A WASTE RDI ROADMAP FOR SOUTH AFRICA

The importance of research, development and innovation (RDI)in transforming the South African waste sector

Prof Linda Godfrey

Project Manager: Waste Roadmap

IU

CSIR Implementation Unit

Background

• South Africa has embraced the principles of the waste hierarchy in legislation

• But, it has been slow to transition up the waste hierarchy• South Africa landfills ~90% of all

waste generated (2011)

• A minimum of R17 billion worth of resources lost to the SA economy and a downstream manufacturing sector every year through disposal to landfill (2012)

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Background

• Moving up the waste hierarchy away from landfilling creates environmental, social and economic opportunities for South Africa

• Opportunity to move resources into a local secondary resources economy

• In this lies significant opportunity and need for research, development and innovation (RDI) to – • Inform policy development and

implementation

• Inform technology uptake

• Provide evidence to support informed decision-making

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Waste RDI in South Africa

• Waste RDI in South Africa can still be considered as ‘emerging’ (Capability mapping project, 2014)

• Pockets of excellence in certain fields

• Evidence of both specialisation (depth of maturity) as well as diversity across fields of waste RDI at the various SA research institutions

• However, funding for waste RDI remains small, with a spend of ±0.33% the value of the waste sector (2012)

• Within the context of a national R&D spend which has remained steady at 0.76% GDP

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The Waste RDI Roadmap

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• In 2012 the DST embarked on a process to develop a strategic approach to research, development and innovation (RDI) in the South African waste sector

• To support South Africa’s move away from landfilling towards alternative options through innovation

• The three pillars of the Waste RDI Roadmap include –

• In South Africa’s transition to a Green Economy

WasteInnovation

(technologicaland non-

technological)

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That will support the maximisation of diversion of waste from landfill towards value-adding opportunities

Waste Research& Development

(R&D)

Human Capital Development

(HCD)

The Waste RDI Roadmap

The Waste RDI Roadmap

• The Waste RDI Roadmap provides a framework to implement –

1. More effective decision-making

2. Faster insertion of context-appropriate Technology

3. Export of Know-How and Technology

4. Strengthened RDI capability and capacity

• And opportunities to strengthen waste RDI collaboration within and between the public and private sector

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• A process of intense waste sector and NSI participation and consultation was implemented

• In defining and shaping the – • Priority waste streams

• Municipal waste

• Organic waste

• Plastic waste

• Waste Tyres

• Electronic waste (WEEE)

• Sector challenges and opportunities

• RDI objectives

Developing the Waste Roadmap

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RDI focus areas (clusters)

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Ramping up RDI investment

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Investment in Waste RDI

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Investment in Waste RDI

The Waste RDI Roadmap

• The anticipated benefits of strengthened waste RDI include – • Reducing the generation of waste

• Increased diversion of waste away from landfill

• Reducing the environmental and social impacts of waste disposal

• Increasing the recovery of valuable resources in the face of resource scarcity

• Driving towards a circular economy

• Stimulating a regional secondary resources economy with potential for new jobs and business

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Summary of the Waste RDI Roadmap

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Way forward

• CSIR has been appointed to implement the Waste RDI Roadmap on behalf of DST

• In partnership with Government, Industry and Academia

• Actively explore opportunities (local and international) for RDI collaboration and co-investment

• Focus for 2015-16 on implementing –

– The short-term RDI objectives

– With a focus on technology, logistics and society (3 clusters)

– Continue Industry-meets-Science workshops

– Support the new specialist Hon and Masters degrees in waste management

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• Prof Linda GodfreyPrincipal ScientistE-mail: LGodfrey@csir.co.za

• Dr Henry RomanDirector: Environmental Services and TechnologiesE-mail: henry.roman@dst.gov.za

• Ms Magamase MangeDeputy Director: Environmental TechnologiesE-mail: magamase.mange@dst.gov.za

www.wasteroadmap.co.za

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Contact details