A New Decade of Innovation

The South African wastemanagement industry is evolving fast and has become one of the most efficient on the African continent. However, our country is still generating large amounts of waste annually, with 108 million tonnes being disposed to landfills (which are fast approaching full capacity).

These statistics present an urgent focus on diversion from landfill, finding alternative uses and revenue streams, and a commitment to adhering to legislative frameworks.

Zero Waste to Landfill

SA is recycling only 10% of its waste – making the zero waste to landfill goal by 2020 impossible. However, by recycling, conscious reuse and the recovery of waste, as well as beneficiation technologies, we are able to build a circular economy with the potential to create numerous environmental, social and economic opportunities. Central to this is the diversion of 90% of waste from landfills.

The key is creating facilities that can deal with valuable waste in a more efficient manner – and 2020 will be the year of rapid change in this regard.

Digitisation of Waste Management

Digital disruption has the potential to reshape South Africa, and those organisations that do not drive their own digital business transformation will be left behind. The same applies for the waste sector, where the industry will see digitisation of waste collection coming to the fore, providing important benefits given that complex industrial processes can now be automated.

Waste to Energy

While nuclear power remains a contentious issue, there are alternative solutions, such as the conversion of waste to energy through the repurposing waste that can’t be recycled or reused. Think of the benefit when 500 tonnes of waste is converted to energy (approximately 12.6 MW), reducing reliance on landfill and helping solve South Africa’s energy crisis? If we consider that by 2050, the country’s energy needs will be more than double what they are today, it becomes clear that alternative solutions are critical in meeting demand, and development in this space over the next year will be crucial.

The waste sector provides room for not only environmental effectiveness but largescale innovation. In 2020, waste producers and managers working together have an opportunity to reduce waste to landfill, drive a circular economy, and increase waste profitability. Some real focus and a change of mindset towards waste will drive this sector in 2020 – and it is a sector that is ripe for the taking!

For more information, please visit www.interwaste.co.za or call +27 11 323 7300.