ResearchSpace :: Browsing by Author "Muswema, Aubrey P"

Browsing by Author "Muswema, Aubrey P"

Now showing 1 - 18 of 18

“A can of worms”: Aerosol waste within the context of EPR, some insight from South Africa
(2022-10) Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
According to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, the paper and packaging sector needs to prepare EPR schemes for management of their end-of-life products. The aerosol sector recognises that aerosols present somewhat different challenges at end-of-life when compared to other types of packaging waste due to the nature of aerosols in comparison to paper and packaging. The Aerosols Manufacturing Association (AMA) therefore initiated background research to determine the feasibility of developing an aerosol specific EPR scheme. The CSIR was commissioned to conduct research to determine the current practices relating to end-of-life management and the associated challenges posed by aerosol cans as part of the packaging waste stream. This paper presents the findings from a survey focussing on aerosol waste management practices and the challenges hampering increased recycling rates. EPR is a good option for implementing recovery of aerosol wastes. It should be considered that aerosol waste can be divided into pre- and post-consumer waste. There are instances where individual manufacturers have implemented recovery of pre-consumer aerosols, but respondents indicated that there are currently no formal takeback programs at municipal level for spent post-consumer aerosols. The informal sector does recover some of these items from households (post-consumer), but in general it was reported that buy back centres are reluctant to accept poorly dismantled aerosol cans. A challenge for collection is the low post-consumer volumes of aerosol can waste from households. Poorly managed aerosols do have several negative environmental, health and safety impacts. There is a need for more training and education on the specific requirements for handling and disposing of aerosol waste for the different stakeholders involved. There is also a need for innovative recycling technology which is simple to implement, and which is cost effective. Efforts should ideally be focussed on the pre-consumer waste streams, which can be recovered in relatively large volumes. The post-consumer waste streams present a co-mingled challenge, hence a ‘can of worms’ to mitigate. The findings of this research also provided evidence to AMA to inform their approach to EPR.
The changing face of waste management – considerations when conducting a waste characterisation study
(2016-10) Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Muswema, Aubrey P; Koen, Renée
Changing the face of waste management in South Africa, includes waste diversion from landfill to alternative management options. There are a number of interventions to consider which may vary from very low tech, labour intensive solutions to extremely high tech, capital intensive technology options. Making an informed decision about the preferred technology choice will require a certain level of knowledge of the composition of the waste stream at hand. The level of detail that is required from the waste characterisation study will be determined by site specific conditions, and the level of change you want to achieve. In some instances, a mere screening exercise will do the trick, but if the envisaged change include high tech, capital intensive solutions, you may want to have a high level of confidence in the characteristics and volumes of waste that will be diverted to the particular solution in question. This paper will unpack the considerations to take into account when conducting or evaluating a waste characterisation study in support of changed waste management in South Africa.
Co-operatives as a development mechanism to support job creation and sustainable waste management in South Africa
(Springer, 2017-06) Godfrey, Linda K; Muswema, Aubrey P; Strydom, Wilma F; Mamafa, Thembelihle M; Mapako, Maxwell
South Africa, as with most African countries, is facing the reality of limited economic growth, high levels of poverty and increasing unemployment. At the same time, waste generation is growing, especially in urban centres across Africa, posing a great sustainability challenge. However, the waste sector can provide significant opportunities for improving livelihoods, generating jobs and developing enterprises, through the recovery of valuable recyclables. Co-operatives are recognised as a means of formalising the large number of informal waste pickers in developing countries. This paper attempts to identify the challenges facing waste and recycling co-operatives in South Africa. Results suggest that such co-operatives still face numerous challenges relating to infrastructure, operations, and capability. They still operate largely on the fringe of municipal solid waste management, and have not been integrated effectively into such formal collection systems, making it difficult for them to access sufficiently high volumes of recyclables. In addition, some co-operatives are operating as traditional businesses (e.g. following Pty Ltd business models) with the five co-operative members (minimum required membership for registering a co-operative) taking on management roles and instead employing staff to undertake the collection and sorting of recyclables. This is sometimes done through written contracts, but often it is through verbal contracts or no formal contracts at all. Many co-operatives appear to be opportunistic in their registration, targeting short-term co-operative grants and responding to procurement policies that support co-operative development, rather than aiming for long-term sustainability. With a reported 91.8% failure rate of waste recycling co-operatives in South Africa, and the return of many co-operative members back into the informal sector, this business model is not currently creating sustainable businesses or jobs. The results highlight three criteria which are considered crucial to creating a viable co-operative movement in the solid waste management sector in South Africa; access to materials, access to markets, and business development support.
