic waste streams. Citizens now needed to start complying with new regulations they were not familiar with.

Realising that waste had become more ‘healthcare’ focused, the waste management sector had to make some changes. The first was to help educate non-medical professionals on the correct way of handling their waste,

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MEDICAL WASTE

especially items that had previously never been considered hazardous, such as used tissues.

In Januar y 2021 alone, Averda treated over 600 tonnes of Covid waste, and these volumes remained at around 450 tonnes per month for most of 2021. With the roll-out of the vaccine, the medical waste landscape changed once again with a fur ther increase in the volume of ‘sharps’.

“South Africa has an established hazardous waste management system in place that complies with global standards and has had its competence and effectiveness tested by previous outbreaks of other viruses. The pandemic just necessitated the need to educate citizens on how to correctly dispose of this ‘new’ waste stream,” Tootla explains.

Changing landscape Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were standard health and safety policies and protocols in place, but these were not enough, he adds. While South African law focuses on the control of waste within organisations and communities, there is little legislation that specifically suppor ts waste workers who are at the coalface of this vital and hazardous industr y.

Averda had to implement specific measures – at the star t of the lockdown in par ticular – to ensure that protocols and procedures were updated to protect clients and staff.

This included: • the revision and training on stricter waste handling procedures • ensuring consistent supply of PPE • clocking stations upgraded to no-touch facial recognition biometrics • temperature testing and self-declarations (including co-morbidities) of all people who enter the sites.

High-risk employees were identified and, on consultation with medical professionals, alternative work arrangements were made to limit their exposure.

“In preparation for the rollout of vaccinations, Averda also made provision with all their medical waste container suppliers for the increase in the demand for sharps containers to ensure they would be able to deal with the increase in demand, collection and safe disposal of this waste,” says Tootla.

Not business as usual “It’s impor tant to remember that South Africa has the capacity to manage Covid waste, thanks to timely investments in specialised medical waste treatment centres by companies like Averda, which have, on occasion, even par tnered to ensure that national requirements are met,” Tootla adds.

However, the pandemic necessitated a change in procedure. One of the biggest changes has been how businesses globally have re-evaluated their approach to facility cleaning and hygiene regimes, including the revision of waste management activities and protocols.

Tootla notes that one of the most interesting developments in major companies is how they are now including their new cleaning and waste management protocols into their communication strategies and incorporating these into their brand messaging.

“Waste generators have a legal responsibility, according to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008), to take all appropriate steps to manage waste in such a way that it does not harm health or the environment,” he says.

Looking into the future Even though Covid-19 volumes

are expected to decline over the coming months, this will simultaneously be offset by increases in other medical waste types, as hospitals and other medical facilities rever t to post-Covid activities and normal operations.

Therefore, in 2022, Averda plans to focus on the creation of additional plant capacity at the City Deep and George facilities, as both sites are close to capacity and demand levels continue to grow.

Averda is one of a few waste management companies in South Africa that manages the entire end-to-end process of the collection, treatment and disposal of medical waste – from point of generation to landfill.

The tracking of waste is strictly monitored through the company’s digital technology – from when the container leaves the client’s facility to the point of final disposal.

“Our digital tracking system is completely paperless, instead using a hygienic ‘sign on glass’ system. We monitor our vehicle and crew in real time, ensuring the route, driving behaviour, task requirements and crew’s transactions with our clients are tracked and recorded.”

Additionally, Averda’s branded vehicles are fully compliant with hazardous waste collection and hazmat requirements, marked with 6.2 infectious waste signage, and specifically engineered for the transpor tation of medical waste.

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PLASTICS

Industry veteran joins Plastics SA team

Plastics SA has appointed industr y veteran and plastics recycling exper t Annabé Pretorius as executive: Technical Operations. With a knowledge base that will ser ve the industr y well, Pretorius has plans to shake up the industr y.

A

nton Hanekom, executive director at Plastics SA, explains that this brand-new position filled by Pretorius has been created to meet the growing demand for technical and industr y information that is up to date, region-specific and easily accessible.

“The need for current, evidence-based industr y information and relevant trade data

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Annabé Pretorius, newly appointed executive: Technical Operations, Plastics SA

has become critical. Over the past few years, we have noticed a marked increase in the number of enquiries we receive on various topics relating to plastics manufacturing, recycling and sustainability. Industr y members, students, researchers, journalists, academics and members of the general public search online sources to find answers to their questions about the health and safety of plastics, its recyclability and versatility.

Unfor tunately, in many cases the ar ticles and resources that are easiest to find are dated or publish unsubstantiated information that has ver y little bearing on our South African context. We are hoping that this new position will become a valuable repositor y of factual and well-researched data that will correct these misconceptions and half-truths,” Hanekom says.

Having worked in the plastics industr y for more than 32 years, Pretorius is the ideal person to fill this position. A graduate in polymer science at Stellenbosch University, she first joined what was then known as

G E O S Y NP LT AH SE T I C S

the Plastics Federation of SA in 1990 as a technical trainer for extrusion courses.

In 2000, she was commissioned to gather the statistics for the countr y’s first plastics recycling sur vey but left the corporate environment in 2005 to form her own consultancy, Plastix 911. For the past 17 years, Pretorius’s knowledge of the industr y has proven to be invaluable when it comes to countering anti-plastics sentiment with facts and figures, and developing end-of-life solutions for used plastics.

“The local and international plastics industries have undergone radical changes over the past 10 years. More recently, the impact of the Covid19 pandemic has seen the world shrink even smaller. What we are doing in South Africa has an impact on the other side of the globe, and vice versa. Thanks to online meeting platforms and virtual webinars, it is no longer strange to talk to somebody in Singapore, Canada and France at the same time, and to collaborate in real time to find solutions to the issues at hand. The challenge now lies in ensuring this information is made available so that we can correct the avalanche of misinformation and old data that is available at a click of a button,” Pretorius says.

and enabling access to information about the local and international trade environment for the development of sustainable and inclusive growth in the industry.

The new incumbent will work closely with various government departments and institutions to ensure fair trade for materials and goods from, and into, South Africa.

“With its integrated value chain, no plastics role or function can operate independently. We see

our new Technical Operations Department as the ‘missing link’ that will benefit the entire industry by creating a credible dashboard with facts, figures and developing a proactive strategy. International rules and policies, trade agreements and conventions change almost daily, and we believe this new knowledge base will position the South African plastics industry in such a way that we can tap into all the oppor tunities,” Hanekom concludes.

Plans and priorities Hanekom stresses that Plastics SA is intent on further expanding its technical skills and knowledge base this year in order to offer ongoing technical support to its members and the industry at large.

“We will continue to grow the team with a strong focus on research and development, and are hoping to attract the most experienced minds to help us grow, expand and support the industry. These new positions will be responsible for gathering relevant data, interpreting the information and turning it into a tool that can be used by role players, policymakers and other interested parties to make informed decisions,” he reveals.

A second area of priority for Plastics SA will be strengthening the industry’s capacity on traderelated issues. Here, the plastics sector body will be looking at appointing an industry growth and trade specialist who will focus on creating FEBRUARY 2022

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ORGANIC WASTE

Turning Joburg’s organic waste into cleaner bus fuel In its drive to become a low-carbon and resourceefficient metro, the City of Johannesburg is exploring the opportunity of using biogas to fuel its buses, among other uses.

