Reputation Matters

Organic Waste - Opening a can of worms

With waste to landfill becoming an ever critical concern, particularly in certain regions, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) calls to attention the necessity for managing all our waste streams, especially that of organic waste.

Typically, in South Africa anything from 35% to 40% of all waste that is sent to landfill is organic; that is, of plant or animal origin, and able to be broken down by other living organisms. Stan Jewaskiewitz, President of the IWMSA says “Something that is not often stressed, is that despite the fact that waste may be ‘organic’, once it reaches a landfill and decomposes under anaerobic conditions (where oxygen is not present), it is responsible for producing quantities of methane gas as well as releasing potentially hazardous chemicals into the landfill’s leachate, and thence into the groundwater.

“We may think that our biodegradable waste is fairly harmless, but this is a misconception and needs to be brought to the attention of the public.  As matters currently stand, our landfills have limited lifespans and are becoming oversubscribed, while, for any number of reasons, gas to energy projects are not sufficiently utilised to solve the present problems,” Jewaskiewitz adds.

Our first course of action should be to minimise the amount of organic waste that we generate to begin with. As a basic example, in our homes, we all have a tendency to stock up on more fruit and vegetables than are adequate for our needs. As a result, many of these food items end up spoiling and have to be thrown away. Of course, there is the increasing need to economise, but we need to bear in mind that sometimes bulk purchases don’t necessarily represent a saving if we simply cannot use the produce before it begins to degrade. Secondly, we must make better use of composting methods wherever possible, correctly separating our waste at source. Organic matter is all too often consigned to the dustbin along with other refuse whilst if separated, both container and organic matter could be recycled.  Finally, we must employ the most effective ways of processing what is left behind, for example vermiculture, (worm farms) or Bokashi’s which are an efficient and effective means of producing rich composting material from organic matter, and needn’t take up a large amount of space.

Jewaskiewitz concludes, “The alternative management of waste is beginning to garner more interest as an industry, thanks to professionals and entrepreneurial individuals who are truly concerned with the problem at hand, and who are coming up with more and more creative and practical management methods. The IWMSA supports and encourages research and education in this sector and we hope to continue to see innovative solutions being put into practice.”

The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za

###

by Reputation Matters

Ease-up on excessive consumption this Easter

There have been many calls of late for us to support our local businesses and tradespeople over holiday seasons; to buy South African, and to think outside of the box when it comes to our behaviour as consumers. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) adds its voice to these nationwide pleas and urges us all to reduce excessive Easter waste wherever possible.

Stan Jewaskiewitz, President of the IWMSA says, “On festive occasions such as Easter, we tend to purchase items we really don’t need and spend money we really don’t have in order to placate ourselves and others around us.  We feel obliged to buy into the commercialised racket that inevitably accompanies all our festivities. The human urge to celebrate and to give generously is strong and there is nothing amiss with that, however, if we stop buying into over-consumption, simply for the sake of keeping up appearances, we’ll be starting to change a mind-set which will eventually filter through to all areas of our lives, and hopefully stand the whole planet in much greater stead in the long-term.”

“As consumers, we can make a huge difference by voting with our Rands; by simply paying greater attention to our purchases. With the economy still very much in recovery and the cost of living ever-increasing, now is definitely the time to take a good long look at ourselves, and to make drastic changes in our wasteful behaviour.

Jewaskiewitz continues, “At Easter especially, our roads are congested:  in addition to general waste, more fuel is consumed because people are travelling, often in a hurry due to the short holiday period. We develop a ‘throw-away’ mentality whilst trying to cram as much as possible into the long weekend; beaches and picnic areas are once again littered with all types of waste, and of course there is an appalling excess of paper and plastic waste from a variety of visually appealing Easter ‘over-packaging’. As intelligent consumers we simply must pause to think about how we may be being duped into buying certain items, and how everything we purchase requires some form of energy to produce, often non-renewable. The question must be asked, how can we continue to justify such profligate waste?

“We, at the IWMSA encourage people to give more thought to what will most please those around them this Easter. Perhaps it will simply be the company of family and friends!  Let’s be conscious in respect of our consumption and less hedonistic in our approach. We urge South Africans to think carefully about whether they need that extra package of Easter eggs and not to purchase items that will spoil if they are not used.  At the very least, please remember to recycle whenever possible.”  Jewaskiewitz concludes.

The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za

###

by Reputation Matters

Moot Recycling Project to create awareness in the community

Moot, Pretoria – On 16 March 2012, Hoërskool Oos-Moot and the President Kruger Children’s Home proudly launched their “Rommelskommel” multi-recycling project. Residents of the area are encouraged to support this initiative by dropping off their recyclable items at the school. All the proceeds raised by the recycling project will be split between the school and the President Kruger Children’s Home.

