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Industrial waste minimisation in South Africa : a case study in the textile and metal finishing sectors.Reiner, Monika. January 2002 (has links)
Environmental legislation is becoming more stringent as people are realising the need for
conservation and a reduction of environmental degradation in order to facilitate sustainable
development. To ease legislative pressures, companies need to work together in symbiotic networks,
whereby co-operation between companies results in far more innovative practices than if the
companies acted individually. Success in an industrial network is largely dependent on cleaner
production, where industries seek to redirect from waste treatment to waste minimisation. Cleaner
production has already received international recognition and waste minimisation initiatives have
been used as a tool of cleaner production. Two polluting industrial sectors within South Africa, the
textile and metal finishing sectors, were chosen to investigate waste minimisation concepts. One
company from each sector was used as a case study. The dissertation followed company network
identification, potential to participate within an industrial symbiotic network, and waste
minimisation opportunities. Suppliers and buyers, up and down the product line were identified.
Relationships with these partners should be advanced such that environmental concerns are at the
forefront of any decision-making. In light of developing industrial networks and maintaining
symbiotic relationships, the company's potential was investigated by interviewing employees of
various ranks. Both companies were partially suited to participate within an industrial symbiotic
network and company-specific barriers were identified, such as ineffective internal communication.
The waste minimisation investigation followed a four-phase approach of planning and organisation;
pre-assessment; assessment; and feasibility study. In both the companies investigated, water savings
were identified as the waste minimisation focus area with potential for improvement. In total,
potential water savings of over R80 000 per annum were identified. In the textile company, the
weaving department and bleach house were further investigated. Cloth weaving errors were
attributed to machine stops, as each stop has the potential to result in a cloth fault. In the bleach
house the potential existed to reduce the number of rinse tanks. Although a modem and automated
process, the plating plant in the metal finishing company was identified as having potential waste
minimisation opportunities. Of particular interest was the reduction of solution carry over from the
plating tanks into subsequent tanks. Extended drip times were investigated. Additional waste
minimisation opportunities included repairing pipe leaks, replacing the degreasing solvent,
trichloroethylene, with a less harmful cleaning agent and establishing a symbiotic relationship with
the oil supplier, Castrol. Over and above the main waste minimisation opportunities highlighted,
other recommendations and potential savings were identified. Each case study emphasises that
simple waste minimisation initiatives, without expending capital, reduce demands on natural
resource, such as water, and benefit the company financially. Successful waste minimisation leads to
further cleaner production initiatives, which may then initiate better network interactions with the
further potential of promoting sustainable development. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.
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Critical factors in effective construction waste minimisation at the design stage: a Gauteng region case studyWortmann, Anine Eschberger 28 April 2015 (has links)
A research report submited to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment,
of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in part all fulfillment of the requirements for the MSc.
(Building) in Construction Project Management. / Construction waste minimisation and avoidance at the design stage of a construction project is the most
favourable solution in the existing waste management hierarchy triangle. However, there are currently
only a limited number of exploratory and context-specific studies that state effective construction waste
minimisation factors which can be implemented during the design stage. This can be regarded as a relatively
new concept and new research topic, especially as no studies have been done in a South African or a
Gauteng region context. This research report aims to address this local knowledge gap.
The research method included an initial conceptual framework of factors (identified from surveying both
global and local literature) as a launch pad in order to quantitatively survey design consultants in Gauteng
with regards to both the significance and ease of implementation of the identified factors. The research
target population consisted of; architects, architectural technologists, architectural draughtsman, structural
engineers, structural technologists, structural draughtsman and finally sustainability consultants. The
target population was further narrowed by only including designers who have both attempted to minimise
construction on greenfield projects in Gauteng and who have received Green Building Council of South
Africa (GBCSA) accreditation on the same project.
This report presents a hierarchical list of twenty-six critical factors that can be implemented during the
design stage in order to minimise or avoid construction waste in the context of Gauteng, South Africa.
The report further indicates which of these factors will be easier to implement than others. These factors
are aimed mainly at clients of construction projects, as they are in essence the stakeholders who will
contractually enforce designers to implement these construction waste minimisation factors in order to
lower project costs. Furthermore; these factors will also serve as valuable references for the Gauteng
Provincial Government as the factors can be utilized in order to drive provincial construction waste
regulations and eventually national reform.