J

ohannesburg is South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipality and manages approximately 4 000 tonnes per day (t/day) of waste on average, of which over 1 000 t/day gets disposed of at Robinson Deep, in its rapidly filling landfills. Organic waste that ends up in these landfills produces greenhouse gases that are negatively affecting the environment. City council has been investigating the use of alternative waste treatment and disposal technologies to benefit the environment.

One such technology is the use of anaerobic digestion to produce biogas to fuel the City’s Metrobus fleet. Darius Boshoff, managing director at Energidrop, says the project aims to utilise waste produced by the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (JFPM) and the City of Joburg’s other essential services, namely: • Pikitup, which provides waste management, collection and disposal services • Metrobus, which provides public transport by means of a bus service • Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), which provides management, maintenance, gardening and zookeeping services • EISD – Waste Regulation and Infrastructure development.

The JFPM generates enough suitable organic waste to be utilised for the biogas project. By processing this waste in a biogas plant, the City will spare more than 2 000 m³ of landfill space per year and will save the JFPM a considerable amount in waste disposal costs.

Biogas technology uses a natural process involving bacteria to convert organic material into

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energy. Possible feedstocks are fruit and vegetable wastes, food-processing wastes, sewage sludges from water treatment, animal by-products such as manure, industrial and commercial organic wastes, and biowaste from households. The main product of the decomposition process is methane gas, which can be used as an energy carrier in a wide range of applications – specifically biogas and biomethane, which has an increased methane composition compared to biogas.

Biogas is therefore a renewable fuel comprising carbon dioxide and methane. By removing the carbon dioxide, biomethane is produced, which has a higher energy density. The biogas can be used in a variety of ways including for vehicle fuel, heating and electricity generation.

The biomethane produced is equivalent to natural gas found in the gas pipelines in Johannesburg and will be used to fuel several of the Metrobus dualfuel diesel buses that can run on cleaner and less costly natural gas, hence saving the City fuel costs.

The nutrients produced from the biodegraded organic matter can finally be matured at a compost site and used by the City in its public spaces and parks, saving on both compost and watering costs for the JCPZ. The additional stimulation of SMMEs to utilise compost for inner-city gardening is also envisaged.

The project will generate and procure its own on-site electricity from waste heat recovery and a solar rooftop installation.

Utilising existing infrastructure The project will make use of the facilities at Robertson Deep Landfill, with the design

incorporating older and existing infrastructure at the facility.

“The project will be integrating with existing gasto-energy initiatives that are already ongoing at the site but also aims to expand those in future as well.”

The City has successfully implemented landfill gas-to-energy projects with private sector partner Energy Systems. At Robinson Deep Landfill and the Marie Louise Site, landfill gas is extracted, combusted and/or flared as carbon dioxide to generate electricity. The project recovers waste heat from the highly successful neighbouring Joburg landfill gas installation to heat the digesters that produce the biogas.

Catalytic value This project directly addresses a myriad of most current issues faced by municipalities in the transition to become the sustainable cities needed for the 21st century.

Boshoff says the biogas and biomethane produced will prevent emissions across the whole value chain, with a threefold emissions mitigation effect: 1.

They avoid emissions that would otherwise occur naturally: organic residues are taken to the controlled environment of biogas plants, preventing the emissions produced by the decomposition of the organic matter from being

The waste-to-power project will convert biomass from the Joburg Fresh Produce Market into biofuel

ORGANIC WASTE

Energidrop is an engineering services company that was brought to life in 2013 as a response to the market need for a technology-focused partner. Energidrop’s involvement in the Joburg biofuel project started in 2018, and the company is responsible for assisting the City of Johannesburg with project execution and implementation through the development, financing and construction phases.

The aim of Energidrop is to provide its clients with expert technical advisory, owner’s engineers, development and project management services to accelerate their projects to successful implementation. To learn more about Energidrop, visit www.energidrop.com or contact info@energidrop.com.

released into the atmosphere from the landfill.

2. The biogas and biomethane produced displace fossil fuels as energy sources.

3. The use of the digestate obtained in the biogas production process as biofertiliser helps return organic carbon back into the soil and reduces demand for the carbon-intensive production of chemical fertilisers.

“The production of biogas and biomethane will also have a positive impact on non-energy sectors.

Distributed plants and facilities can reduce longhaulage costs to distant landfills. The separation of wastes leads to higher recycling and recovery rates of other recyclables. More people will be formally employed in the waste-to-value cycle. The list goes on. Turning waste into a valuable resource is the core principle of an efficient circular economy.

Food waste or wastewater can be recovered from our cities and used to produce renewable energy, which helps develop a local bio-economy.

In the countryside, residues from animal farming or biomass from agriculture can be optimised and converted into energy, while digestate can be used as an organic fertiliser.

“This project will reduce landfilling by between 50 t/day to 100 t/day. The biogas produced will offset diesel costs for 15 to 30 buses a day, and many sustainable jobs stand to be created directly,” adds Boshoff.

Pikitup is the official integrated waste management service provider to the City of Joburg

Partnerships The City of Johannesburg biogas project has been made possible by a grant from the Global Environmental Facility. In addition to economic and environmental benefits, the social upside is that the project will directly employ over 30 individuals and further stimulate other down- and upstream employment.

“There is huge potential for job creation in biogas. And we also plan to incorporate informal waste pickers into the waste sorting required at the biogas plant. The project will create great learning opportunities for student training and involvement, as it’s closely developed with the University of Johannesburg.”

The Development Bank of Southern Africa has been appointed as the implementing agent by the City and it manages the tendering, contracting and finances of the project to ensure the successful conclusion of the EPC project into the O&M phase.

Conclusion “Biogas technology is well proven and, in certain applications, cost-competitive to conventional waste disposal. We believe that this flagship programme will get local market and industry players excited about the benefits that can be generated by the production of renewable gases and other value,” concludes Boshoff.

Johannesburg’s dual-fuel Metrobus fleet runs on a mixture of compressed natural gas and diesel

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INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS

AMPLIFYING MPUMALANGA’S JOURNEY TOWARDS A The Mpumalanga Green Economy Development Plan aims to change the province’s economy from relying on coal-based energy to one boasting biomassbased energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism and ecoconscious towns by 2030.

T

he Mpumalanga province is one of the primary homes of South Africa’s fossil fuel energy economy.

The region faces a multitude of socio-economic and environmental challenges arising from resource-intensive economic activities. The region also currently suffers from high levels of unemployment, inequality and poverty as pressure mounts to transition away from a coal-based economy.

Under the leadership of the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT), the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa (NCPC-SA) established the Circular Economy Cluster as part of the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency.

Creating opportunities Working together with GreenCape and the international development finance community, the cluster will focus on unlocking economic opportunities in the green economy, making a contribution to regional economic diversification and job creation efforts. Lee-Hendor Ruiters, manager: Resources, Strategy and Innovation

green economy

at NCPC-SA, says the cluster will be a vehicle through which circular economy initiatives and projects are established and realised.

“The cluster aims to support small businesses to identify economic value in the repurposing, reusing and remanufacturing of waste streams, with a focus on the agricultural, energy and water sectors. This will ultimately contribute new investment opportunities to be fed into the overarching Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency.”

Mpumalanga’s Green Cluster Agency is a system of economic activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services that result in improved human well-being over the long term.

