Opportunities and constraints of low carbon waste management technologies for South Africa

Abstract

Household energy consumption, transport and waste disposal contribute 51.2%, 32.8% and 16% of anthropogenic carbon to the atmosphere, respectively. Although most of the waste based carbon is convertible into various forms of energy for households and transport needs, much of the available technologies are not sufficiently used in South Africa. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the existing opportunities and constraints of implementing existing waste management technologies among South African households. Descriptive analysis of secondary data are employed and ultimately, inductive and deductive lines of reasoning are followed in drawing inferences and synthesis about the results. The results show that more than half of municipal waste generated in South Africa is organic, and is indiscriminately dumped, leading to a myriad of public health and environmental risks. The opportunities for energy and compost generation are the primary opportunities missed. It is also identified that lack of knowledge of available waste management technologies, awareness and research are constraints inhibiting investment into low carbon waste management technologies. Thus, this study concludes and recommends that awareness and investment be redirected towards entrepreneurial development around waste management technologies such as waste-to-energy technologies.