Perceptions on integrating informal waste tyre dealers into the formal waste sector: Emalahleni Local Municipality

Abstract

In South Africa, the prohibition of waste tyre disposal in landfills has positively impacted landfill usage but led to an increase in illegal dumping of tyres. Although the informal waste sector plays an important role towards the diversion of reusable and recyclable waste from landfill, the informal trading of waste tyres may present several challenges. There are divergent opinions regarding the integration of the informal waste tyre sector into the formal waste tyre management sector in South Africa. While some argue that their inclusion may lead to the regulation of this informal sector, others argue that activities which are not provided for in legislation and may deemed to be illegal, cannot be regulated. This research focuses on perceptions surrounding the integration of informal waste tyre dealers (also referred to as informal used tyre dealers or second-hand tyre dealers) into the formal waste sector, focusing on Emalahleni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Utilising qualitative methods such as interviews and observations, the study uncovers the views of informal tyre dealers and key stakeholders in the formal tyre manufacturing and sales sector. Twenty respondents, including ten informal used tyre dealers and ten from the formal waste and/or tyre sector, participated in the research. Observations identified and described the informal used tyre dealers, their locations, and characteristics, highlighting areas like filling stations, main roads, shopping centres, taxi ranks, and informal businesses in townships. Interview results elucidated the industry's status and both sectors' perceptions on integrating informal tyre dealers into the formal sector. The informal waste tyre sector expresses a willingness to integrate for better business growth opportunities while feeling secure in their current operations. However, the formal waste tyre sector provided ambiguous feedback, citing concerns such as unsafe tyres, competition, customer poaching, environmental issues, and unsafe working conditions for informal dealers. They also expressed a lack of means to assist in integration, except for providing training in areas like environmental awareness and industry management. Ultimately, the study aims to inform policy recommendations for a sustainable and inclusive waste tyre management system in Emalahleni and South Africa. The findings contribute to academic discourse and offer practical insights for policymakers, fostering a more inclusive and effective waste management strategy tailored to the local context of Emalahleni.