Cooperatives in waste and recycling: A recipe for failed waste hierarchy implementation?
(2018-10) Muswema, Aubrey P; Okem, A; Blottnitz, H; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
In post-apartheid South Africa, cooperatives appear to be the government’s SMME model for driving job creation. Unfortunately, the mortality rates of cooperatives in all sectors is very high with a reported 12% survival rate of cooperatives in general and an 8.1% survival in the waste sector. This paper provides some preliminary findings from a 2016 CSIR study of waste and recycling cooperatives in KZN. The study is underpinned by the qualitative paradigm comprising interviews with SMMEs (including cooperatives) and stakeholder organisations (in both private and public sector) which support these SMMEs. The study finds that cooperatives (in contrast to other SMME models like Ptys, and close corporations) in the waste and recycling sector are typically slow adapters to technological innovation, and hence are likely to experience challenges in harnessing the opportunities that the fourth industrial revolution presents. The cooperatives are also under pressure because of reduced access to export markets. Overall, cooperatives in the waste recycling sector in KZN are underperforming compared to other forms of SMMEs which are having a positive impact on waste and recycling, and indeed on implementing the waste hierarchy.
Cooperatives in waste and recycling: A recipe for failed waste hierarchy implementation?
(2018-10) Muswema, Aubrey P; Okem, A; Blottnitz, H; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
In post-apartheid South Africa, cooperatives appear to be the government’s SMME model for driving job creation. Unfortunately, the mortality rates of cooperatives in all sectors is very high with a reported 12% survival rate of cooperatives in general and an 8.1% survival in the waste sector. This paper provides some preliminary findings from a 2016 CSIR study of waste and recycling cooperatives in KZN. The study is underpinned by the qualitative paradigm comprising interviews with SMMEs (including cooperatives) and stakeholder organisations (in both private and public sector) which support these SMMEs. The study finds that cooperatives (in contrast to other SMME models like Ptys, and close corporations) in the waste and recycling sector are typically slow adapters to technological innovation, and hence are likely to experience challenges in harnessing the opportunities that the fourth industrial revolution presents. The cooperatives are also under pressure because of reduced access to export markets. Overall, cooperatives in the waste recycling sector in KZN are underperforming compared to other forms of SMMEs which are having a positive impact on waste and recycling, and indeed on implementing the waste hierarchy.
Estimating water losses as a result of food waste in South Africa
(2013-09) Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Muswema, Aubrey P
Globally there are sufficient land and water resources to produce food over the next 50 years, but only if water for agriculture is better managed (Molden, 2007). Water is a critical and strategic natural resource in South Africa. It is essential for growth and development, for food production, as well as for the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. Low levels of variable rainfall associated with high evaporation rates, due to the hot climate, results in South Africa being the 30th driest country in the world (DWA, 2012). Irrigated agriculture is the largest single use of water in South Africa (60%) while livestock watering and nature conservation combined use about 2.5% water. Water has been identified as the major limiting factor to the growth of this sector (DWA, 2012).
The formal South African Waste Sector: Its contribution to the economy, employment and innovation
(CSIR, 2014-10) Godfrey, Linda K; Strydom, W; Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Roman, H; Mange, M
The South African waste sector survey for 2012 was undertaken by the CSIR on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and provides a good understanding of the ‘core’ of the formal waste sector (waste companies), and insight into the peripheral sector players. The aim of the survey has been to establish a baseline of the sector from which growth can be monitored and which will inform future investment in waste R&D, innovation and HCD. The focus of the survey has been on organisational information (employment, skills, financial size, innovation activity, etc.) and has not addressed quantities of waste. This report present the conference poster on the formal South African Waste Sector: Its contribution to the economy, employment and innovation.
Household food waste disposal in South Africa: A case study of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni
(Academy of Science South Africa, 2018-05) Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Muswema, Aubrey P; Ramukhwatho, Fhumulani R
Food waste is becoming an important issue in light of population growth and global food security concerns. However, data on food wastage are limited, especially for developing countries. Global estimates suggest that households in developed countries waste more food than those in developing countries, but these estimates are based on assumptions that have not been tested. We therefore set out to present primary data relating to household food waste disposal for South Africa within the sub-Saharan African context. As the Gauteng Province contributes about 45% of the total municipal waste generated in South Africa, the case study area covers two of the large urban metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng, namely Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, with a combined population of 8.33 million, representing nearly 15% of the South African population. Municipal solid waste characterisation studies using bulk sampling with randomised grab sub-sampling were undertaken over a 6-week period during summer in 2014 (Johannesburg) and 2016 (Ekurhuleni), covering a representative sample of the municipal waste collection routes from households in each of the two surveyed municipalities. The food waste component of the household waste (excluding garden waste) was 3% in Ekurhuleni and 7% in Johannesburg. The results indicate that an average of 0.48 kg (Ekurhuleni) and 0.69 kg (Johannesburg) of food waste (including inedible parts) is disposed of into the municipal bin per household per week in the two municipalities, respectively. This translates into per capita food waste disposal of 8 kg and 12 kg per annum, respectively, in South Africa as compared to the estimated 6–11 kg per annum in sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.