The Moot Rommelskommel Recycling Project, which is located on the grounds of Hoërskool Oos-Moot, comprises a drive-thru drop-off centre for all recyclable wastes including glass, paper, plastic, tins and even electronic waste. The drop-off centre will be open 24 hours a day under the watchful eyes of a security guard. A team of "green warriors", comprising children from the school and the children's home, will assist with the sorting of the waste and looking after the facility.

In 2011, the Central Branch of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) was approached by the President Kruger Children's Home to assist with setting up a recycling project at Hoërskool Oos-Moot. The reasons for starting this project were to raise environmental awareness, to teach the children responsibility and to raise funds for the Children's Home that currently provides a safe haven for 59 children aged between two and 18.

The IWMSA embraced the opportunity to get involved from a social responsibility perspective as well as to raise awareness about recycling in the community.  Members of the Central Branch of the IWMSA voluntarily contributed their knowledge and assisted in sourcing bags, bins and a collection service for the recyclables. The IWMSA also contributed by sponsoring funds to construct a roof for the collection area which will be erected once the necessary approvals are received from the City Council.

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view itThe IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za.

###

by Reputation Matters

KZN how green are you?

Industries across KwaZulu Natal are invited to enter the prestigious Waste Management Awards 2012. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is reminding organisations and suppliers that there is only a short time left to send in applications for the IWMSA Waste Management Awards for Environmental Excellence 2012.

The IWMSA’s KwaZulu Natal branch in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA) are delighted to support organisations that share their ambitions of “zero waste to landfill” and help deliver the 3R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle across KZN to see who is the greenest in the Province.

Dr. Timothy Fasheun, Senior Manager at DAEA says, “we are pleased to yet again be partnering with the IWMSA to implement the Waste Management Awards. The Department views these Awards as a proactive way to encourage industries and businesses to improve their waste management practices. The Department is also fully involved with the judging of entrants so as to capacitate officials of the Department with respect to waste management systems in different sectors. We encourage all industries and businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their achievements in waste management, to gain from the experience of being assessed by waste management professionals, and to benchmark their waste management practices against others in the sector.”

Pat Reddy, the Chairman of the IWMSA KZN Branch says, “It is great to see so many organisations getting involved. The IWMSA supports and acknowledges businesses, industries and individuals that are striving to make a change for the better and our awards are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of, and reward, best practice.” We are encouraging organisations throughout KZN to enter the Waste Management Awards for 2012. With the increased pressure on companies to comply with the New Waste Act and to be environmentally more conscious, we see the Waste Management Awards as a great way to share good ideas, get recognition for hard work and celebrate environmental action.” Reddy continues, “Very often the focus is on what is wrong in the environment. We are pleased to support organisations that will not only benefit the environment, but also as previous organisations have demonstrated bring many positives to communities in KZN. Working in partnership with DAEA will bring KZN a step closer to zero waste to landfill.”

Reddy adds, “the aim of the awards is to celebrate organisations’ green credentials by paying tribute to the great and green. In 2010 the competition saw many high profile quality submissions, and IWMSA is expecting more of the same this year. Organisations are encouraged to also nominate their suppliers in this year’s awards which will contribute in building sustainable business relationships. We are challenging organisations to set an example for the rest of South Africa.”

Reddy continues, “These awards aren’t about creating winners and losers. Everyone that is working towards a greener life is instantly a winner. We feel that these awards are a fitting way to recognise those organisations that really are trying to make a difference to the environment in the course of their day-to-day business.”

The main objectives of the awards are to promote responsible practice in the use of resources and environmental management, to encourage the waste hierarchy (3 R’s) as well as to encourage alternative methods to avoid dependence on landfill sites.

The bi-annual Waste Management Awards aim to recognize businesses of all sizes and sectors, employing good environmental practice in their daily activity, while also making significant financial savings.

The full criteria for each award and nomination/application details are available on www.iwmsa.co.za and the closing date for all applications is 30 June 2012. The judging includes a site visit and audit by professional members of the IWMSA, as well as employees of the DAEA and other government departments.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information contact the IWMSA’s KwaZulu Natal branch at: (031) 564 2795, e-mail: kzn@iwmsa.co.za or visit www.iwmsa.co.za

###

by Reputation Matters

Water: Without it, we will not eat

This year, World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March and will be focussing specifically on water and food security. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) wants to emphasise the fact that we need to pay special attention to the sustainable management of our freshwater resources, especially in terms of our tenuous hold on food security.

