Thesis (M.Tech.: Marketing)-Dept. of Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2006 xii, 152 leaves / Consumer attitudes play an important role when it comes to waste management. Consumers, who purchase any number of packaged goods also dispose of or discard waste in large quantities. In the business sector the introduction of new technologies in the production cycle is imperative, and this technology involves discovering more cost effective methods of reducing and reusing solid waste as a resource. The challenge for the eThekwini Municipality is to discover ways to reduce the volume of waste disposed at the landfills. This study determines the attitudes of consumers towards curbside recycling specifically within the eThekwini municipal region. This study focuses on various theories and evaluates ways in which waste prevention and reduction initiatives can be employed to protect the depletion of natural resources.

The South African formal education system has undergone many changes since the formulation of the White Paper on Education and Training in 1995. These developments challenge organisations that want to run successful programmes or projects in schools to adapt their social marketing strategies. Against this background, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between social marketing strategies and participation of schools in environmental competitions. The goals of the research were to identify issues that have influenced schools participation in the Collect-a-Can Annual Schools Competition, identify and review social marketing strategies used by Collect-a-Can to influence participation of schools in the competition, and identify relationships between issues that influenced school participation in the competition and the Collect-a-Can’s social marketing strategies. A qualitative design that applied an interpretative case study, which focused on the Collect-a-Can’s Annual Schools Competition was used to explore these relationships. Data was generated through interviews, document analysis and a workshop. Nine respondents from nine schools and three Collect-a-Can management staff members participated in the interview process. Twenty participants from twenty schools participated in the workshop. The findings of the research revealed that there were relationships between the social marketing strategies used by Collect-a-Can and participation of schools in the competition. These relationships were found to be linked mainly to policy changes within formal education which Collect-a-Can could not respond to as a result of various reasons which included among others, the core focus of thecompany, lack of funds and a need to operate in a cost-effective way. The recommendations indicate possible areas for improvement and guidelines which could be used by Collect-a-Can for the competition without digressing from its core focus or incurring additional costs. These include a more responsive and adaptive management approach and a stronger educational orientation.

The success or failure of a local municipality is measured by the efficient provision of basic services to communities within the area of jurisdiction. Waste management is one of the basic services that pose serious environmental challenges. Various strategies have been developed as a means of waste management and recycling is a popular strategy as it has the potential to foster relations between the municipality and the community. Studies by the Department of environmental Affairs have confirmed that the delivery of waste management services by municipalities has capacity constraints including, but not limited to, landfill site operations, waste collection, processing and disposal, and waste management hierarchy (Department of Environmental Affairs, 2008). This research is undertaken to establish how recycling can be effective in environmental management. The findings emphasise strongly, the high level of awareness that communities have on recycling; however there is a need for intensive resource support for the community initiatives to have the desired impact.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, 2015. / In light of the world’s declining fossil fuel reserves, the use of microalgal biodiesel has come to the forefront as a potentially viable alternative liquid fuel. The depleting freshwater reserves make the feasibility of this concept questionable. The use of wastewater reduces the requirement for depleting freshwater supplies. This project aimed to determine the viability of municipal domestic wastewater effluent as a substrate for microalgal growth, in order to generate an economical and environmentally friendly source of biofuel. Wastewater effluents from three domestic wastewater treatment plants were characterized in terms of known microalgal nutrients viz., ammonia, phosphate and nitrates. Phosphate concentrations varied throughout the year and were found to be low (< 3 mgL-1) whilst ammonia and nitrate concentrations ranged from 0 to 10 mgL-1 throughout the experimental period. These wastewaters were found to be suitable for cultivating microalgae. The study explored the cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana on pre- and post-chlorinated domestic wastewater effluent to assess their potential as a medium for high microalgal culture density and lipid production. Post-chlorinated wastewater effluent was found to be superior to pre-chlorinated wastewater effluent, as evident by the higher biomass concentration. This wastewater stream did not contain high concentrations of bacteria when compared to pre-chlorinated wastewater effluent. