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| ISSUE:
Need for an integrated waste management strategy for the CMA |
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| Waste management is the
responsibility of all seven councils in the CMA. At present, the CMA lacks an integrated
waste management strategy. |
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| Urbanisation and urban
growth within the CMA give rise to increased volumes of all types of waste. There is
increasing industrial and commercial economic development as well as an increase in the
production and use of cheaper, non-biodegradable materials giving rise to further waste
generation. Advances in technology result in an increased disposal of out-dated electronic
equipment containing high concentrations of heavy metals. Direct
discharges from industry and sewage works contribute to the pollution of rivers, vleis and
the sea.
Urban sprawl makes refuse removal more costly and less efficient.
Increase in the number of unplanned, informal settlements which
do not have adequate refuse removal and reticulation services. Waste collection with
conventional trucks is very difficult in these areas, as many are inaccessible.
Predominance of a consumer culture with a lack of public
awareness and responsibility create vast volumes of waste. The lack of formalised
recycling facilities and systems that encourage waste minimisation do not realise the
potential for waste as a resource. In addition, there is a lack of co-ordination between
the various role players in the CMA with regard to waste management.
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Solid waste:
- Almost 1 million tons per annum of waste is received in landfill
sites in the CMA. This equates to approximately 1kg of waste per day per person.
- In 1995, about 94% of all inhabitants had their refuse removed by
local councils.
- Plastic, paper and cardboard comprise the largest proportion of
domestic waste.
- Approximately 15 500 t/a of glass, 300 000 t/a of metal and 160
000 t/a of paper is currently recycled.
Liquid waste:
- In 1995, 12% of dwellings did not have waterborne sanitation.
- The total wastewater treatment capacity is 589.86 Ml per day. From
July 1997 to June 1998, the total wastewater flow treated was 489.07 Ml per day.
- There are 21 sewage treatment plants. Currently of the 528 Ml of
sewage effluent being produced per day, 9% is being reused for industrial purposes.
Approximately 12 000 Ml of wastewater per annum is disposed of via three long deep-sea
pipelines.
- The total marine outfall capacity is 40.5 Ml per day. From July
1997 to June 1998, the total marine outfall flow was 30.8Ml per day.
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The following indicators
are monitored by the Directorate: Water and Waste, CMC:
- Volume of waste received at the landfills (t/a).
- Percentage of waste recycled and re-used.
- Capacity of wastewater treatment works.
Refer to indicators on marine
discharge in Biota
indicators
Refer to indicators on basic service
provision in Infrastructure
indicators
See a summary of all
Indicators on this website
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The following responses
are being undertaken by the CMC:
- An Integrated Waste Management Project in support of the National
Waste Management Strategy. A Solid Waste Feasibility Study is currently underway.
- Two projects are underway to reduce and recycle industrial and
residential waste. Specific initiatives launched include:
- Training of local government staff in implementation of waste
minimisation practices in small and medium enterprises.
- A public information and education programme and the development
of a waste information exchange service.
- Initiation of an Industry Waste Minimisation Award programme.
- Development of a guide document for responsible management of used
and waste solvents.
- A Wastewater Re-Use Study.
- The collation of relevant information pertaining to all wastewater
facilities to identify deficiencies and recommend improvements as part of a Wastewater
Management Strategic Plan. Use of dried sludge is being investigated as an alternative
energy source for the Athlone Power Station.
- The hosting of the first Cape Metropolitan Festival of the
Environment to raise awareness about issues such as waste management.
- Capacity building among MLCs and NGOs with regard to integrated
waste management.
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- Separate your waste and take all recyclable
items to the nearest depot.
- Lobby your local authority and relevant
businesses to provide appropriately sited and well managed recycling depots.
- Buy products that can be recycled and re-use
plastic bags when shopping.
- Participate in school and other community
recycling programmes.
- Avoid using disposable plastic plates, cups
or utensils.
- Mend and repair rather than discard and
replace.
- Share items with friends rather than buying
your own.
- Resist demands for unnecessary consumerism.
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