WASTE disposal to landfill is still the main waste management option applied in South Africa despite legislative requirements to move up the waste hierarchy towards minimisation, re-use and recycling of waste.
In 2011 South Africa disposed 90 per cent of all waste generated. The economic value of resources recovered through recycling in 2012 in South Africa is estimated at R8.2 billion. This value could increase to R25.2 billion of all recyclable material going to landfill could be recovered.
The presentation will provide some insights on current recycling rates of post-consumer packaging waste in SA and the prospects for growth
Guest speaker Dr Suzan Oelofse of the CSIR obtained a Ph.D. degree in botany in 1994. After a short career in botany, she joined the government, where her focus changed to pollution and waste management.
After ten years in government she moved to the CSIR, in 2006, where she currently holds the position of Principal Researcher and Research Group Leader for Waste Management for Development. Her research interests include the institutional and legal framework within which waste is managed in South Africa; waste information and data; re-use of industrial waste streams and reducing the environmental impacts of waste.
She is also an Extraordinary Associate Professor in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management of the Northwest University and the current President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa.
The event is on April 10 at 07:30 for 08:00 at Thaba Eco Hotel, Impala Road, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in Johannesburg. The cost per person is R50 payable at the entrance and includes finger snacks.
Please RSVP to the SOJO Office by calling 011 493 7880 or info@sojo.co.za or fax: 011 493 1702.
For more information please go to www.klipsa.org.za