Panel discussion
INTRODUCTION
Reviewing recycling The process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as waste – landing up on space constrained landfills – and turning them into new products is not a new concept, but more now than ever the drive to recycle is gaining momentum both in the personal and public spheres.
T
his is in part because of a greater focus on “green” or “sustainability” in light of recent initiatives like COP17 and a general greater awareness of the possible negative impact continuing to stock pile all waste in landfills could have on the environment. The benefits of recycling on the other hand are well documented; for example less energy is used when recycled materials are included in the manufacturing process and less waste creates more landfill space. In addition, it benefits the South African economy
as it decreases the necessity to import raw materials and provides a number of opportunities for income generation and alleviation of poverty through job creation, as well as simply preventing litter and contributing to a cleaner, greener and healthier South Africa. Cardboard and paper are excellent materials for recycling. For every tonne of paper recycled, 17 trees are saved, 40% less energy and 30% less water is needed to make paper. A number of other products can also be recycled, including plastics, tins and
metals. Much has been said about the environmental benefits of advocating reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink – but who would you turn to if you were considering recycling and are there best practice examples in the South African waste management sector? The panel in this edition of RéSource serves to highlight the organisations that are getting it right in the local context, to great gain for not only themselves, but also the environment and the population at large. RéSource May 2013 – 25
Pelleting of Municipal and Industrial Sewage Sludge
Prebin
Possible design of a plant for pelleting of sewage sludge
Water Mixer
Pelleting press
The final products are pellets which are appropriate for a variety of applications.
Countercurrent cooler Screen
AMANDUS KAHL GmbH & Co. KG Dieselstrasse 5, D-21465 Reinbek / Hamburg, Germany Phone: +49 (0)40 727 71-0, Fax: +49 (0)40 727 71-100 info@amandus-kahl-group.de www.akahl.de
Johannes Schuback & Sons (S.A.) PTY Limited, Johannesburg / RSA Phone: +27 11 7062270, Fax: +27 11 7069236 jsssa@mweb.co.za