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Towards a zero waste South Africa : a case study on post-consumer solid waste management in rural and urban areas.January 2009 (has links)
Through the National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998), the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) introduced the concept of the Waste Hierarchy (Reduce - Reuse - Recover - Dispose) as the only possible road towards sustainable development. This concept of sustainable waste management was extended into the Polokwane Declaration on Waste Management which identified Zero Waste as the ultimate goal for sustainable waste management systems in South Africa. Zero Waste is defined as the concept of using all waste produced in a certain area for production activities in that area when it is environmentally acceptable, socially equitable and economically viable, with unavoidable residual waste going to landfill. The aim of this thesis is to test the applicability of Zero Waste to post-consumer waste arising from rural and urban areas. The primary reason that this study has been attempted is that little research in South Africa has focused on the demand-side management of post-consumer waste, and that whatever research that has been undertaken has focused almost exclusively on waste management in urban areas. In order to realise the aim of this thesis, two case studies were selected and analysed: one rural and one urban. These case studies were selected due to differences in characteristics of the waste arising from households, existing waste management systems and socio-economic indicators for households in these areas. In each case study, a proposed Zero Waste Scheme was assessed for application based on four sustainability criteria: environmental, social, economical and institutional. The Zero Waste Schemes are based on the conceptual Zero Waste Model (ZWM) that has been specifically developed as the main tool for conducting this research. The development and use of the ZWM in assessing waste management systems in South Africa is a significant contribution of this thesis to knowledge. Generally, the results showed that the proposed Zero Waste Schemes could meet three of the evaluation criteria used in the investigation, but could not meet the fourth: institutional sustainability. For this reason, the Zero Waste Schemes could not be implemented since the municipalities responsible for waste management in those areas did not have the capacity administrative, financial resources and political will - to implement them. Thus, institutional sustainability has been shown to be the main constraint in the application of Zero Waste Schemes in post-consumer waste management systems in South Africa. This is another significant contribution of this thesis to knowledge.Other significant findings from this study reveal that rural areas lack basic waste collection and disposal systems; hence this lack in service delivery prevents full implementation of Zero Waste Schemes in these areas. In contrast, households in urban areas are served by integrated waste management systems that extend to most households, and most of these households are able to finance the waste management services provided. The existence of the integrated waste management systems was used as a basis for introducing waste minimisation and at-source separation of recyclables in order to reduce the amount of waste needing disposal. Education of households in urban areas has been identified as a key factor in establishing Zero Waste Schemes in the case study areas. In conclusion, it has been shown in this thesis that although Zero Waste Schemes are theoretically applicable to rural and urban areas of South Africa, institutional constraints that will have to be overcome in order to make Zero Waste a reality. Implicit in this conclusion is the extension of waste collection services to rural households and the full participation of rural and urban households in Zero Waste Schemes, participation which can only be verified by actual implementation of the schemes. This is the next step in the approach towards Zero Waste within post-consumer waste management in South Africa. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.
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Assessment of the practice and potential of industrial solid waste minimisation : case study of StellenboschSemoli, Belemane Petrose 04 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is increasing pressure on factories and government to practise cleaner technology.
The public is becoming more and more environmentally aware and external pressure
from international competitors is also forcing companies to adopt environmentally sound
production practices. Our natural resources and the environment need environmentally
friendly practices. Waste minimisation is not only prudent practice for manufacturing
industries, but is also an integral part of environmental regulations in many countries,
including South Africa. This research seeks to investigate the extent and potential for
industrial waste minimisation in Stellenbosch.
The objectives of this thesis are, firstly to establish and evaluate the present range and
extent of industrial solid waste minimisation practices; secondly to identify and evaluate
potential industrial solid waste minimisation measures that could (if necessary) be
instituted in future; and finally to propose a general strategy for the minimisation of
industrial solid waste in Stellenbosch.
The findings reflect that currently there is little waste minimisation awareness and
practice in Stellenbosch. The most common method of waste minimisation currently
practised by industries is recycling through the selling of recyclables. The least common
method is the equipment-related change method, due to the high costs involved in
adopting this method. Based on the findings, a suitable regional waste management
strategy was developed and this strategy could possibly be adopted elsewhere in South
Africa.