Prioritising circularity Sandile Khumalo, project manager at NCPC-SA, says the biggest aim is to develop a platform where discussions can be had around how circularity can be prioritised in the province.

“It will bring together a collection of stakeholders who have influence in the Mpumalanga circular economy. Once that platform has been developed, it will promote discussion and collaboration among the impactors.”

Khumalo asser ts that the cluster will also promote projects that have a direct impact on the development of the province’s circular economy.

“The green economy, in particular, lends itself to collaborative ecosystem-building approaches and, through the cluster, we will be able

to develop investment-ready opportunities,” adds Ruiters.

NCPC-SA started working in the province in 2018 by implementing the Mpumalanga Industrial Symbiosis Programme. This was done in collaboration with the DEDT and, as time went on, the programme also started looking at the province’s circularity. When the cluster was established, NCPC-SA assumed the secretariat role within the cluster and was also part of its establishment.

The first stakeholder engagement was held on 31 May 2021 in partnership with GreenCape and the purpose was to engage circular economy stakeholders in the province and other relevant organisations to share information on their activities and projects.

Both Ruiters and Khumalo conclude that the cluster will help to not only identify circular economy projects but will also be able to procure funding for these projects. This will require feasibility studies to be conducted for potential projects and a broader study to identify more economic opportunities in key sectors supported by the cluster.

“For NCPC-SA, this is a unique role we are playing and we are very excited to see the cluster grow. In order to see the uptake of circular business models that contribute to much-needed economic growth, we’ve realised the importance of building on the foundation that has been laid through our resource efficiency and cleaner production support over the past 20 years since our establishment,” concludes Ruiters.

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E-WASTE

INDUSTRY WELCOMES e-waste LANDFILL BAN Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream globally and poses serious environmental risks if mismanaged.

A

ccording to the UN’s Global E-waste Monitor, around 50 million tonnes of electronic products are discarded every year, with the global total likely to swell to 74.7 million tonnes by 2030. This makes it the world’s fastest growing domestic waste stream, fuelled mainly by more people buying electronic products with shorter life cycles and fewer options for repair.

The e-Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA) reports that South Africa generates about 6.2 kg of e-waste per inhabitant annually and only 12% of that is recycled. It has therefore become extremely vital that measures are implemented to ensure that our e-waste is managed correctly and redirected away from landfill disposal and toward the beneficial reuse, recovery and recycling thereof.

Landfill ban on e-waste As of August 2021, all types of electrical and electronic equipment waste are prohibited from being disposed of at landfills across South Africa. This e-waste may only be recycled by licensed recycling facilities. Keith Anderson, CEO of eWASA, says the association welcomes any new legislation that will result in saving the environment.

“We believe it’s high time to keep e-waste out of landfills, as well as other waste streams such as plastics, paper and lighting. It contains valuable resource materials as well as potentially hazardous substances,” he says.

Giulio Airaga, managing director at Desco Electronic Recyclers, adds that this will help further existing efforts the industry has been implementing to divert e-waste.

“We have been pushing for the responsible disposal of e-waste, irrespective of legislature; however, having this formalised will help

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E-WASTE

drive the message about how important it is to divert electronic waste from our landfills,” Airaga states.

Founded in 1992, Desco Electronic Recyclers is an established, environmentally responsible and accredited recycler of e-waste situated in Kempton Park. The company services large corporations, the public and SMMEs, while also providing services to government, educational and medical institutions.

A notable Desco initiative is the e-waste bins placed at Makro stores nationwide. Through that programme, the recycler has collected 40.8 tonnes of e-waste per annum and an additional 12.4 tonnes through other mixed shopping centres.

Legislative compliance South Africa’s current recycling rate is between 2% and 2.5% for waste lighting, and between 10% and 12% for other e-waste. It is expected that the ban, coupled with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, promulgated under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008), will increase the collection and recycling rate.

“The ban will be a good thing for all stakeholders, as well as our member companies that operate in the e-waste management space. This also means stricter controls and protocols for all parties involved in the reverse logistics value chain, and will also have the effect of creating a level playing

field for companies,” insists Anderson.

The EPR regulations stipulate that manufacturers and producers are responsible for the end-of-life management of their products. This legislation is seen as a game changer in an industry that has seen a growing demand for electronic devices.

the environment and humans. “If these fractions get dumped, their chemicals leach into the ground. They affect the soil and the groundwater underneath it. You can’t plant on this soil and, if you drink the water that comes from the water table where e-waste was dumped, you can get poisoned,” he warns.

eWASA eWASA was established in 2008 to manage the establishment of a sustainable, environmentally sound e-waste management system for the country. The non-profit organisation has been working with manufacturers, vendors and distributors of electronic and electrical goods and e-waste handlers (including refurbishers, dismantlers and recyclers) to manage e-waste effectively.

“We are committed to delivering costeffective compliance on behalf of our producer members. eWASA represents some of the largest producers of the household electrical and electronic industry who have a producer responsibility programme under the proposed EPR regulations to organise and finance their products’ environmental management at their end of life,” says Anderson.

Desco partners with the IWMSA to promote compliance with necessary environmental laws and support the responsible management of e-waste.

Airaga explains that the consequences of irresponsible destruction can be devastating for

Potential for growth Airaga believes that although the industry has seen a lot of rapid growth in the last 10 years, there is still room for the industry to grow – especially because it can bring a lot of economic value.

“In South Africa, we have seen a number of new players enter the e-waste recycling market and we have also seen a lot of positive technological development in the sector. Desco and other private South African companies are working on an international standard,” Airaga notes.

He adds that the sector has huge potential for job creation and e-waste, which Anderson seconds.

“We always strive to improve the standard of e-waste collection and have plans as part of the producer responsibility organisation e-waste scheme to incorporate the informal sector and create jobs in the growing sector. That being said, as an industry, we still have a lot of room for improvement and I predict that we will see a lot of maturity coming to the fore in the next 24 months,” Airaga concludes.

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PLASTICS

Formerly

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VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

One of the countr y’s largest multifranchise suppliers of heavy machiner y, ELB Equipment, has joined the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa where it plans to play an active role in the provision of solutions for the industr y.

W

ith its ‘Best-of-Breed’ philosophy, South Africa’s 103-year-old ELB Equipment has gone about selecting and building long-standing relationships with the finest and most suitable equipment brands for African conditions.

This enables local buyers to access brands such as the internationally renowned Sumitomo excavators, Dressta landfill dozers, Powerscreen waste handling crushers and screens, as well as supplementary equipment such as Gehl skidsteers and TLBs, Hidromek motor graders, and a host of others.

The move effectively puts solutions from these brands within easy reach of members and enables closer collaboration with equipment manufacturers to provide world-class waste handling solutions that are tailored for local conditions.

Furthermore, it provides members with a single source of contact, for multiple waste management solutions, from a single supplier.

HEAVYWEIGHT

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER

joins the IWMSA

Unique to the company is its end-to-end coverage of the entire country with full and extensive branch and dealer networks in all regions. This means that members can now access the company’s entire range of waste handling machines from a local branch while enjoying local service and support from OEMtrained and -certified professionals.

requirements and tailor financial solutions to procure the right equipment.

“Rather than modifying construction and materials handling equipment, we provide waste management equipment direct from the OEM, which is custom-built and equipped to comply with regulations and conform to the rigours and challenges unique to waste management,” says Gerber.