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient required for regulating the growth and lipid accumulation in microalgae. Cultures growing in post-chlorinated effluent had a lifespan of 18 d. Residual nitrogen in wastewater effluent supported microalgal growth for limited periods. Supplementation using cheap, readily available nitrogen sources was required for optimal biomass and lipid production. Urea, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and ammonium nitrate were evaluated in terms of biomass and lipid production of C. sorokiniana. Urea showed the highest biomass yield of 0.216 gL-1 and was selected for further experimentation. Urea concentrations (0–10 gL-1) were assessed for their effect on growth and microalgal physiology using pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry. A concentration of 1.5 gL-1 urea produced 0.218 gL-1 biomass and 61.52 % lipid by relative fluorescence. Physiological stress was evident by the decrease in relative Electron Transport Rate from 10.45 to 6.77 and quantum efficiency of photosystem II charge separation from 0.665 to 0.131. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 were the major fatty acids produced by C. sorokiniana. Wastewater effluent has been considered an important resource for economical and sustainable microalgal biomass/lipid production. The study showed that C. sorokiniana was sufficiently robust to be cultivated on wastewater effluent supplemented with urea. The results indicate that supplemented wastewater effluent was an acceptable alternative to conventional media. Using a relatively cheap nitrogen source like urea can certainly improve the techno-economics of large scale biodiesel production.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Johannesburg generates in excess of 1 500 000 tonnes of general waste annually and has on average 10 years’ lifespan remaining on its four landfill sites. As a signatory to the Polokwane Declaration, the City of Johannesburg has recognised the need for new interventions to divert waste from landfills by various methods, such as separation at source; alternative treatment methods and the conversion of waste to energy. Progress has, however, been slow and this research aims to investigate alternative waste management techniques that can be applied in the City of Johannesburg to fast track the realisation of these targets. Using scenario planning techniques, the research considers implications for policy and management decisions in realising the best possible future in the area of waste management in Johannesburg. The scenario process was used to develop the following scenarios for waste management in Johannesburg: Long walk to freedom. Waste collection coverage includes pockets of the community where waste collections services are less than optimal. The residents of the city, particularly in these underserviced areas, are also not very knowledgeable of the impact that the waste generated within their communities can have on the environment and what alternatives there are to manage this. Pick it up. The City provides full services to a society that functions in relative oblivion of the implications of their behaviour on the environment. It is assumed to be the role of government to “pick up” after communities and dispose of waste. This scenario is oblivious of the waste hierarchy and the role communities could play in minimising waste. Wishing on a star. The city continues to have under-serviced areas, public awareness is high and this fuels correct behaviour and a mind-set shift with regard to waste management. Working together we can do more. The City optimises its service provision to cover all areas while also ensuring maximum public awareness and behaviour change with regard to waste management.

The pollution problems resulting from industrial production activities result in the deterioration of our natural environment. That is why something needs to be done in order to preserve our environment. Conservation alone is not enough. Development is needed. Waste minimisation through applying Cleaner Technologies can help the country in the reduction of waste production and improve industry's environmental management processes. This study was based on an investigation into the adoption of Cleaner Technology. The study argues that elements of Cleaner Technology and the application of tools and strategies to practice Cleaner Technology are very useful for any industry. The costs of Cleaner Technology to companies cannot be compared with the benefits they can get from adopting Cleaner Technology. Mondi Limited concentrates on the product element of Cleaner Technology. It applies the recycling and re-use strategies in or~er to achieve product modification and input substitution. The organisation and knowledge elements are very strong and supportive to the technique element that is used at the Mondi Paper Mill. These three elements contribute to the increased efficiency, improved quality of intended products and waste minimisation through re-use and recycling. The question emerges about what government can or should do in return to companies like Mondi since they contribute towards the sustainability of our natural resources. