CSIR researchers have completed a waste characterisation report for the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality that will influence its decision-making regarding waste. 

A waste characterisation study is typically done to determine the composition of the waste stream and the relative contribution of each component, such as paper, plastic, glass and organic waste, to the overall waste stream.  The results help inform local governments on how to manage their waste more effectively.  Currently, most waste is disposed of at landfills despite national strategies and goals to divert it away from landfill. 

CSIR Principal Researcher, Dr Suzan Oelofse, says: “Advanced waste treatment technologies are waste-stream specific, therefore, it is important to have accurate data on the composition and volumes of the waste generated to inform the choice of technology to divert waste away from landfill.  Programmes that encourage recycling are amongst the options that should be considered.  Waste has value as a secondary resource and when separated at the source, it could reach its maximum value.”   

Oelofse says that they had to develop the methodology to ensure that sampling for this process was scientifically sound. The research was done in partnership with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency, Aurecon and WastePlan.  

Oelofse says the municipal officials were surprised that about 60% of the household waste in the sample was organic material, such as garden waste and food, despite their efforts to encourage composting. Another interesting finding was the amount of waste tyres that entered the landfill disguised as household waste.   

The study also determined the energy potential of the waste to inform decisions on future waste-to-energy projects in the municipality.