Stan Jewaskiewitz, President of the IWMSA says “As in many areas of our excessively consumer orientated lifestyles, we seldom stop to think about what water resources are used in the production of our food. For instance, whilst around 1,500 litres of water is used in the production of one kilogram of wheat, ten times that amount, or 15,000 litres of water is used to produce one kilogram of beef. It takes a substantial amount of water to produce the food crops required to feed herds of farmed animals, as well as to process the produce from those animals, such as milk and cheese, and there is an ever increasing demand for meat.

“Other factors in farming which eventually impact on water supply are contamination in the form of chemical pesticides, for example, which are often overused, and farming’s contribution to the problem of climate change especially in respect of damaging greenhouse gases. Climate change has far-reaching effects in weather extremes such as severe drought or flooding, especially in certain ecologically sensitive areas.”

The United Nations (UN) has decided to focus on the theme of Water and Food Security for World Water Day this year, a theme wholeheartedly endorsed by the IWMSA. Jewaskiewitz continues, “There is a huge demand to feed the 7 billion people that currently inhabit planet earth and with another 2 billion set to join us by 2050, the demand for food will, of necessity, spiral upwards at an alarming rate.  The presently frightening scenario is that famine stricken countries and starving people notwithstanding, around 30% or almost one third of the world’s food production is consigned to waste.   Many factors contribute to this loss, including loss at source or in transportation from the fields, as well as ultimately, and far too often, the end consumer who is wasteful as a result of not being aware of the processes required to produce their consumables.”

So how can we help?  We simply have to cut back on our excessive food waste by changing our attitudes as consumers and becoming more aware of cause and effect: we need to pay attention to how and what we consume, make better food choices and avoid wastage at all cost. Commercially, crop diversity and integrated farming methods need to be explored. One such fascinating example is the integration of rice and fish farming in the paddy fields of Asia which is proving extremely effective on a number of levels.  All possible options need to be explored in a bid to sustain us into the future.

The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za

More information on International World Water Day (www.unwater.org/worldwaterday)

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater.

 ###

by Reputation Matters

Send waste packing over the next five years

Municipal service delivery in terms of domestic household waste collection and disposal currently varies from very poor to good in South African cities and towns. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) has identified a few key issues which require resolution over the next five years so that significant progress can be achieved within this critical field.

With the New Waste Act (Act 59 of 2008) now in place, as well as a new National Waste Management Strategy, new standards for waste collection have been gazetted for comment, aiming to provide the necessary levels of service delivery required for all citizens. IWMSA President, Stan Jewaskiewitz says, “In terms of the new Waste Act, all relevant waste management facilities will need to be licensed and must appoint waste management officers who will have significant legal responsibilities with regard to compliance.

“These new and improved standards include providing more stringent requirements for landfills, whilst simultaneously reducing and limiting the amount of waste that arrives at landfill, especially hazardous industrial liquid wastes. Many landfill sites are not presently licensed and of those that are, some are poorly run or managed, causing a detrimental impact on the environment and local communities.

“Government recognises that at local government level, there is a significant lack of capacity and expertise. To this end they have initiated a number of interventions such as training and assisting with the financing of various initiatives; all of which entails investing funds into training and capacity building.”

Jewaskiewitz continues, “We, at the IWMSA are proud of our involvement in municipal training workshops and are delighted to now offer accredited basic Waste Management training courses.

“The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has been running an annual Waste Khoro for the past two years, aimed at informing and up-skilling municipalities to meet the requirements of the new legislation.  However, many municipalities do not have the necessary skills, capacity or management experience to run effective waste collection and disposal systems. They also do not have any planning processes in place and as a result do not have sufficient financial budgets to implement such systems.  Industrial and commercial wastes are therefore generally handled by private sector waste companies whose service, whilst not excellent, is adequate in respect of both general and hazardous wastes.

“Companies in this sector have already begun a process of looking into and implementing waste recycling and waste treatment systems especially for industry, and are gearing up in anticipation of the implementation of the new standards.” Jewaskiewitz concluded

The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as other interested parties, whether private individuals or government entities.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za

by Reputation Matters

Make your voice heard at WasteCon 2012: Urgent call for papers

The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is urging all interested and suitably qualified parties not to delay in submitting papers for consideration in respect of original content for this year’s WasteCon2012, scheduled to take place in East London from 08 – 12 October 2012. 

