Waste prevention in South Africa : an evaluation of waste management regulations, policies and plans

Abstract

Waste generation has become not only an environmental issue but also an economic and social issue. As a result of population growth, urbanisation and unemployment, it is expected to increase according to current trends. Therefore, waste prevention has been prioritised by several countries around the world. In order to successfully implement waste prevention practices, the waste management hierarchy (where waste prevention is the highest priority), the process life cycle assessment, and the creation of a circular economy need to be considered. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the extent to which waste prevention has been incorporated in South African waste management regulations, policies, and plans. The research was designed to address three objectives to achieve this aim. Firstly, the South African regulatory framework for waste management was evaluated to determine the extent to which waste prevention practices were addressed. This objective was explored by performing a literature review and a critical document analysis to identify the regulations, policies, and plans affecting waste prevention in South Africa. Secondly, the research evaluated international waste prevention best practices in countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, and Australia. A comparative analysis was done between South Africa and the international case countries to identify opportunities to close gaps and improve waste prevention in the South African context. Thirdly, the research aimed to explore how incorporating these waste prevention practices could impact waste management in South Africa. The research finding concludes that South Africa is far from incorporating waste prevention practices into waste management regulations, policies, and plans, even though it is moving in the right direction with the publication of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations. Opportunities for improvement based on international best practices include the implementation of a circular economy in business sectors and establishing targets where evaluation and monitoring thereof may improve implementation. It was also noted that utilising civil based instruments may play an important role in waste prevention practices since prioritising waste prevention requires a holistic approach to the waste generation processes and improved processes. Ultimately, incorporating waste prevention practices may open new doors for industries in South Africa by creating new products and more employment opportunities.