Green Economy Journal Issue 63

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CIRCULARITY
systems in place to divert these resources back into the economy
(an operational flaw). And so, I would say that destroying resources
at end-of-life through thermal-WtE is not part of the circular
economy. We lose the ability to return these resources – whether
it be polymer, nutrients, fibre or metals – back into the economy.
There is certainly a lot of potential to introduce more bio-WtE
facilities into South Africa, given that organic waste (food, garden,
agricultural waste) is the single largest general waste stream
produced in South Africa. It’s also a significant contributor towards
South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, because of the aerobic
and anaerobic breakdown of these organic wastes into carbon
dioxide and methane (among others).
Zero organic waste to landfill policy is important in sending the
right signals to the private sector which will move to adopt and
invest in appropriate technologies for South Africa.
We hope that the recent gazetting of the mandatory Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR) will have the same benefits for South
Africa – increased investment in appropriate technologies to
beneficiate these waste streams locally and keep these resources
(and associated jobs) in the country for as long as possible before
they have to enter into the global market.
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THOUGHT [ECO]NOMY
greeneconomy/report recycle
A WASTE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION
ROADMAP FOR SOUTH AFRICA (2015-2025)
Towards a secondary resources economy
Summary report
THOUGHT [ECO]NOMY
greeneconomy/report recycle
ISWA2024 WORLD CONGRESS | WASTE TO WEALTH:
Solutions for a sustainable future | CTICC, Cape
Town | [16-18 September]
“The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA)
invites you to join us for the ISWA2024 World Congress taking
place for the first time on African soil. Come and experience
Cape Town, South Africa’s beauty, culture and vibrance. We want
you to be part of the conference’s legacy, where we move Africa,
which is well resourced, from waste to wealth and help us provide
solutions for a sustainable future.” Mpendulo Ginindza, IWMSA
President and ISWA2024 Conference Chair
The ISWA World Congress is the foremost event in the field of
solid waste management. It serves as a global assembly, featuring
elevated plenary sessions, technical site visits and a rich cultural
and social itinerary. Here, waste management professionals,
government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, scientists
and emerging professionals convene, engaging in constructive
dialogues to encourage scientific and technical advancements
in sustainable solid waste management.
A WASTE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION ROADMAP FOR
SOUTH AFRICA (2015-2025) | Towards a secondary resources economy | Summary report |
Department of Science and Technology | Dr Linda Godfrey, CSIR, and Michael Rivers, Mutualfruit Ltd |
[November 2014]
The Waste Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Roadmap has been developed in support of
strategic national priorities. The successful implementation of this 10-year plan can make a positive
and meaningful contribution towards growing and transforming the South African waste sector.
Developing, strengthening and embedding South Africa’s waste RDI capacity within and between
research and academic institutions as well as industry and government will enable the sector to make
more effective decisions, appropriate technologies and create opportunities for the export of knowhow
into the African continent and beyond. Waste management is also increasingly a shared global
issue. In addition to national priorities, the Waste RDI Roadmap provides significant opportunity for
international collaboration and investment on shared priorities.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION DECADEL PLAN 2022-2032 |
Department of Science and Innovation | [2022]
The Decadal Plan sets out the science, technology and innovation (STI) priorities and thematic focus
areas for the next decade to support the achievement of the National Development Plan objectives.
It is premised on advancing a whole-of-government approach (and ultimately a whole-of-society
approach) to innovation in South Africa.
The intention is to optimise synergies among STI-intensive government departments and the
rest of government through joint programming and co-funding for STI priorities, and hence to
ensure policy certainty to maximise the contributions of business, civil society and academia to STI
initiatives and investments.
STI are recognised as core drivers of socio-economic development and improving the lives of citizens.
The national system of innovation is an enabling framework and seeks to harness the diverse aspects of
STI through various institutions that develop, practice or use STI.
Transforming
WASTE INTO WEALTH
in KZN townships The success story of Use-IT NPO
In a world where environmental sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority, businesses
that innovate and champion eco-friendly practices stand out as beacons of change.
BY USE-IT
Among these pioneers is USE-IT NPO, a waste beneficiation
company making waves in the green economy of KwaZulu-
Natal (KZN). Based in Hammarsdale outside Durban,
Use-IT was established as a non-profit organisation to research
and develop waste beneficiation technologies with the aim of
diverting waste from landfill and creating jobs in the green
economy of KZN.
Through our innovative approach to recycling and waste
beneficiation, USE-IT KZN has transformed waste into valuable
resources and exemplified the power of sustainable business
models for SMME development and job creation opportunities. The
successes of the past five years underscore the effectiveness of the
current strategy and set a solid foundation for future growth and
impact in recycling and environmental conservation.
Founded on the belief that every piece of waste holds potential
for a greener future, USE-IT embarked on a mission to revolutionise
the recycling landscape in KZN communities. It remains our shared
objective to nurture entrepreneurs who share our vision of achieving
“zero waste to landfill”. To achieve this we developed cutting-edge
technologies, world-class facilities and sustainable practices to
process and repurpose these materials efficiently.
SMME DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
USE-IT has forged strategic partnerships with our local SMMEs and
industry stakeholders, creating a robust network that facilitates
the efficient collection, processing and distribution of recyclable
materials. The principal focus at the centre is on green jobs and
skills development.
Over the past three years, we have witnessed rampant growth in
our incubation centre. This growth involves Owethu Sewing that
now exports products to international markets, Home Decor, the
furniture specialist and Educational Toy Project. This collaborative
approach has enhanced our operational efficiency and opened new
avenues for business growth and expansion. We have diligently
reviewed all on-site tenants, partners and incubates to ensure
their compliance with our rules, licenses and strategic SMME
development objectives.
INNOVATION IN WASTE
We strive to foster innovation and focus on township economies
by harnessing waste as a valuable resource. USE-IT takes pride in
the exceptional waste management practices and overall tidiness
Waste has value, just USE-IT.
CIRCULARITY
of our site and communities. Our key success pilot project with
Green KEY Brick served as a catalyst for environmental change
beyond its operational achievements.
USE-IT has partnered on a CSIR-funded project to establish a
demonstration site to produce a full analysis from materials through
to the construction of a 40m 2 house. This will include application
for Agrément certification, making the innovation a certified and
credible green building alternative. In the last year, we witnessed
remarkable progress with the Green KEY Brick project in Zambia
with an off-take of 60 000 houses across 10 regions.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Through educational outreach programmes, community partnerships
and corporate collaborations with the Social Employment Fund,
we continue to align with our core mission of reducing waste to
landfill within a circular economy framework, promoting job creation
and entrepreneurship opportunities within the recycling industry.
We have collaborated with our local community waste pickers
who proactively bring us waste in exchange for income. This has
been one of our interventions to create jobs and support livelihoods.
The community project supports part-time work since evidence
shows that this enables complementary livelihood activities and
pathways into entrepreneurial activity.
We are partnering with other businesses to further support
schools in our area through a school recycling programme. USE-IT
contributed to three schools in a local ward in the Mpumalanga
township of Hammarsdale by hosting schools at our facilities.
CONCLUSION
As the world grapples with the challenges of waste management,
USE-IT stands as a shining example through innovation and a
commitment to sustainability in our KZN townships. By revolutionising
waste beneficiation and recycling, USE-IT’s plan is to divert waste from
landfills and be more aggressive in creating economic opportunities
and promoting environmental stewardship.
We thank our long-serving and valued funder, eThekwini
Municipality, for its support throughout our journey. Without your
financial contribution, we would not be where we are. Partner with
USE-IT for social change. Waste has value, just USE-IT.
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