Tender assistance Danie Gerber, divisional director, ELB Equipment, says the company has grown its range of earthmoving, construction and mining equipment over many decades and has earned a sterling reputation during this time. More recently, it has turned to its equipment manufacturer partners to provide equipment for waste management and beyond the landfill to recycling and related solutions.

“Additionally, as a ser vicer to local governments, we have a dedicated tender team that is able to aid municipalities and their service providers to conform to legal requirements and smooth the way for more rapid and effective tender processes. We also work with service providers and waste management services to find the best and most suitable solutions for the town or city’s

Site meetings Heath Dickson, mining application and product manager, ELB Equipment, adds that it is an honour to work with the IWMSA and collaborate with its members. The provision of holistic solutions for building, operating and maintaining landfills and recycling plants is a growing area of the business and one that will receive the full attention of the company’s management team at all times.

“We invite each and every member of the IWMSA to get in contact and arrange consultations with our sales and technical teams to find effective solutions for current and future challenges. Collaborative discussions of this allow us to both learn more about individual requirements, as well as introduce solutions that may assist in the management of sites in future. There is no obligation – rather, we want to reach out to members and see how we can assist,” Dickson concludes.

Waste handling and recycling equipment from ELB Equipment

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RECYCLING

Supermarket trolley crowned recycled product of the year A humble supermarket trolley has been crowned the Best Recycled Product of the Year at the South African Plastics Recycling Organisation’s biennial competition.

S

outh Africa has a major waste management problem. In 2019, it was repor ted that only 10% of the more than 54 million tonnes of waste generated yearly is recycled or recovered for other uses. This called for an industr y-wide agreement to change how waste is managed and recycled – specifically plastics.

The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO) – a representative of plastics re-processors in South Africa

– developed a biennial competition that raises awareness and showcases the wide variety of ingenious products that are locally designed and manufactured using recycled plastics.

The 2021 overall winner of the Best Recycled Plastic Product of the Year Awards was a Pick n Pay trolley manufactured by Supercar t SA. The trolley, entered into the Consumer & Leisure categor y, was made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and consists of 50% post-consumer recyclate provided by MyPlas.

Plastics need all the help they can get to remove the discomfort consumers associate with recycled products and the trolley goes a long way in achieving that. HDPE is fully recycled in South Africa and large mouldings are particularly popular for recycling.

It opens up the way for retailers to demonstrate circularity in an everyday product.”

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All the entries were judged on the following criteria: • the life expectancy and sustainability of product • measures that were taken to ensure product consistency and customer satisfaction despite recycled material content • tonnages (or potential tonnages) of plastic waste that were conver ted and diver ted from landfill • as well as the technical achievements in manufacturing to overcome recycled material challenges.

It was impor tant for SAPRO to recognise and reward recyclers for creating new endmarkets for recyclate that will not only continue to be in demand five years from now but also exhibit a wow factor, resulting in people star ting to think differently about recycled materials.

RECYCLING

The wow factor Commenting on what impressed the judges the most about the trolley, Phil Sereme, GM at SAPRO, said that large, ever yday products that are well made promote recycling in the best possible manner.

“Plastics need all the help they can get to remove the discomfor t consumers associate with recycled products and the trolley goes a long way in achieving that. HDPE is fully recycled in South Africa and large mouldings are par ticularly popular for recycling. It opens up the way for retailers to demonstrate circularity in an ever yday product.

“I don’t think people will ever look at their supermarket trolley in the same way again.

Once you understand the large amount of effor t that MyPlas has put into collecting and recycling the plastics used to produce this trolley – combined with the innovation and manufacturing exper tise of the Supercar t team – you star t to appreciate the rich tapestr y of hard work that makes each trolley a work of ar t!” Sereme explained.

EXCITING NEW AWARDS CATEGORIES SAPRO introduced various new categories for the 2021 competition. The categories were as follows: • P ackaging for Non-food Products: Packaging made from recycled plastic and used for non-food packaging products • P ackaging for Food & Beverages: Plastic packaging used for food-contact applications • A griculture & Related Products: Product packaging and items used in the agricultural sector • H ousehold & Leisure Products: Products such as plastic knives, forks and plastic bowls, domestic-ware, broom handles, garden chairs, etc.

• A utomotive, Electronic, Technical & Engineering: Products such as electric plugs and automobile bumpers, dashboards and mirror housings, machine switches, etc.

• C onstruction & Building Sector: Products ranging from roof sheeting, building bricks and paving to plumbing applications • Textile & Clothing: Products manufactured from recycled material in the clothing or allied textile sector • Volume Award: Products made of 100% post-consumer recyclate (PCR). This is for applications that, in the opinion of the judges, utilise ‘substantial volumes’ of PCR •O verall Winner: The overall ‘best-in-class’ application from all of the above categories

What the trolley is made of The HDPE the trolley is built from is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes and plastic lumber. HDPE is also commonly recycled.

According to MyPlas – the innovative plastic recycler that specialises in HDPE, LDPE and polypropylene – the original trolleys were made from HDPE and MyPlas therefore wanted to focus on developing a grade that would be compatible with the current equipment and provide the same type of per formance – e.g. being able to withstand the African sun.

The recyclate used was collected by waste collectors countr ywide.

Speaking on what inspired the company to become a par t of such a project, Johann Conradie, director, MyPlas, said: “We are always looking for collaborations where we can show the abilities of recycled plastic and reduce the amount of fossil fuels extracted from the environment. The trolley is a ver y visible showcase that is regularly touched and seen by consumers – thereby raising the profile of recycled plastic.”

Conradie added that approximately 100 to 120 jobs were created from the project.

According to Michael Wolfe, founder of Supercar t, the idea of a recycled trolley was initially proposed to his company by

The 2021 overall winner of the Best Recycled Plastic Product of the Year Awards was a Pick n Pay trolley manufactured by Supercart SA

Woolwor ths in 2012. “At the time, it was not exactly a fully recycled product, as it required regrinding – where only 35% of the trolley material would be used.

“After being approached by MyPlas in 2019, who proposed a recycling strategy using HDPE picked up from landfills, the idea came to fruition,” he said.

Conclusion Although it is still unclear whether there will be broader production of a greater range of products from recyclable material, the creation of a recyclable trolley is a great step towards keeping the Ear th clean and making it a sustainable space for ever yone to live in.

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RECYCLING

Recyclable labels trial delivers more options for

BRAND OWNERS

A groundbreaking trial that renders plastic bottles with self-adhesive labels fully recyclable promises positive spin-offs for the environment and plastic producers.

P

ETCO, together with one of its recycling par tners, Extrupet, recently teamed up with PETCO member Oasis Water and global label producer MCC Label to conduct a recycling trial on a range of pressure-sensitive adhesive labels.

This is the third such successful labelling trial, providing more options for improving the quality of PET recyclate and assisting producers to meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and sustainable packaging targets set out by the Section 18 legislation.

Historically, adhesive labels have been problematic, as residue from the labels purges into the recyclate and discolours

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it. This discoloured recycled PET (rPET) cannot be repurposed into high-quality, clear plastic beverage bottles, and is then fit for only a limited range of products.

According to PETCO’s Designing for the Environment guidelines, components such as closures and labels should be designed in such a way that they can be easily, safely and cost-effectively separated and then eliminated from the rPET.

