A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Geology Johannesburg, 1998 / This study determines the potential of prerncting pollution to ground water by sanitary landfills. The tracing capabilities of both stable and radioactive environmental isotopes are also evaluated. Four landfills were selected, the Linbro Park and Waterval sites in Johannesburg, and the Bloemfontein northern and southern landfill sites. The sites all differ in geological environment, size. age and physiographic setting. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / MT2017

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M.A.(Geography) / The prevention of environmental deterioration and the concept of sustainable development has become a major concern worldwide. However, increasingly affluent lifestyles along with continual commercial and industrial growth have led to the rapid increase in waste production (Renoua et al., 2008). The most common method of dealing with this production of waste is the disposal thereof by landfill, although this technique is widely viewed as unsustainable. Landfilling is critical to integrated waste management in South Africa due to its simplicity and cost effectiveness (Allen, 2001). Thus, there is a great need for environmentally acceptable landfill management practices. This research is primarily concerned with landfill management strategies and their effect on operational and management issues. A comparative analysis of the Marie Louise and Rooikraal landfill sites was carried out to distinguish differences in landfill management strategies and their outcome on operational and management issues. A concept, indicator, variable approach was used as comparative framework, while external audit reports, landfill management plans, and interviews were used as data sources identifying indicators and variables for analysis. Findings revealed that the Rooikraal landfill has been performing at a high standard, while the Marie Louise landfill has been underperforming due to a number of management failures. Factors that could have contributed to this failure include: external factors and its strain on effective management, capacity of local governments to deliver services with regard to waste management, issues surrounding co-operative governance, legal enforcement and compliance, and lack of control and awareness over landfill operations. These issues are direct consequences of landfill management and operation through municipal entities, making landfill management through municipal entities a key area of concern for effective landfill operations.

A review of literature on the subject of methane exploitation from landfill is presented in conjunction with the results of experiments concerning landfill gas extraction at the Grahamstown Landfill Site. A description of the LFG extraction system and the utilisation of LFG at the Grahamstown Landfill Site is included. Data concerning LFG enhancement parameters, LFG compositions and flow rates, refuse composition, LFG modelling, LFG pumping trials and the economics of LFG extraction and utilisation are presented. The indication is that LFG can be economically extracted and utilised as a heating fuel in South Africa.

Department of Ecology and Resource Management / MENVM

Waste minimisation is implemented worldwide and has become an urgent priority in South Africa as evidenced in the promulgated National Environmental Management Waste Act (2008). The most common waste disposal method in South Africa is by landfill, which is unacceptable. Local municipalities have made little progress towards waste minimisation. The aim of this study was to present a solution to waste minimisation for the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) by determining the feasibility of establishing composting facilities on landfill sites. One third of all municipal waste consists of green waste, which is compostable and can be converted on landfill sites. Nine municipal landfill sites were screened. The four most feasible sites were evaluated further by applying identified parameters that address physical, social and operational requirements. It is a possible to establish composting facilities on all four sites investigated, with Hatherley ranking as the most suited. The findings of this study clearly provided the basic parameters and requirements for constructing a composting facility and practical procedures applicable within a South African context. The evaluation method used can be applied as a model to evaluate similar studies in other municipalities to aid them in the decision-making process for waste minimisation. / Environmental Management / M.A. (Environmental Management)

Bibliographical refernces appear at the end of each chapter / This study reviews solid waste management practices in Polokwane City. The study area covered some of the residential areas in Polokwane City; namely; Ivy Park, Fauna Park, Welgelegen, Westernburg and the City Centre. This article describes two main methods that were used to collect data; that is Qualitative and Quantitative method. Field survey was also made to validate data obtained from the participants that were interviewed during qualitative data process. After framing the problem, the objectives of Solid Waste Management Practices in Polokwane City were briefly outlined as follows: • Assess solid waste management practices in Polokwane City. • Make comparison on how households and the municipality take responsibility in storing, collecting, transporting, treating and disposing solid waste. • Investigate what problems the City encounters in managing solid waste. • Make relevant recommendations aimed at improving solid waste management practices within the City. The service management was administered by the municipality and private sector. From the five study residential areas, the Municipality manages waste in the City Centre while the private sector manages waste in the other residential areas. However, the City continues to play an administrative role over the contracted service provider. Statistical results were presented in figures and tables. The results showed the storage habits, frequency of collection, mode of transport and methods of disposal for solid waste in Polokwane City. The only method of disposal in the city was found to be landfilling. Activities that took place at the landfill site, such as reclaiming were outlined together with the economic values that these activities add to the City. The study also revealed that as population increases, the amount of solid waste generated also increased. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Waste minimisation is implemented worldwide and has become an urgent priority in South Africa as evidenced in the promulgated National Environmental Management Waste Act (2008). The most common waste disposal method in South Africa is by landfill, which is unacceptable. Local municipalities have made little progress towards waste minimisation. The aim of this study was to present a solution to waste minimisation for the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) by determining the feasibility of establishing composting facilities on landfill sites. One third of all municipal waste consists of green waste, which is compostable and can be converted on landfill sites. Nine municipal landfill sites were screened. The four most feasible sites were evaluated further by applying identified parameters that address physical, social and operational requirements. It is a possible to establish composting facilities on all four sites investigated, with Hatherley ranking as the most suited. The findings of this study clearly provided the basic parameters and requirements for constructing a composting facility and practical procedures applicable within a South African context. The evaluation method used can be applied as a model to evaluate similar studies in other municipalities to aid them in the decision-making process for waste minimisation. / Environmental Management / M.A. (Environmental Management)

Bibliographical refernces appear at the end of each chapter / This study reviews solid waste management practices in Polokwane City. The study area covered some of the residential areas in Polokwane City; namely; Ivy Park, Fauna Park, Welgelegen, Westernburg and the City Centre. This article describes two main methods that were used to collect data; that is Qualitative and Quantitative method. Field survey was also made to validate data obtained from the participants that were interviewed during qualitative data process. After framing the problem, the objectives of Solid Waste Management Practices in Polokwane City were briefly outlined as follows: • Assess solid waste management practices in Polokwane City. • Make comparison on how households and the municipality take responsibility in storing, collecting, transporting, treating and disposing solid waste. • Investigate what problems the City encounters in managing solid waste. • Make relevant recommendations aimed at improving solid waste management practices within the City. The service management was administered by the municipality and private sector. From the five study residential areas, the Municipality manages waste in the City Centre while the private sector manages waste in the other residential areas. However, the City continues to play an administrative role over the contracted service provider. Statistical results were presented in figures and tables. The results showed the storage habits, frequency of collection, mode of transport and methods of disposal for solid waste in Polokwane City. The only method of disposal in the city was found to be landfilling. Activities that took place at the landfill site, such as reclaiming were outlined together with the economic values that these activities add to the City. The study also revealed that as population increases, the amount of solid waste generated also increased. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below