As the Diamond Sponsor of ISWA 2024, Interwaste had the incredible opportunity to engage with both local and international industry leaders and colleagues sharing thought-provoking insights and innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the African waste management industry. Our presence at the conference not only highlighted our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices but also reinforced our role as a key player in shaping the future of waste management in the region.
While many of the presentations throughout the event focused on the pressing issues within the waste industry, we are exceptionally proud of our team’s outstanding contributions. Each presentation brought fresh ideas, explored diverse perspectives, and provided actionable solutions for some of the most critical challenges faced today.
Kate Stubbs led one of the plenary sessions with her captivating presentation, “A Time of Waste.” She took the audience on a journey through the past, present, and future of waste management, reflecting on the changes in mindset and the actions needed to reconnect with nature. Drawing on concepts like the circular economy and biomimicry, Kate’s insights inspired us to imagine a future where waste becomes a resource rather than a burden.
Sintu Mhlonyane presented an exciting breakthrough in his talk, “Overcoming Challenges in Leachable Analysis: A Novel Approach.” His innovative approach reduces costs and simplifies processes, offering a more efficient path toward regulatory compliance. Sintu’s presentation highlighted his expertise and the practical impact of his work on improving industry standards.
Bradley Thorpe shared his passion for environmental stewardship in his presentation on Biodiversity Protection and Promotion through Waste Management. Bradley discussed how waste management activities can actively protect, restore, and promote biodiversity, sharing actions Interwaste has taken to restore ecosystems and champion biodiversity at our sites. His insights demonstrated our long-term commitment to sustainability, going beyond waste to embrace the full spectrum of environmental responsibility.
Moipone Maseko delivered a forward-thinking presentation on Circular Sustainable Solutions for Liquid Waste, which examined the current state of South Africa’s wastewater treatment plants. She showcased Interwaste’s own Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), which transforms 80-90% of wastewater into clean, reusable water. Moipone’s presentation illustrated the potential of African solutions to meet global challenges head-on, especially as the world faces increasing water scarcity.
As part of a broader team effort, Interwaste showcased two key case studies. The first focused on Effluent Treatment and the Need to Diversify Our Water Mix, emphasizing how incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles is essential for effective water management. The second case study explored the potential for Waste to Energy in South Africa, examining the drivers for adoption, local opportunities, and insights from our partners at Séché Environnement.
Throughout ISWA 2024, our stand embodied the theme, “A Time of Waste,” reflecting on the evolution of waste management and encouraging a mindset shift for the future. Visitors to our stand experienced interactive features like a VR journey through natural environments, which emphasized our connection to nature, and our bold stance on sustainability. We believe that dreaming big and imagining a world without waste is critical to creating impactful change.
As part of our commitment to reducing waste, the stand was constructed with eco-friendly materials, and sustainability was at the heart of every detail, from recyclable carpets to biodegradable paints and inks.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to ISWA and IWMSA for organizing such a successful conference. The platform allowed us to engage with like-minded individuals and share our expertise, while learning from global leaders who are also committed to creating a better tomorrow.
As we move forward from ISWA 2024, Interwaste remains dedicated to innovating and leading the waste management sector, delivering impactful solutions that address the needs of today, while building a more sustainable future for generations to come.