Tried and tested Using 20 000 Oasis Water PET bottles as the test base, MCC Label tested two of their recycLABEL products – a white and a clear polypropylene, pressure-sensitive label of var ying thicknesses. The labels were applied to the bottles and then

put through their paces during Extrupet’s state-of-the-art recycling process.

“A clean flake and clean shredded label particle are paramount in PET recycling,” says Harr y Havenga of MCC Label.

“Our adhesive dissolves in the wash process, which means that there is zero carr y-over in the extraction process. This also benefits the recycler, since ver y limited adhesive residue remains in the wash water. MCC Label can now offer brand owners – who are under pressure to ensure closed-loop recycling – an array of labelling options at a competitive price.”

The recycLABEL substrate is produced by MCC Label in either Germany or the USA. Converting can take place at any of its three production facilities in South

RECYCLING

Africa and, as the trial demonstrated, the internationally recognised wash-off label can stand up to testing under local conditions.

“We can’t assume that because a label has been validated as recyclable in another countr y, it will work here. Recycling plants and equipment are not the same globally and we have to test and validate each product under South African conditions,” explains Chandru Wadhwani, joint MD, Extrupet.

EPR certified MCC is the third label manufacturer to successfully trial more sustainable options, following the wash-off adhesive trials by UPM Raflatac and Java print, and a trial done by Aver y Dennison earlier in 2021.

Cheri Scholtz, CEO, PETCO, welcomes these positive developments.

“Under the new EPR regulations, it is critical that we start redesigning problematic packaging

with recycling in mind. We expect to see demand from obligated producers grow and we look forward to seeing innovative solutions from more of our local label manufacturers.”

As of 5 November 2021, producers in the packaging sector are required by law to comply with EPR regulations laid out in Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008).

The legislation came into effect on 5 May 2021 and gave producers six months to register with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and join a registered producer responsibility organisation such as PETCO, or establish and implement their own EPR schemes.

“The regulations compel suppliers and brand owners in the packaging sector to assume responsibility for the management of packaging waste, including collection, sorting and recycling, over and above any health and safety issues associated with their products,” says Scholtz.

“EPR applies to everyone in the packaging chain – from the brand owner to the retailer and importer of packaged goods. All packaging and associated products must be cer tified recycling-friendly by a South African recycler.

We commend MCC Label for its commitment to making sustainable PET packaging a reality, and we applaud Oasis Water for once again providing the bottles,” she concludes.

Specialist Waste Management Consultants • Waste Collection Optimisation • Transfer Station Design • Material Recovery Facility Design • General Waste Landfill Design • Hazardous Waste Landfill Design • Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation Design • External Auditing of Waste Facilities

• Regional Waste Studies • PPP Involvement in Waste Management • Alternative Technologies for Waste Diversion • Integrated Waste Management Plans • Closure/Rehabilitation Cost Provisions

T: +27 (0)21 982 6570 F: +27 (0)21 981 0868

www.jpce.co.za 60 Bracken Street, Protea Heights Brackenfell, South Africa, 7560

P O Box 931, Brackenfell, 7561

SA's biggest brands move towards

sustainable packaging As environmental awareness increases, both globally and locally, the amount of waste generated in South Africa is attracting more concern. By Nonhlelo Nhleko, Paula-Ann Novotny & Ziyanda Ngcobo of Webber Wentzel

S

ignificant volumes of waste are still being diverted to landfill sites, which reflects a continued and dangerous ‘take-make-dispose’ relationship with consumer products. In response to both consumer and legislative pressures, some of South Africa’s largest retailers and brands are now putting a greater emphasis on the recyclability of their packaging.

World Wildlife Fund South Africa’s Plastics: Facts and Futures report, published in November 2020, showed that out of the major municipalities, only eThekwini Metro in KwaZulu-Natal and the City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng have significant landfill space left.

There is therefore an urgent need to divert plastic and packaging waste and other end-of-life materials away from landfill sites.

Legislative moves The Plastic Carrier Bags and Plastic Flat Bags Regulations (Plastic Bag Regulations) published under the Environment Conservation Act (No. 73 of 1989) are premised on the popular slogan: ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’. Read with the plastic bag levy introduced in 2004 under the Customs and Excise Act (No. 91 of 1964), an indirect tax has been imposed on the movement, manufacture or consumption of plastic bags. Retailers pass this

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tax onto consumers by charging for every sale of a plastic bag.

The Plastic Bag Regulations also impose certain ‘compulsory specifications’ on plastic bags (such as a minimum thickness of 24 microns), to make plastic bags more environmentally friendly and reusable. Under the most recent amendments to the Plastic Bag Regulations, there is now a deadline that all plastic bags should contain designated amounts of ‘post-consumer recyclate’ at certain intervals, until they ultimately contain 100% post-consumer recyclate content by 1 January 2027 (subject to permissible exceptions).

But our legislators have acknowledged that we need to do more in encouraging circular economy thinking and practices. In May 2021, the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations published under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 took effect, marking a new waste management policy approach that is now regulated by law.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is founded on product stewardship and the polluterpays principle, to encourage circular economy practices (such as sustainable packaging design), increase recycling rates and divert waste from our landfills. The EPR Regulations prescribe mandatory EPR measures that designated producers of identified products in (among others) the paper,

packaging and single-use product sector must comply with.

These include upstream obligations (i.e. regulating the design, production and composition of products to encourage avoiding, reducing and reusing waste), as well as downstream obligations (i.e. regulating the waste implications associated with products after their consumption, such as recovery, recycling and disposal).

In support of the EPR Regulations and their requirements, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) published the ‘Draft Packaging Guideline: Recyclability by Design for Packaging and Paper in South Africa’ on 6 October 2021.

Its main purpose is to reduce the volume of packaging in landfill sites by improving product design, increasing the quality of production practices, and promoting waste prevention.

The Draft Packaging Guideline focuses on the design of packaging to facilitate recycling and represents a small but important aid for the journey to sustainable production and consumption, specifically seeking to maximise the value of recyclate (where the specification of recycled materials in the design of new products supports the recovery of material).

Ethical marketing Large retailers such as Mr Price, Woolworths, Shoprite and Spar, as well as large brands like Estee Lauder and Coca-Cola, have, for several years, been aggressively pursuing sustainable packaging goals by developing, and increasingly using, environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging. This enhances the appeal of their products to many shoppers.

RECYCLING

However, there are cer tain legal and ethical obligations relating to the adver tising of sustainable packaging.

South Africa’s consumer protection laws give consumers the right to fair and honest dealing, disclosure of information, and fair and responsible marketing that is not false, deceptive or misleading regarding the services and product provided.

There is also a Code of Advertising, which requires brands and retailers to ensure that, among other things, all advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful, and prepared with a sense of responsibility to the consumer. Brands and retailers should ensure that advertisements are not framed to abuse the trust of the consumer or exploit their lack of experience, knowledge or credulity.

They must ensure that advertisements do not contain any statement or visual presentation that – directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity, inaccuracy, exaggerated claim or otherwise – is likely to mislead the consumer.

Beyond these regulatory mechanisms, the marked rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations and impacts organisations are expected to understand, internalise and disclose against has brought with it a warning against ‘greenwashing’ – the phenomenon of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound.

