A WASTE RDI ROADMAP FOR SOUTH AFRICA

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

Prof Linda GodfreyProject Manager: Waste Roadmap IUCSIR 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 Technology3. 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