Impacts of severe weather events on implementing the waste hierarchy - the case of Ethekwini metropolitan municipality
(2018-10) Muswema, Aubrey P; Chetty, P; Okem, P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
This case study is an overview investigating the interaction between severe weather incidents and solid waste management. The study seeks to understand how extreme weather events affect the implementation of the waste hierarchy (an approach that emphasises that waste must firstly be avoided and if not avoided, minimised and diverted from landfill for beneficiation purposes). There is robust scientific evidence linking the frequency of extreme weather events to climate change. Climate change models demonstrate the likelihood that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent in the current, near- and long-term. Similarly, the socio-economic impacts of these extreme weather events are projected to become increasingly severe. The study is located in the broader context of climate change and its implications for solid waste management in eThekwini metro. Using a case study desktop review approach, the study examines how extreme weather events affect the implementation of the waste hierarchy in eThekwini Municipality. Additional consequences to extreme weather events for the vulnerable (especially those located in informal settlements) including the negative impact on informal housing, mortality and the loss of assets and livelihood is discussed. This paper argues that there are a number of options to manage waste from severe weather events, including the application of the waste hierarchy (as well as options to stimulate job creation) as a tool to manage wastes. Additionally there is a need for the individual sector plans from each of the line departments to be finalised, completed and made available (to public and officials).
Implementing small, and medium enterprises (SME) waste and recycling programmes
(2016-10) Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
Municipalities face the challenge of how to manage their waste, in an environment where other priorities like water, housing and electricity are competing for funding from municipal budgets. Management should include avoidance or prevention where possible and then diversion from landfill through source separation programs as per the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS)(DEA, 2011). The NWMS has committed to “69 000 new jobs created in the waste sector” and “2 600 additional SMEs and cooperatives participating in waste service delivery and recycling” (DEA, 2011: 6) by 2016. This challenge rests on the shoulders of local government for implementation. This paper is based on research work the CSIR (which the author and colleagues) conducted for the DBSA and Green fund on cooperatives in the waste and recycling sector. The findings discussed will provide some insight into what should be considered in establishing or implementing a viable waste SME program. Considerations for the SME organisation, the organisation supporting the SME, and external factors are discussed below.
"Implementing the waste hierarchy" -Assessing recycling potential of restaurant waste
(2018-10) Matinise, Sihle N; Roos, C; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Muswema, Aubrey P
Long working hours, the growing middle class, the increased participation of women in the labour force as well as the convenience offered by restaurants have greatly accelerated the growth of the commercial food service sector across the world (Elmedulan et al., 2014). This is also true for South Africa where eating outside of the home has become more prevalent. South African food consumption patterns show an increase in the consumption of food away from home while consumption of home cooked meals is decreasing (Blick et al., 2018). The expansion of the commercial food service sector comes with an increase in the amount of waste generated by the sector, adding to the high volumes of waste that municipalities are grappling with. Municipal efforts towards diversion of waste from landfill tend to focus more on household waste, while waste coming from restaurants receives less attention. As a result, most of the waste generated in restaurants is disposed at the landfills as mixed waste. The aim of this study was to assess the potential for diversion of restaurant waste away from landfill. A waste characterization study of thirteen restaurants in two shopping malls located in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality was conducted. The results showed that more than 74% of waste generated by the sampled restaurants can be recovered through recycling (paper, plastics, glass and tins) and composting/anaerobic digestion (food waste), while all of the waste generated is currently being disposed as mixed waste The composition of waste and current waste management practices by restaurants in both malls highlight the need for improved waste management practices. These may include improved waste management practices at the point of generation, which appreciate waste as a resource and encourage diversion of waste away from landfill. The results also indicate a need for a more holistic approach to integrated waste management by municipalities that does not only focus on waste generated by households, but also address the contributions of commercial and institutional waste, which includes restaurants as source of waste with high recyclability potential.