Key words: waste minimisation, waste management, re-use, recycling, factory,
environment, practice, participation, cleaner technology, awareness, Stellenbosch / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is toenemende druk op fabrieke sowel as op die regering om skoner tegnologie te
beoefen. Die publiek raak ook toenemend meer omgewingsbewus en druk vanaf die kant
van internasionale mededingers forseer maatskappye om praktyke in te stel wat gunstig is
ten optigte van die omgewing. Ons natuurlike hulpbronne en die omgewing benodig
omgewingsvriendelike vervaardigingspraktyke. Die beperking van afvalstowwe is nie net
vir die fabriekswese 'n wyse praktyk nie, maar maak ook in vele lande, met inbegrip van
Suid-Afrika, 'n integrale deel uit van regulasies met betrekking tot die omgewing.
Hierdie navorsingsprojek poog om die omvang en potensiaal van beperking van
afvalstowwe in Stellenbosch te ondersoek. Die doelwitte van die ondersoek is eertens om
ondersoek in te stel na die huidige reikwydte en omvang van praktyke om vaste
industriële afvalstowwe te beperk en dit te evalueer; tweedens om potensiële industriële
vaste afvalstofbeperkingsmaatreëls wat, indien nodig, in die toekoms ingestel sou kon
word, te indentifiseer en te evalueer; en dan uiteindelik 'n algemene strategie vir die
beperking van vaste industriële afvalstowwe in Stellenbosch voor te stel.
Die bevindings in hierdie tesis bewys dat daar tans gennge bewustheid van die
noodaaklikheid van afvalstofbeperking in Stellenbosch is en dat dit ewe min in die
praktyk toegepas word. Die mees algemene vorm van beperking van afvalstowwe in die
fabriekswese is deur middel van verkoop van herwinbare afvalstowwe. Die mins
algemene vorm van beperking van afvalstowwe hou verband met die vervanging van
toerusting. Die rede hiervoor het te doen met die koste verbonde aan die strategie.
Vanuit hierdie bevindings is toepaslike strategie vir die bestuur van afvalstowwe op
streeksvlak ontwikkel. Hierdie strategie sou moontlik ook elders in Suid-Afrika toegepas
kon word.
Sleutelwoorde: beperking van afvalstowwe, afvalstofbestuur, hergebruik, herwinning,
fabriek, omgewing, praktyk, deelname, skoner tegnologie, bewustheid, Stellenbosch
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Establishing a waste management system for Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyMyamya, Luyolo Ebenezer January 2016 (has links)
Communities around the globe are confronted by environmental challenges such as waste management. These challenges are further aggravated by factors such the increasing volumes of waste, landfills that are running out of capacity and scarcity of suitable land to construct new landfill sites. The National Waste Management Strategy requires participation from all members of society including households, businesses, community organisations, nongovernmental organisations, parastatals and the three spheres of government, to promote practices that minimise the volumes of waste generated. The purpose of the research was to assess and investigate the current waste management practices at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and recommend a waste management system. The research employed a quantitative approach, where participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire. A literature review was conducted on waste management at higher learning institutions, with particular focus on the contribution that a university can make in alleviating some of the adverse effects of waste management. The outcome of the review highlighted some of the opportunities and barriers that can either disrupt or augment the process of implementing a waste management system. The results from the research revealed that CPUT does not conform to the hierarchy of waste management, and there is no waste management policy in place. The effect of this is that the stakeholders were not satisfied with the lack of leadership on waste related challenges. By developing a policy, providing leadership, conducting awareness campaigns and prioritising environmental challenges such responsible management waste, could improve the image of the institution in the eyes if its stakeholders.
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Investigating the potential for the application of lean manufacturing in the can coating plant at Duco CoatingsErasmus, Deidre Felicia January 2008 (has links)
Companies are constantly expected to be more competitive while working in an environment in which time and cost are limited, thereby preventing such companies from taking the time required to be responsive. It is, therefore, important that companies understand that conventional knowledge and methods will not serve unless there is a concerted focus on improvement of organisational performance toward fulfilling increased expectations, not just maintaining that which is comfortable. A more sustainable approach may be the introduction of lean manufacturing techniques. The lean manufacturing process is one that continuously strives to eliminate waste, thereby increasing the percentage of time that may be devoted to value-adding activities. Lean manufacturing principles were applied in the Can Coating Plant of Duco Speciality Coatings. This study was intended to identify waste in the current production process in the Can Coating Plant and then to use lean tools and principles to eliminate such waste. Implementation of these lean tools proved to result in a leaner and more value-adding process. The new process rendered a positive result on Duco Coating’s costs, quality and product performance. Recommendations on further improvements were also offered.