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The essentiality for waste reduction in society is prompted by the depletion of natural resources. Internationally, five waste management strategies have been identified, namely reduction of waste (waste prevention), re-use of waste, recycling of waste, recovery of energy and disposal to landfill. In Polokwane Declaration of September 2001, South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism committed itself to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the volume of waste generated by 2012 and to be landfilled and have a zero waste plan implemented by 2022. Through the National Waste Management Act, No. 59 of 2008, the South African government also committed itself to provide protection of health, well-being and the environment through measures to avoid and minimise the generation of waste. Even though several policies and legislative documents are available that address waste minimisation and recycling, individual community members are however still reluctant to participate in these activities. This study therefore investigated the current levels of understanding, education and commitment to recycling and waste minimisation in a selected South African community. The target respondents of the study were members of a local church who are representative of the various peoples that reside in the communities serviced by the selected municipality. A convenience sample of 70 participants from that church was selected to complete the questionnaires. Seventy (70) questionnaires were distributed, and all 70 questionnaires were returned. Interviews were also conducted with two managers from the Waste Management Department of the selected municipality. The data analyses conducted, included descriptive statistics and content analysis of the interview transcripts. The empirical results revealed among others that: (1) recycling removal service is limited to pre-selected recyclables; (2) the municipality contributes to local entrepreneurial opportunities; (3) public participation is a pre-requisite in the success of the programmes; (4) participation is determined by convenience; (5) enforcement of legislation assists with compliance; (6) environmental sustainability is supported by environmental concerned consumers; (7) mismatch of opinions around separation at source of generation and (8) continuous education is instrumental in waste management. The main recommendations of the study include: (1) municipalities need to provide exciting and innovative recycling and waste minimisation programmes, continuously; (2) positive attitude and behaviour of all the stakeholders determines the success of waste minimisation and recycling; and (3) society, industry and government need to join forces in ensuring success in waste management. By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders in this field of interest will go a long way in improving waste management in South Africa communities.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Sciences: Environmental Health, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / The Durban University of Technology (DUT) signed the Taillores Declaration (TD) in an attempt to deal with environmental issues and subsequently waste management challenges. A few projects have been initiated within the institution to realise the TD ten point action plans. Currently there is limited data regarding the status quo at DUT. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted to analyse the situation with regards to waste management and recycling practices and to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of students towards waste management and recycling at DUT. An audit of the refuse receptacles was conducted and information obtained was plotted out on a map of two selected campuses. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the practices of waste management and recycling from nine departments. A total of 403 students from the Indumiso and Riverside campuses of DUT were recruited for the KAP study. The findings revealed that refuse receptacles are provided inconsistently and that there is a lack of planning around the provision of these receptacles. Departmental practices regarding waste management and recycling were found to vary from one department to the next. The KAP study results indicated that the students’ knowledge regarding waste management and recycling is poor and their attitudes and practices towards waste management and recycling may be improved by education and enforcement of policy. It is essential to develop a policy regarding waste management and recycling for DUT. In addition, a learning programme should be implemented for all new students entering DUT and during orientation. / M

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mounting pressure on waste management has forced the City of Cape Town (CCT) to progressively move towards achieving an integrated waste management system (IWMS). This system presents a holistic approach of dealing with waste issues. The waste management hierarchy indicates that the ‘cradle-to-cradle’ approach of waste management is more ideal as compared to the traditional ‘cradle-to-grave’ approaches of waste management, example landfilling. However the challenges that have transpired in the rollout of waste minimisation initiatives highlight the need to continuously improve the system. This thesis investigates the municipal solid waste (MSW) minimisation programmes initiated by the CCT Solid Waste Management Department. A systems approach that combined both quantitative and qualitative methodologies was employed in the analysis. A material flow analysis (MFA) model was used to trace the flow of waste through the waste management system. The benefit of applying the MFA approach for waste management problems has been highlighted in literature in terms of identifying potential recycling, and other, waste-treatment technologies, and predicting the outcomes of waste treatment and disposal initiatives. The main objective of this study was to apply an adapted MFA method in order to determine the progress of the existing waste minimisation programmes and to also determine the opportunities to utilise biodegradable and other recyclable components of the waste streams; thereby improving the IWMS of the CCT. The MFA provided a conceptual understanding of the flow of waste materials in the CCT. The mass assessment of waste minimisation facilities, such as the Bellville compost plant and Athlone material recovery facility and refuse transfer station, unveiled that there