Multi-criteria analysis for sustainable decision making: Opportunities for waste and recycling SMMEs (including cooperatives) in KwaZulu-Natal
(2022) Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Nahman, Anton; Forsyth, Gregory; Stafford, William HL; Mapako, M; Buthelezi, N; Matinise, Sihle N; Polasi, Letlotlo T; Schoeman, C; Manavhela, V
This paper reports on a study for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to identify and maximize opportunities in the waste and recycling sector for “Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owned by women, youth, the disabled and previously disadvantaged” in the province. Opportunities from various waste streams as resource potential for SMMEs and cooperatives are presented, this is part of a KZN NCPC Industrial Symbiosis Programme in South Africa. The overall aim of the research project was to identify opportunities for SMMEs and cooperatives in KZN to exploit under exploited waste streams. This paper presents the findings for the first objective of the project namely, identifying waste streams that could provide income generating opportunities for SMMEs. This paper outlines the approach and methodology taken to prioritise a single waste stream that could provide income generating opportunities for SMMEs (including cooperatives) in the province. A multi-criteria approach was followed whereby waste streams were assessed based on various criteria: economic value; the amount and distribution of waste in the province; the type of waste streams; the availability and ease of roll out of technology options; ease of surmounting barriers to entry; market types and market availability; alignment and contribution to improving the sustainable development goals; opportunities for symbiotic relationships or collaborations. After assessing the qualitative and quantitative considerations, organic waste opportunities were determined to be the most ubiquitous and promising (with low barrier technology options for implementation) followed by bottom ash, as well as construction and demolition waste in the KZN province. These waste streams remain relatively unexploited. Composting is the recommended technology to treat the organic waste fraction due to the relatively small up-front investment required for set up, scalability, and relatively low skill requirements. In certain circumstances simple off the shelf anaerobic digestion technologies for other organic fractions could also be used. A top-down approach to SMME development is not advisable, therefore an important recommendation is that SMMEs (in particular cooperatives) which are already experienced and/or have a proven track record in composting should be considered for implementation.
SMMEs and stakeholder contribution to a Green Economy in KZN: Towards a guideline for municipalities
(2021-03) Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
SMMEs (including cooperatives, PTY Ltd, Close Corporations) are viewed as a significant driver of job opportunities and economic value creation; in the context of green economy, these value propositions would entail diverting waste away from landfills. Municipalities by virtue of their constitutionally mandated ‘gatekeeper’ status being responsible as policy regulators of waste management activities have a tricky relationship with SMME. Unfortunately, public sector stakeholders, in particular municipalities, were reported by The dti (2012) and other authors to be unaware of the main issues that need to be considered for the sustainability of SMME programs. These issues are important for South Africa’s transition to a green economy. Preliminary findings of a study conducted in KwaZuluNatal revealed that sustainability of SMMEs programs is influenced by the SMME and stakeholders track record or experience, whether the participants have a local foot print, whether the participants understand the strengths and weaknesses of their chosen business model, how the program and participants grow and expand (i.e. a top down approach or organically), a basic knowledge of financial and operational management requirements, if there is accountability on promises, if there is passion for the program, and through constant review of these associations. Against this backdrop, we suggest a guideline or key issues that municipalities or private sector stakeholders should consider in supporting SMMEs during the transitioning to a green economy.
The state of innovation in the South African waste sector
(Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa, 2014-09) Godfrey, Linda K; Strydom, W; Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Roman, H; Mange, M
The results of the first South African Waste Sector Survey shows that landfilling remains the main technology option for the management of waste in South African, with 90% of all waste generated, disposed of to landfill. However, the results show a surprisingly high level of waste innovation activity, with the private sector showing greater innovation activity than the public sector. An estimated 51.9% of private enterprises compared to 41.2% of municipalities indicated they had introduced new product innovations during the past five years, while 56.3% of private enterprises compared to only 35.3% of municipalities indicated they had introduced new process innovations. The private waste sector showed a greater tendency to introduce new technological innovations to the South Africa waste market, compared to municipalities who typically only introduced technological innovations to their own operations, with over 50% of private sector respondents indicating that they had introduced product or process innovations that were new to the South African waste market. The private waste sector also showed a greater tendency than municipalities to introduce technological innovations from overseas, with 26.1% of private enterprises indicating that they had sourced their product innovations mainly from abroad, and 34.7% their process innovations. It is hoped that this innovation activity displayed by the waste sector will translate into an increased diversion of waste away from landfilling towards recycling and recovery. However, given the current constraints facing the South African waste sector, creating an enabling environment for waste innovation is imperative to changing the sectors dependency on landfilling.