Brand owners and product labels need to be wary of false advertising, as an increased number of claims and litigation in the ESG space have been premised on greenwashing attempts by big corporates and retailers.

Where will this lead?

These measures all demonstrate the importance being placed on sustainable packaging and providing accountability mechanisms to root out false advertising in various industries. Failure to adopt and abide by these mechanisms will see a significant increase in ESG-related litigation based on

misrepresentation and sustainability falsehoods in product labelling and packaging design.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the sustainability and competitiveness of brands are linked to their ability to give effect to the concept of ‘recyclability’, namely that it must become both technically and economically feasible to recycle product packaging. This will require brands to support and implement circular economy practices and initiatives in packaging design.

With the legislative mechanisms now in place, we expect a variety of mechanisms, solutions and initiatives being implemented throughout the packaging value chain.

Manufacturers, converters, importers and brand owners of certain types of packaging (e.g. glass, metal, paper packaging and single-use plastics) will – following their registration with the DFFE under the EPR Regulations – now be required to budget for the implementation of up- and downstream measures to improve the recyclability of their products at the end of their life – whether on their own or by paying producer responsibility organisations (registered non-profit companies in the recovery and recycling space) to do so on their behalf.

We understand that the industry is also working on universal and uniform labelling requirements, which are expected to be enforced in the near future.

The informal waste sector will play a crucial part in the mandated EPR schemes implemented in the packaging sector, as will innovative technologies to track packaging materials, their use, and their composition throughout their life cycle.

Due to climate change, recyclability should be at the forefront of product design and development, and brands ought to remember that they have an ethical and legal duty to contribute to the South African consumer sector’s environmentally sustainable future.

Paula-Ann Novotny, senior associate

Ziyanda Ngcobo, senior associate

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY

WHERE DOES THE CONSUMER FIT IN? In a bid to move towards a circular economy, the South African government has gazetted new legislation that will have a big impact on how businesses manage their products at end of life, but what about the consumer?

A

ccording to the State of Waste Repor t, South Africa generated 108 million tonnes of waste in 2017. Only 21% of that waste ended up in recycling plants, with the majority going to landfill sites – many of which are nearing critical capacity.

To drastically change this and encourage a transition towards a circular economy – where materials are reused repeatedly – government gazetted new legislation in November 2021, which will have a big impact on businesses.

Producers now must take responsibility to ensure that their products are collected for reuse or recycling at end of life.

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This is according to the ‘Regulations regarding Extended Producer Responsibility’ (EPR) and the accompanying regulations for paper and packaging, lighting, and electrical and electronic equipment. Under these regulations, responsibility is placed on producers to work with waste management companies, as well as informal waste collectors, to establish collection and recycling schemes. Producers must also: • be registered with government within six months of the notice • submit regular audits to government • comply with rules for cleaner production, reduced rates of waste as well as reusing existing materials

• pay an EPR fee.

These new regulations are seen as an important step in dealing with a number of problematic waste streams in South Africa, and in moving the country to a more circular economy – a concept also alluded to in the National Waste Management Strategy.

“A more circular economy provides many opportunities for South Africa”, says Professor Linda Godfrey, principal researcher at the CSIR and manager of the Waste RDI Roadmap.

“Ver y often, the circular economy is used as a synonym for recycling or the implementation of the waste hierarchy; and EPR is seen as the policy instrument to drive a circular economy.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY But the oppor tunities extend beyond just waste or waste recycling, and the transition to a circular economy will require a variety of policy inter ventions.”

Godfrey asserts that the circular economy is about sustainable resource management and keeping resources in flow for as long as possible, at their maximum value.

“It’s about designing waste out of the system.

Ultimately, the circular economy provides a means to decouple economic growth from the use of natural resources by using resources more effectively, creating a more efficient and globally competitive economy. With this broader ‘resource’ approach to the circular economy, it highlights the importance of all role players in driving this transition to a circular economy.”

Through this approach, Godfrey believes that the consumer can also play an important role in the transition to a circular economy – by being responsible consumers in the ever yday decisions they make when accessing goods and ser vices.

“It’s also time that consumers realised the power of their collective voices in influencing the behaviour of business and what products businesses put on the market.”

promoting waste minimisation and efficient and effective waste ser vices. Godfrey believes awareness programmes have been rather “ad hoc over the past years”.

She adds: “Some cities and towns have communication strategies around littering and illegal dumping, about increasing recycling. But we urgently need a national education and awareness campaign with a clear, consistent message.”

She believes that these programmes and initiatives must be combined with the provision of infrastructure and ser vices, such as regular, reliable, municipal waste collection, as well as access to drop-off facilities for recyclables or household hazardous waste.

“We will need a suite of inter ventions to create this enabling environment for the transition to a circular economy, from regulation to economic instruments to education and awareness. I do believe we need to find more ways to incentivise behaviour change.”

“The reality is that government, particularly in developing countries, does not have the resources to implement a circular economy.

I see the role of government as one of creating the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. Ultimately, it will be business that drives a more circular economy and realises the business opportunities it provides – but recognising that, there will be winners and losers in transitioning towards a circular economy, and many businesses will need to adapt to remain relevant. I believe we’ve only just scratched the sur face of what the circular economy, and especially the sharing economy, can provide in terms of business oppor tunities,” Godfrey concludes.

Who must take the lead?

Godfrey explains that moving towards a circular economy must be about collaboration and publicprivate partnerships.

A disruptive role Godfrey explains that perhaps the most disruptive role consumers can play is this concept that “you have the right to own nothing.”

She adds, “It’s a fundamental change in the way we view our role as consumers. Up until now, we’ve been told by business that we must buy things. But we’re now asking the question, ‘Can we access goods and ser vices in a completely different way – in a less resource-intensive way?’ The sharing economy is an example of this, where I can still access the ser vice, such as mobility, without owning the object – in this example, a car.

“This change in the way we view goods and ser vices is finding a lot of traction with the youth who don’t want to be bogged down owning ‘stuff’. Think about music: do you still buy CDs or do you stream your music? You can still access the music, but in a less resource-intensive way, in a ‘nonownership’ way. We’re going to see more and more of these ser vice-type businesses pop up, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs, which is ver y exciting,” asserts Godfrey.

Incentivising behaviour change The National Waste Management Strategy makes mention of awarenessraising as one of the three key pillars to transitioning to a circular economy, other pillars include FEBRUARY 2022

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

Why is Africa the next renewables powerhouse?

Africa’s move towards renewable energy is rapidly under way. Many African countries have employed solar energy as a solution to tackling climate change, facilitating development and ensuring food security.

E

nergy is one of the top five objectives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to achieve universal access by 2025.

The plan includes expanding grid power by 160 GW and connecting 130 million people to energy infrastructure.

In addition, the AfDB aims to connect 75 million people to off-grid systems and provide 150 million households with access

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to clean cooking energy. The AfDB is also working with African countries to transform their energy utility sectors and attract investment in new energy markets. Africa has an almost unlimited potential of solar capacity (10 TW), abundant hydro (350 GW), wind (110 GW), and geothermal energy sources (15 GW).

Decisions will have a long-term impact on the continent’s energy economy; however, the time has come to ensure that the proper energy mix

is implemented to find a long-term solution to meet rising energy consumption.

