The waste management industry has faced several operational challenges during this year, notwithstanding the immediate impact due to load shedding. Yes, waste can be affected by load shedding, as the critical facilities that handle both general and hazardous waste are treated by electricity-powered equipment, and without power, it results in delays in the waste management processes. As a result, we have seen waste build up in neighbourhoods, business districts, and public areas – which is not only unsanitary but raises raising the risk of disease transmission.
Load shedding has also had a severe impact on incinerators and recycling plants, because they too need a consistent supply of electricity. Without electricity, waste treatment processes can be suspended or interrupted and of course, then more waste could end up being disposed of to our already burdened landfills.
Further to the impacts of load shedding, is the increase in operational costs due to the significant increases in the cost of living in the past two years, and the waste management industry has felt the pinch. This is true for all consumers and the entire business sector in our country. Add the rampant loadshedding, unfavourable exchange rates and higher lending rates, every organisation is still feeling the effects.
In a recent article, the government revealed that over R168 million was spent in purchasing waste collection fleets – a very steep cost.
So, if we consider that our electricity challenges are likely to exist for a while, what then would we like in 2024 for the waste sector?
Well, the reality that exists is that we must consider that we are in a juxtaposition between fighting climate change and fighting economic turmoil – and which one comes first, or can they coexist?
The good news is that climate action and economic preservation can coexist and in fact, should. Waste and effective waste management presents a large economic opportunity to establish new industries and/or revenue streams. Our hope is that 2024 is used to really drive solutions that deliver on this opportunity – all at levels within the public and private sector. We have always advocated that waste to energy production is a good place to start and will create more jobs and opportunities, and with the availability of technologies available we can convert different types of waste to energy – in the form of electricity, steam or gas.
And it is not just electricity where waste can have an impact, but our water too. Our wastewater can be re-used as well -and when treated to the required standards, nearly all effluent waste can be recycled and offer a strong solution for water sustainability and access – water that was previously not deemed safe for consumption.
In fact, the global waste-to-energy market is expected to grow from to almost 43 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 – so you can see the massive opportunity that exists. Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency has also stated that renewables have the potential to employ more than 40 million people by 2050. These figures are not just big but represent growth for economies that embrace them.
So, in 2024, we would like to see climate action and economic preservation coexisting, where waste and effective waste management not only establish new industries and/or revenue streams, but helps companies meet their legislative requirements as we fight climate change. It’s a win for everyone.
As we wrap up the year, and start preparing for the new one, we are excited to be building on our existing services and launching some new service offerings in 2024, which not only align to legislation but support our clients ecological transition to the circular economy.