is still a large amount of biodegradable and recyclable municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills regardless of the waste minimisation facilities available. However, it is still immature at this stage to conclude the success of the Think Twice campaign, since this is a fairly new initiative that relies on the response rate of the public. There are challenges associated with the recyclable waste recovery rates such as public awareness, proper advertising, operational problems that still need to be addressed. The MFA results also showed the final sinks of the different waste types that are sent through the different waste minimisation facilities run by the CCT. The current institutional arrangements and legislative environment have been greatly improved but there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed. The largest, overall challenge is devising a practical plan of ‘closing the loop’ in order to develop a circular economy. The concept of ‘cradle-to-cradle’ seems to be premised on extended producer responsibility and other stringent control mechanisms, which are currently believed, will yield negative consequences in the South African context. A lot more work needs to be done to achieve a genuinely integrated and sustainable solid waste management system. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Stad Kaapstad streef na ‘n geïntegreerde afval beheer sisteem (GABS) as gevolg van toenemende druk op die bestuur van afval. Hierdie stelsel bied 'n holistiese benadering tot die hantering van afval-probleme. Die afvalbestuur-klassifikasie wys dat die “wieg-tot-wieg” benadering meer ideaal is as die tradisionele “wieg-tot-graf” benaderings van afvalbestuur, byvoorbeeld die bestaande sorteringsterreine. Die uitdagings wat voor-gekom het in die bekendstelling van afvalbeperkingsinisiatiewe het getoon dat daar ‘n voortdurende behoefte is om die stelsel te verbeter. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die munisipale vaste-afvalbeperkingsprogamme wat deur die Stad Kaapstad se Departement Vaste-Afvalbestuur geïnisieer is. Beide kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe metodes is gebruik om die analises uit te voer. ‘n Materiaal vloei-analise model (MVM) is gebruik om die vloei van afval deur die afvalbestuur-sisteem te volg. Die voordeel van die toepassing van die MVM-model word uitgelig in die literatuur in terme van identifisering van potensiële herwinning en ander afvalbehandelings-metodes en die voorspelling van die uitkomste van afval-behandeling en wegdoen-inisiatiewe. Die hoofdoel van die studie was om ‘n aangepaste MVM-metode toe te pas om die vordering van die bestaande afvalbeperkings programme vas te stel asook om die gebruik van bioafbreekbare en ander herwinbare komponente van die afvalstrome beter te kan benut en daardeur ‘n verbetering van die GABS van die Stad Kaapstad teweeg te bring. Die MVM het goeie insig gebied in die vloei van afvalmateriaal in die Stad Kaapstad. Die massa-waardebepaling van afvalverminderings-fasiliteite, soos die Belville kompos-aanleg en die Athlone materiaalherwinningsfasiliteit asook die afval-oordragstasie, het onthul dat daar nog groot hoeveelhede biodegradeerbare munisipale vaste-afval in die stortingsterreine beland ten spyte van die afvalbeperkings-fasiliteite wat beskikbaar is. Dit is egter nog te vroeg om ‘n gevolgtrekking oor die sukses van die “Think Twice” veldtog te maak aangesien dit 'n redelike nuwe inisiatief is wat op die terugvoer van die publiek staatmaak. Daar is uitdagings wat verband hou met die herwinbare afvalhersteltempo’s soos byvoorbeeld: openbare bewustheid, goeie advertering asook operasionele probleme wat nog aangespreek moet word. Die MVM resultate het ook ‘n daling in die verskillende afval-tipes wat deur die verskillende afvalbeperkingsfasiliteite van die Stad Kaapstad gestuur word, getoon. Die huidige institusionele reëlings en wetgewende omgewing het baie verbeter, maar daar is nog 'n aantal skuiwergate wat aangespreek moet word. Die grootste algehele uitdaging tans is die ontwerp van ‘n praktiese plan om die skuiwergate te oorkom en om ‘n kringloop in die ekonomie te ontwikkel. Die "wieg-totwieg" benadering berus op uitgebreide produsente verantwoordelikheid en ander streng beheermaatreëls wat waarskynlik negatiewe gevolge in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks gaan oplewer. Daar is egter nog baie werk wat gedoen moet word om ‘n geïntegreerde en volhoubare stelsel vir die bestuur van vaste-afval daar te stel.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In situ Informal Settlement Upgrading (ISU) was explored in this thesis, focussing on its relevance to waste service upgrading options immediately available and practically implementable for residents of Enkanini, a poorly serviced township (slum) in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Household food waste (kitchen scraps) was chosen as a key point of entry for exploring the context and viability of in situ improvement of solid waste management services in the area. This was done by investigating ways biological and social aspects of soil quality and food waste management can be incrementally improved in the settlement. Transdisciplinary methodology, Participatory Action Learning and Social Learning perspectives, combined with ecological thinking were used to explore different methods of managing food waste in Enkanini. A food waste collection pilot project was initiated in Enkanini by the Stellenbosch Municipality in 2012. The project was modified and continued in 2013, which served as the case study for this thesis. In 2013, food waste was collected by 56 households over five months. It was treated with Bokashi Effective Micro-organisms (Bokashi EM) containing yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, actinomycetes