According to the International Energy Agency, renewable energy would account for more than half of the increase in power output by 2040 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Some 600 million people live without access to electricity in SSA. This energy pover ty across the continent holds back African economic development and costs the continent 2% and 4% of GDP annually.

Only 10% of SSA’s hydropower capacity is utilised. The region will begin to unlock its immense renewable energy resources over the next 26 years, with solar energy leading this growth.

The International Renewable Energy Agency evaluates that renewable energy capacity in Africa could reach 310 GW by 2030, putting the continent at the forefront of renewable energy generation globally. The African Union has advocated that member states, regional and multilateral bodies incorporate the Clean Energy Corridor principle into national renewable climate and energy agendas.

There are various regional initiatives aimed at fast-tracking the growth of renewable energy capacity and cross-border renewable energy exchange: • Geothermal energy is becoming the second largest power source, primarily in Kenya and Ethiopia. Solar photovoltaics, small hydropower and wind will fuel two-thirds of mini-grid and then off-grid systems in rural areas by 2040.

• The Eastern Africa Power Pool, Southern

RENEWABLE ENERGY

ABOUT AFRICA ENERGY INDABA The Africa Energy Indaba is the continent’s definitive energy event, providing an agenda that influences energy policy for Africa. Attended by ministers and private sector decision-makers, the prestigious event serves as the ideal platform for achieving Africa’s vision for a sustainable energy future and keeping abreast of global energy competitors in this dynamic landscape.

Under the theme ‘The business of energy – Africa beckons’, Africa Energy Indaba 2022 will consider how our continent can lead the globe in scaling up and producing renewable energy.

The 14th African Energy Indaba Conference is a hybrid model of virtual discussion and debate African Power Pool and West Africa Power Pool promote cooperation between national power utilities.

• T here are West and Southern African entrepreneurship suppor t facilities with programmes that assist small and mediumsized renewable energy enterprises.

• In Morocco, the Ouarzazate solar complex is one of the largest concentrated solar plants in the world. It has produced and delivered over 814 GWh of clean energy through the national electric grid since 2016.

Magdalena Seol, the African Development Bank’s representative for the ‘Desert to Power’ initiative in the Sahel region, comments, “Without energy, it’s impossible to imagine economic growth. A lack of energy has been one of the key factors that have hindered the region’s economic development.”

taking place on 1 to 3 March 2022. It also hosts an in-person physical exhibition on 1 and 2 March 2022 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The event has proven its success year after year, providing an effective platform for addressing key issues impacting the African energy sector while devising solutions to best mitigate these pressing concerns. Strategic partnerships with the African Union Development Agency and many leading African industry associations ensure the event is backed by leading energy drivers.

The symposium provides invaluable business growth opportunities for the continent’s energy space, subsequently inspiring much-needed transformation within the sector.

Conclusion Africa is a climate-resilient and lowcarbon continent but needs a renewable energy revolution.

The continent can achieve its renewable energy potential with attractive investment oppor tunities by facilitating conversations around climate-resilient infrastructure,

climate-smart agriculture, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The Africa Energy Indaba conference promises to provide just that. It promises to give participants the ideal platform for networking, engagement and is anticipated to be an important event for both the African energy sector and the regional economy.

2022 THEME:

THE BUSINESS OF ENERGY

- AFRICA BECKONS

REGISTER NOW

With over 600 million people across the continent who don’t have access to energy, Africa presents an enormous investment and growth opportunity for companies in the energy sector.

Join over 1,000 African Energy Captains of Industry in 2022 for the 14th Africa Energy Indaba to explore and find new business ventures in the energy market in Africa, through targeted Business Networking

1 - 3 MARCH 2022 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE PHYSICAL EXHIBITION: CTICC, Cape Town

The Africa Energy Indaba will unlock opportunities within • African Utilities • Country High Priority Energy Project development opportunities • African Gas – infrastructure, gas and projects • Independent Power Producers • Off-grid and mini-grid opportunities

REGISTER NOW on the website www.africaenergyindaba.com TO BOOK A STAND or for more info, call 011 463 9184 or email info@energyindaba.co.za

POLLUTION

Groundbreaking

ocean pollution technology

The Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is set to launch an innovative ocean pollution monitoring technology.

D

espite global efforts to educate consumers and industries about the dangers of waste and other pollutants entering the ocean, tonnes of waste reach the sea every year. This presents health risks to both people and marine life.

According to the UN Environment Programme, between 90 000 and 250 000 tonnes of rubbish enter the oceans that surround South Africa every year.

UCT’s Department of Electrical Engineering has thus embarked on a groundbreaking project that aims to locate and monitor ocean pollution in waters off Cape Town.

SMARTPOL Led by Professor Amit Kumar Mishra as the principal investigator – along with Fred Nicolls, associate professor; Robyn Verrinder, senior lecturer; and lecturers Jarryd Son and Stephen Paine – the team will soon undertake Project SMARTPOL, a new venture that will identify sources of pollution in our waters using a combination of boats, sensors and satellites.

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The system is expected to collect data on ocean pollution.

Project SMARTPOL – a shortened name for the ‘Autonomous network system with specialised and integrated multisensor technology for dynamic monitoring of marine pollution’ – is a three-year project that was granted funding by the MarTERA ERA-NET Cofund scheme of the European Commission.

UCT’s Department of Electrical Engineering was awarded the funding as part of a consortium that includes Yildiz Technical University and the Sirena Marine Yachts Group from

Turkey; AquaBioTech Group and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology from Malta; and Interactive Software from Romania.

The department will be able to access a budget of about R5.3 million – part of which will be used to fund students who will work on the project.

Together, the international partners form a consortium that reflects both academic and industrial strengths for their pursuit of marine pollution detection.

“As our partners include Turkey, Malta and South Africa, we will try to have pilots in these three places, so this will include the harbours near Cape Town,” says Mishra.

POLLUTION

Apart from the remote sensor boats, the team is also planning to work on radar satellites, which are better at detecting pollutants such as oil spills.

“There are cases where people take waste oil on a yacht and just dump it in the ocean. They think that nobody is watching. With the remote sensor radar images, we can detect the oil streaks,” Mishra explains.

The UCT team is fortunate to have two oceans on their doorstep – the Atlantic and Indian – making Cape Town an ideal place to use the new technology.

Although the monitoring of ocean pollution exists, this is the first instance of automation in the process.

“Let’s say we see a blob from satellite data, and we think that blob is plastic pollution. How do you validate that? That is where SMARTPOL will help. We get ground truth data from the coastal monitoring and, with that, we will be able to determine the size and nature. From there, we can build an artificial intelligence model. If we make models rigorous, in future, we should be able to rely on satellite data to identify some of the major pollution types.”

Mishra says the project will also pave the way to alert law enforcement agencies of infringements relating to waste and other dumping, but that will take some time.

“At some point, maybe in two years’ time, we will start interacting with legal authorities to see the legal framework that is feasible. Currently, we are just a group of engineers trying to solve a problem. If there is no action, though, this is just a waste of time,” he adds.

Last year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment launched an initiative called Source-to-Sea. It involves dozens of cleanups by volunteers on embankments in several districts and is set to end this month. The sixmonth programme cost the public purse about R60 million, reflecting the weight of resources needed to prevent further marine pollution.