WasteCon, which is held bi-annually under the auspices of the IWMSA, focuses on critical issues faced by those involved in waste management in South Africa. This year’s conference is titled ‘Wrestling with Waste, Employment, Environment and Engineering’. Steve Kalule, WasteCon2012 Chairman says “The word ‘Wrestling’ was identified as a key factor in describing the feeling of difficulty and the challenges experienced when managing waste and related issues.  This is especially pronounced in situations, municipalities and communities with limited resources.”

Kalule continues, “The conference also aims to address the difficulties faced by the Eastern Cape as one of the poorest regions in South Africa, both in resources and knowledge, and how municipalities and communities are experimenting and succeeding in developing partnerships to create jobs and to use waste as a resource: in other words to view waste other than as a problem, but rather as a potential resource.”

The WasteCon2012 organising committee is hard at work to ensure that this waste conference meets and exceeds all expectations, and whilst still in the early organisation stages, is now calling for the submission of abstracts for original contribution to the conference.  All submissions will go through a peer-review process carried out by a local review panel, and each abstract will appear in full form in the abstract book which will be handed out at the conference.

Oral papers or posters should be aligned to the theme ‘Wrestling with Waste’, and encompassing the three ‘E’s’, Employment, Environment and Engineering which  includes, but is not exclusive to topics such as: waste to wages, job creation, societal benefits, recycling and reuse, the New Waste Act, licencing, groundwater monitoring, landfills, waste transfer stations and disposal. Abstracts must reach the conference secretariat by 01 February 2012 through the online abstract submission portal on the WasteCon2012 website. Those wishing to submit abstracts can find full details regarding WasteCon 2012, submissions and themes at www.wastecon.co.za.

The IWMSA focuses on providing education and training for its members, as well as facilitating interest groups who network and exchange information with like-minded individuals, as well as offering a forum to assist in having voices heard in the formulation of legislation.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za

by Reputation Matters

Landfill Gas: A Source of Renewable Energy

 Landfill gas can be converted to useful energy, such as electricity, and is a renewable resource.  Several regional Landfill Interest Groups (LIG)’s that fall under the auspices of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), enthusiastically support, educate, and encourage progress in the field of landfill management and extraction methodologies.

Methane is a colourless, odourless and non-toxic gas, but is flammable and explosive under certain conditions and is also a harmful greenhouse gas. It is generated under anaerobic (in the absence of oxygen) conditions, primarily within landfills and herds of grazing animals, such as cattle, sheep and pigs.  Ultimately, we have to take responsibility for finding effective ways to manage and destroy the large volumes of methane being continuously emitted to the atmosphere, and what better way to do this than to convert it into clean energy, such as electricity.

As waste in landfills decomposes, different gases are continuously produced in varying proportions.  Landfill gas comprises approximately 50% methane, 40% carbon dioxide, small quantities of oxygen and nitrogen, and over 100 other trace gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. Whilst carbon dioxide is found in much greater quantities in the atmosphere, methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is a key contributor to global climate change (over 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide). In addition, typical landfill gas, if permitted to accumulate in low lying or enclosed or confined spaces (such as buildings and houses next to a landfill), may produce an atmosphere that is both explosive and hazardous to life.

Stan Jewaskiewitz, president of the IWMSA says, “Landfill gas can be readily extracted from a landfill, provided that proper engineering of the extraction and management system is carried out, and the landfill is under control and well managed. The extraction of landfill gas can take place once landfill cells reach capacity, at which point the landfill is covered, extraction equipment and collection pipe networks set in place, and the process of extracting the landfill gas can begin. In addition, the installation of landfill gas extraction systems can be incorporated in the landfilling process, enabling the extraction of landfill gas much earlier, prior to the completion of individual landfill cells.  The extracted landfill gas can be used to fuel gas engines or turbines for the generation of electricity”.

The use of methane gas from landfill to fuel electricity generation systems offers one solution to the much needed quest for the diversification of energy resources in Southern Africa, particularly renewable energy resources. Such a solution can also provide potential employment opportunities along with the undisputed benefits of a cleaner environment.

Under the guidance of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which was facilitated by the Kyoto Protocol, it is also possible, as a developing country, for South Africa to gain economically from the sale of emission reductions or “carbon credits”.

The IWMSA provides education and training for its members, as well as facilitating interest groups.  You can network and exchange information with like-minded individuals, and even have your voice heard in the formulation of legislation.

The IWMSA is a professional, multi-disciplinary organisation with voluntary membership established to promote the science and practice of waste management and is a non-profit organisation. For more information, contact the IWMSA visit: www.iwmsa.co.za

by Reputation Matters