and photosynthetic bacteria. The Bokashi EM partially fermented the waste before it was used for composting or feeding to Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae. Laboratory testing of food waste, compost, soils and larvae waste residue determined the safety, potential and sustainability of food waste for recycling and contribution to local urban agriculture by closing the organic waste loop, and for generating an income stream. A total of 5851kg food waste was collected, saving 6m3 landfill space. Households generated 5,2kg - 9,6kg food waste per week. Extrapolating this lower figure for all of Enkanini (about 2400 households), about 50,2 tonnes of food waste could be generated per month. If this were collected and recycled or composted, this would save 51,2m3 landfill space per month. The most commonly cited benefit of food waste collections by participants was reduction of vermin in or around their homes. Laboratory testing indicated that some samples had high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. No traces of Salmonella were found in food waste, compost and soil samples, and most were within acceptable limits for heavy metals. It was cautioned that vegetables grown on soils or compost with high E. coli be washed or cooked before consumption. Following socially and ecologically sustainable management of Enkanini’s food waste requires a combination of waste management methods. Options include localised composting - burying EM treated food waste in soil; in situ container composting of waste and adding this to soil; processing of EM treated food waste by Black Soldier Fly larvae (and their subsequent use as feed for chickens or fish); and finally by anaerobic digestion for generation of biogas and effluent fertiliser in local biodigestors. The thesis showed that biological elements (such as bacteria and soil nutrients) have impacts on residents in communities and these need to be considered significant. The thesis suggests ecological elements be considered as indicators or building blocks for ISU locally, nationally and internationally. Keywords: in situ incremental upgrading, food waste management, Effective Micro-organisms, social learning, urban agriculture, closed-loop systems, organic waste management, informal settlements. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In situ Opgraderingsprojek vir Informele Nedersetting (OIN) is in hierdie tesis ondersoek, met die fokus om die relevansie van afval diens opgradering opsies prakties te implementeer vir die inwoners van Enkanini, Stellenbosch, Suid Afrika, 'n gemeenskap met swak dienslewering. Huishoudelike kombuis voedselafval is gekies om die konteks en lewensvatbaarheid van in situ verbetering van vaste afval bestuur dienste te ondersoek. Dit is bereik deur maniere te ondersoek om die biologiese en sosiale aspekte van die kwaliteit van grond en voedselafval bestuur in die nedersetting te verbeter. Transdissiplinêre metode, Deelnemende Aksie Leer en Sosiale Leerprosesse, gekombineer met ekologiese denke, is gebruik is om verskillende metodes van die bestuur van voedselafval in Enkanini te verken. 'N Enkanini voedselafval versamelingsprojek is in 2012 deur die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit begin. Dit is in 2013 aangepas en vir hierdie studie gebruik. Gedurende vyf maande in 2013 is voedselafval deur 56 huishoudings ingesamel. Dit is behandel met Bokashi effektiewe mikro-organismes (EM Bokashi) met gis, melksuur bakterieë, aktinomisete en fotosintetiese bakterieë. Die Bokashi EM het die afval gedeeltelik gegis voordat die afval gebruik was vir kompos of voeding aan Swart Soldaat Vlieg (Hermetia illucens) larwes. Voedselafval, kompos, grond en larwe oorskot laboratourim toetse het die veiligheid bepaal, asook die potensiaal en volhoubaarheid van die afval vir herwinning en die bydrae tot die plaaslike stedelike landbou deur middel van die organiese afval siklus, en vir inkomste generering. 5851kg voedselafval is ingesamel en 6m³ se opvullingsruimte bespaar. Die huishoudings het 5,2kg – 9,6kg voedselafval per week gegenereer. Die laer syfer in aggeneem, kan sowat 50,2 ton voedsalafval per maand in Enkanini (ongeveer 2400 huishoudings) gegenereer word. As dit ingesamel, herwin of gekomposteer was, sou 51,2 m³ opvullingsruimte per maand bespaar word. Die belangrikste voordeel van die voedselafval versamelings was die vermindering van knaag en aasdiere rondom wonings. Laboratoriumtoetse het hoë vlakke van Escherichia coli (E. coli) bakterieë in sommige monsters gevind. Geen spore van Salmonella is in die voedselafval, kompos en grondmonsters gevind nie en meeste was binne die aanvaarbare perke vir swaar metale. Die gemeenskap is gewaarsku om groente wat in die grond of kompos gekweek is voor verbruik in chloorwater te was of kook. Die sosiale en ekologies volhoubare bestuur van Enkanini se voedselafval vereis 'n kombinasie van afval bestuursmetodes. Opsies sluit gelokaliseerde kompos - begrawe EM behandelde voedsel afval in die grond; in situ houer kompos afval en die toevoeging van hierdie tot die grond; verwerking van EM behandelde voedselafval deur Swart Soldaat Vlieg larwes (en hul daaropvolgende gebruik as voer vir hoenders of vis); en uiteindelik deur mestvergisting vir die generasie van biogas en kunsmis in biovergisters. Die tesis toon dat biologiese elemente (soos bakterieë en voedingstowwe in grond)'n impak het op die gemeenskap se inwoners en as n belangrik faktor beskou moet word. Die tesis dui ekologiese elemente as n toekomstige aanwysers aan indien OIN plaaslik, nasionaal of internasionaal oorweeg word. Sleutelwoorde: in situ toenemende opgradering, kos afval bestuur, effektiewe mikro-organismes, sosiale leerproses, stedelike landbou, geslotestelsel-sisteme, organiese afval, informele nedersettings.