Transitioning from conventional plastic to more sustainable alternative materials: Evidence from South Africa
(2022-10) Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Nahman, Anton; Russo, Valentina; Stafford, William HL; Muswema, Aubrey P; Mathew, Maya J; Muniyasamy, Sudhakar
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in partnership with UNIDO and the University of the Witwatersrand, with funding from the Japanese government, undertook research to identify and implement opportunities for sustainable alternative materials, including biodegradable plastic in South Africa. The project aims are twofold: 1) to develop an action plan to support sustainable transition to alternative materials and 2) to strengthen plastic recycling through encouraging waste separation at source and integration of informal waste collectors in a circular economy. This paper reports on the findings from research activities to determine the most appropriate alternative materials for consideration when transitioning to more sustainable alternatives. The results include that of the LCA study, availability of end-of-life treatment options for alternative materials, demonstration of the identified technologies/materials, the potential to produce alternative materials locally, and the Action Plan for South Africa to make the transition.
Understanding the South African waste sector: The economic and employment opportunities it provides
(Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa, 2014-10) Godfrey, Linda K; Strydom, W; Muswema, Aubrey P; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Roman, H; Mange, M
The results of the South African Waste Sector Survey (for 2012) show that the formal waste sector employs a minimum of 29,833 people. The majority of these employees are situated within large enterprises (77.5% of private waste sector employees) and metropolitan municipalities (64.9% of public sector employees). The minimum financial value of the formal waste sector (public and private) is R15.3 billion, or 0.51% of GDP. The majority of this revenue is situated within large enterprises (88.0% of private sector revenue) and metropolitan municipalities (80.4% of public sector revenue). An estimated 62.0% of the total revenue generated from waste activities, was done so by companies which had been in the industry for more than 25 years. Young waste companies (less than five years) contributed a minimum of R188 million into the economy in 2012. This new understanding of the South African waste sector creates the opportunity for dialogue between the public and private sectors, identifies opportunities for investment in alternatives to landfilling, and creates a baseline for further investment in waste research, development and innovation.
Wrestling with empowerment: a BBBEE (Enterprise Development) case study and model for the waste sector from Durban
(IWMSA, 2012-10) Muswema, Aubrey P
Small business, including small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), is seen as the corner stone of economic development in South Africa, with reported contributions of up to 42% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The South African Government recognises the contributions made by this sector, and amongst other initiatives has gazetted the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act (53/2003): Codes of Good Practice, to assist in strengthening and supporting this emerging sector. This paper discusses a successful case study where an emerging SMME or developing organisation (DevO) in the waste management sector received support in the form of mentorship and training from an established organisation (EstO) over a three year period. Lessons learnt from two other failed attempts at developing similar relationships with other DevO are also discussed. These lessons include the selection of beneficiaries for this type of program and how factors such as physical proximity or location of the stakeholders, frequency of interaction, demonstrated eagerness or enthusiasm for the program, the setting of milestones and the maturity of the DevO influenced the success or failure of the relationship. The paper also talks to the challenge of showing progress from one assessment period to another, the importance of achieving buy-in from stakeholders, the administrative burden and the expectations held by stakeholders.
Wrestling with IWMP implementation: case study challenges and lessons learnt
(2012-10) Muswema, Aubrey P
Integrated Waste Management Planning (IWMP) was recognised as a short-term strategy initiative for the public and private sector in the National Waste Management Strategy as far back as 1999 (DEAT, 1999). Ten years later, through the Waste Act on 1 July 2009, this has become a legal requirement National, Provincial and local government. Some municipalities saw the benefit of preparing these plans, but implementation of IWMPs at local municipality level remains a concern. This study reveals that based on a small sample of local KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, there are serious concerns with how IWMP are translated into effective changes in municipal waste management. There is also concern with regards to how municipal officials keep abreast of changing legislation. Four main factors were found to influence implementation in the municipalities sampled. Human capital mobility or staff turnover is also reported by other authors as affecting implementation. Failing to get council approval of the IWMP, or a change in the municipal councils will also negatively affect implementation. Even where the IWMP has been approved by council, if sufficient detail of projects and budgets is not carried forward into the IDP, this was also identified as a potential barrier to implementation. The paper recommends that effective implementation of IWMP be investigated nationally, and also draws attention to the potential role to be played by other government agencies and the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa, in addressing these awareness and training challenges.

Browsing by Author "Muswema, Aubrey P"

Results Per Page

Sort Options