Engineering innovation “Engineering has the biggest role to play in making fundamental societal change. I’m a big believer of climate change. It is happening, not in 100 years, it is happening in 20 years – if we don’t fix this, our children will die. Every engineer should think about what they are

innovating towards solving major societal goals,” Mishra says.

He feels that the awarding of the grant to the department is unique for them in that they don’t have a history of receiving funding from Europeanbased agencies. This is also one of the first projects to have five of their academics from five different areas working together.

The achievements of UCT’s Department of Electrical Engineering don’t stop there. Academics from the department have also received two other major grants. One group, led by Professor Edward Boje, has received funding from the South African International Maritime Institute to start a centre for marine robotics. Another group, led

by Mishra, has received funding from Sentech to start a centre of excellence on ‘5G for Sustainable Development Goals’.

“Engineering can play a major role. The Sustainable Development Goals are like impossible floating goals – they require policymaking and things to be done. And ‘things to be done’ need to be done by engineering innovation. Without engineering innovation, we cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Policies and laws alone will not be enough,” Mishra concludes.

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WAT E R R E S O U R C E S

PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES Ahead of National Water Week and World Water Day, the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has once again issued a warning that South Africans are too complacent when it comes to protecting our water sources. By Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA

W

hen blood stops flowing, the body dies. Similarly, when water stops flowing, a countr y ‘dies’.

Ever ybody knows that water is essential to all forms of life, but not ever ybody shows respect or pays enough attention to this precious commodity. It is terrible to see the impact a lack of water has on animals, plants and our environment – not to mention on humans. It should be equally terrible to witness the callous waste and pollution of water.

With our average rainfall being about half of the world average, South Africa is a waterscarce countr y. It is estimated that the average amount of water available per person in South Africa is about 2 000 m3 – compared to 15 000 m3 in the USA. The withdrawal of fresh water from groundwater or sur face water sources (as a percentage of available water) has increased from about 42% to roughly 64% in South Africa between 2000 and 2018. In comparison, other African countries came in below 40%.

Water resources are being polluted on a frightening scale. Below is an extract from a UN report comparing the proportion of goodquality raw water available in a couple of African countries.

Here again, South Africa’s results are cause for concern.

TABLE 1 Proportion of good-quality raw water available South Africa

52%

Botswana

78%

Ethiopia

97%

Zimbabwe

83%

Kenya

87%

Namibia

79%

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In spite of these alarming facts, it boggles the mind that our country’s leaders and citizens seem to have a complete lack of urgency and motivation to rectify the situation. Hundreds of faulty municipal water and sewage plants are found all over the country, while thousands of litres of water continue to be lost every day due to poorly maintained pipelines.

Plastic pipe predominates secondary water distribution and is therefore a key factor in the country’s infrastructure. As the only major pipe association in South Africa, SAPPMA represents more than 80% of all certified plastic pipe produced in the country.

Two of our main areas of focus are product standards and quality – both of which are indispensable in the bigger picture of ensuring water safety and security for every citizen and preserving our country’s water resources. SAPPMA is a voluntary, non-profit organisation that works not only for the well-being of the plastic pipe industry, but also for the welfare of the people of South Africa.

Without readily available, clean water, personal hygiene and health are not possible.

Government (through the Department of Water and Sanitation) is the custodian of water resources in the country and is therefore responsible for its protection, development, conservation and

2 000 m3

It is estimated that the average amount of water available per person in South Africa is about 2 000 m3 – compared to 15 000 m3 in the USA

proper management in a sustainable and equitable manner – for the benefit of all and in accordance with the department’s Constitutional mandate.

SAPPMA is therefore again making the following urgent appeals to government: • to seriously address the widespread pollution of rivers, dams and wetlands • to intervene in the mismanagement of municipal water and sewage treatment plants • to de-politicise the management of water in the country and fully utilise all the available engineering skills in the country.

In addition to the above, SAPPMA is also advocating for the saving of water with good-quality plastic pipes that are durable, leak-free and properly installed. Corroding pipes and poor jointing are two of the major causes of water loss. For this reason, old steel or asbestos pipes around the world are being replaced with plastic pipes that do not rust and have leak-proof joints (if done correctly).

A great number of municipal pipe networks are beyond their useful life and should have been replaced already. The consequence of failing to do so is the substantial loss of precious, treated water in most municipal areas. This is clearly something the country cannot afford.

The benefits of using plastic pipe as opposed to other materials have been well documented and tested. Apart from having a lifetime that is more than double that of other materials, plastic pipes are also quicker and easier to install, have lower failure rates, less corrosion, fewer joint leaks and are lower in price compared to the other pipes.

Municipalities should spend the money allocated in their budgets to upgrade and replace old and failing water infrastructure without delay. This will place us in the position to save enough purified water to significantly reduce the impact and longterm effects of our comparatively poor rainfall and avoid the threat of ‘water-shedding’ in the months to come.

EVENTS

Upcoming EVENTS

2022

AFRICA ENERGY INDABA Venue: Virtual Conference Date: 1 to 2 March 2022 Website: africaenergyindaba.com The 14th Africa Energy Indaba Virtual Conference – taking place from 1 to 2 March 2022 – will discuss, debate and seek solutions to enable adequate energy generation across Africa.

A diverse group of luminaries and high-profile speakers will share their real-world insights about the changing energy landscape in Africa.

What will be discussed?

• Explore what is needed to meet the rapidly growing need for energy access in Africa.

• Learn more about the African market and prospective business opportunities in the energy space, regional integration, and the importance of African power pools.

• Learn about disruptive business models, the need for innovative financing solutions, and the impact of Industry 4.0 in the energy sector.

• Hear more about evolving grid technologies, renewable and cleaner energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency.

WASTECON 2022 Venue: Emperors Palace, Gauteng Date: 18 to 20 October 2022 Website: iwmsa.co.za The theme of the biennial conference and exhibition, currently planned to be held as a face-to-face event at Emperors Palace in Gauteng from 18 to 20 October 2022, will be ‘Back on Track? Perspectives on Waste and Circularity’.

The theme essentially encompasses a reality check on where we are now in respect of the state of waste management and circular economy, what we have done well or badly in the past, what we should continue doing well, and what we should be doing better or differently in the future.

WasteCon is hosted by the IWMSA, a multidisciplinary non-profit association that is committed to supporting professional waste management practices.

ENLIT AFRICA Venue: CTICC, Cape Town Date: 7 to 9 June 2022 Website: www.enlit-africa.com

Enlit Africa is an energy event unlike any other – because it is more than just an energy event! Enlit Africa is the leading platform that gathers Africa’s power, energy and water community for 365 days a year to meet and inspire each other via world-class content and valuable connections.

That community came together for three days in a digital format on an AI-powered digital platform, Enlit AfricaConnect, from 26 to 28 October 2021, and will meet up live in Cape Town on 7 to 9 June 2022. Apart from live and digital events, Enlit Africa delivers cutting-edge content through webinars, exclusive one-on-one interviews with the who’s who of the energy sector, compelling content from host publication ESI Africa, product launches, technology showcases and much more.

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS AKS Lining Systems

20

Envitech Solutions

47

CSIR

IFC

JPCE

37

OBC

KFC

OFC

Enviroserv Waste Management

48

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KSB Pumps & Valves Plastics SA

2 IBC

Africa Energy Indaba

43

Vuka Group

32

Fit for purpose#all plastics_210x275mmP.pdf

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