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An assessment of carbon emissions reduction potential through zero waste activities in South African municipalities.Jagath, Rohini. January 2010 (has links)
The inception of global warming has resulted in mitigation efforts across all relevant
sectors. Waste management activities produce approximately 12% of methane
emissions in South Africa. The current scope of waste management favours
sustainable strategies targeting zero waste and waste diversion, however landfill
disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) is still the primary strategy employed by South
African municipalities. This study evaluated the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of
various waste management scenarios that included recycling, composting, anaerobic
digestion, and landfill gas recovery through case studies of the eThekwini Municipality
(Mariannhill landfill) and uMgungundlovu District Municipality (New England Road
landfill) MSW streams. Each waste management strategy was assessed on the basis
of GHG emissions, landfill space savings and economic feasibility. A waste stream
analysis (WSA) was conducted to obtain both the qualitative and quantitative data
required. The results of the WSA determined that the biogenic fraction of the MSW
stream for typical South African municipalities varies between 32-40% while the
recyclable fraction ranges between 38-44%. The Waste Resource Optimisation Scenario Evaluation (WROSE) model was
developed for the quantification of GHG emissions and is based on the US EPA
emissions factors for landfill disposal, landfill gas recovery, recycling and composting.
An emissions factor was derived to include the GHG impacts of anaerobic digestion
using a streamlined life cycle analysis approach. The results confirmed that recycling,
anaerobic digestion and composting all produce GHG reductions, in comparison with
the baseline scenario of landfill disposal, and a combination thereof through
Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) produced the greatest net GHG reductions
(between -63,338 to -71,522 MTCO2e/annum for the New England Road MSW stream,
and -71,280 to -86,123/annum MTCO2e for the Mariannhill MSW stream). The results
indicated that the implementation of MBT scenarios would produce landfill space
savings of 94,375 to 103,302 m3 for the Mariannhill landfill, extending the landfill
lifespan by 12-14 years, while savings of 73,399 – 74,100 m3 could be realised for the
New England Road landfill, extending the landfill lifespan by 2-3 years. The study
concluded that while the focus of waste management has changed and zero
waste/waste diversion goals require alternative waste management methods to be
implemented, the capital and operational costs of some technologies are the main
barrier for implementation in developing countries, and that the environmental and
social benefits should be evaluated further to truly gauge the costs/benefits involved. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.
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An empirical investigation of waste and management strategies adopted in the construction industry : a case study of the Tshwane municipality.Okorafor, Chikezirim. January 2014 (has links)
M. Tech. Construction Management / This dissertation is primarily concerned with the investigation of waste generation rates, the causes of waste and waste management strategies adopted in the construction industry in Tshwane, South Africa.
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Waste management practices at the University of Stellenbosch : an environmental management perspectiveMohamed, Ayub 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As the world enters a new millennium, global awareness of environmental issues have
reached new heights. No longer is the environment seen as an all-absorbing and allproviding
resource. Rather, there exists a greater awareness that without active
management, the inherent risks and hazards - posed by both the natural environment
and humankind's interaction with this environment - will be realised. In order to
ensure a sustainable co-existence, humanity's interaction with the surrounding.
environment must be managed in a responsible manner. In this regard, all aspects of
this interaction require attention. Various frameworks, manifested in a variety of
forms, have been proposed.
One of the most basic aspects of species existence is the generation of waste. Human
existence is no different. However, as a result of the variety of activities that
characterise humans' existence on Earth, the generation of waste represents the most
tangible and probably the most threatening aspect of this interaction. This study
focuses on waste management from an environmental perspective at a specific
institution, namely the University of Stellenbosch.
In terms of its findings, the study has established the applicability of various
regulatory and institutional frameworks within which the University operate. These
frameworks address the role of the University both in terms of waste management and
sustainable development. It has established the types of waste generated, the
generating processes, the storage, and removal and disposal characteristics of waste
management at the University. Waste management at the University is determined to
be complex and fragmented, the result of a variety of activities occurring. It has
established that limited waste minimisation and reduction activities occur, even
though the University had identified effective and efficient resource use as a strategic
priority. Although attempts at improving waste management are admittedly underway,
the study has found that adopting an environmental management system approach to
waste management will enable the University to meet pending legislative and
institutional environmental commitments. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die binnetree van 'n nuwe millennium het wêreldwye bewustheid van
omgewingskwessies nuwe hoogtes bereik. Die omgewing word nie meer bloot beskou
as 'n alles-absorberende en alles-voorsienende hulpbron nie. Veel eerder groei
bewustheid van die noodsaak vir aktiewe bestuursingryping om die gevare en
bedreigings inherent aan die natuurlike omgewing, en die mens se interaksie daarmee,
die hoof te bied. Ter wille van volhoubare saambestaan moet die mens-omgewing
interaksie op verantwoordelike wyse bestuur word. Alle aspekte van hierdie interaksie
vereis aandag en 'n verskeidenheid raamwerke in 'n verskeidenheid formate is
hiervoor voorgestel.
Die produksie van afval is een van die mees basiese kenmerke van lewensbestaan.
Menslike bestaan is nie daarbo verhewe nie. Weens die verskeidenheid aktiwiteite wat
menslike bestaan kenmerk, is die produksie van afval die mees tasbare en waarskynlik
mees bedreigende manifestasie van mens-omgewing interaksie. Hierdie tesis fokus op
afvalbestuur uit die invalshoek van die omgewing, soos dit beslag kry aan 'n
spesifieke instansie, naamlik die Universiteit van Stellenbosch.
Die studie het ten aanvang die implikasies van die verskeidenheid regulatoriese en
institusionele raamwerke waarin die universiteit opereer, bevestig. Hierdie raamwerke
omvat die rol van die Universiteit beide in terme van afvalbestuur en volhoubare
ontwikkeling. Die tipes afval wat aan die instansie gegenereer word is geklassifiseer
en die genererings-, opbergings-, verwyderings- en verwerkingsprosesse en
verantwoordelikhede is vasgestel en gedokumenteer. Afvalbestuur aan die
Universiteit blyk kompleks en gefragmenteerd te wees, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die
wye verskeidenheid afval-skeppingsbronne wat hier aangetref word. Ook is bevind
dat, ten spyte van die instansie se identifisering van effektiewe hulpbrongebruik as 'n
strategiese prioriteit, slegs beperkte afval-inkorting en -reduksie aan die instansie
plaasvind. Hoewel daar tans 'n aktiewe proses geloods word om afvalbestuur te
verbeter, beveel die studie die aanvaarding, ontwerp en implementering van 'n veel
meer wydlopende en holistiese benadering in die vorm van 'n geïntegreerde
omgewingsbestuurstelsel aan. Slegs hierdeur sal die Universiteit in staat wees om aan
die volgende vlaag wetgewing rakende afvalbestuur te voldoen en ook
verantwoordelike omgewingsverbintenis te demonstreer.
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Current waste management and minimisation patterns and practices : an exploratory study on the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in South AfricaGumbi, Sibongile Euphemia 08 1900 (has links)
Growing municipal waste mismanagement and associated environmental impacts is an enormous
environmental concern in developing countries such as South Africa. Hence, this study explored
current waste management and minimisation patterns and practices in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan
Municipality (EMM), located east of the Gauteng province. The study was undertaken using a mixed
method design, particularly the concurrent triangulated design where the quantitative and qualitative
data were collected at the same time. The methods employed were desktop surveys, interviews with
the participants and use of questionnaires which were designed based on the objectives of the study.
The questionnaires were designed for different types of participants (namely, households, informal
reclaimers, municipal officials and landfill officials).
All the data collected were stored in Microsoft Excel (2010) spread sheet for statistical analyses. The
study has revealed some patterns, practices as well as trends regarding waste management and
minimisation within the EMM municipality. At household level, there was some environmental
awareness on waste management practices provided by the municipality as well as local recycling
options although there are numerous challenges to be resolved before these functions can become
effective. With informal recycling, a number of waste materials are being reclaimed at various landfill
sites. However, current informal waste picking activities by the so-called scavengers are not
sustainable as waste is not separated prior to disposal at various point sources. In addition, informal
reclaimers have to travel long distances to reach waste sources. Another concerning constraint
hampering the effectiveness of informal waste recovery, has to do with their daily exposure to several
environmental and health risks. Furthermore, the study has found out that the EMM is predominantly
focused on providing better waste management services rather than balancing this activity with waste
minimisation through reclaiming and recycling operations. Thus, the municipality lacks adequate
infrastructure to undertake waste minimisation effectively. Also, waste minimisation and awareness
campaigns were found to be inadequate and at an infant stage, unlike those carried out by private
companies. In view of these findings, a number of recommendations have been made. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)
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