Refuse Transfer Station Case Study
Many of the landfills in South Africa are nearing the end of their design lifespans. The continued rate of development further stresses a need for regional landfills, which are currently being planned and constructed further away from waste generating sources. This means that the cost of managing the Solid Waste produced in cities and towns is increasing. One of the ways to ease the pressure being applied to the current landfills, and the cost implications of regional landfills approximately 35Km away, is the construction of a Refuse Transfer Station.
The introduction of a Refuse Transfer Station also provides an opportunity establish a Materials Recovery Facility. This facility allows for the recovery of recyclable materials, which can be …show more content…
The National Environment Management Act, 101 of 1998
- The Main objective of The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), requires the perusal of Environmental Justice to ensure that:
(i) Opposing environmental impacts are not discriminately distributed
(ii) That decisions be taken in a manner which is transparent by, and in lawful accordance, allowing access to information; and
(iii) That there be intergovernmental harmonization of guidelines, legislation and movements relative to the environment.
Chapter 1, Section 2 states the principles set out to guide the conditions under which state organs perform any function. It focuses on the environment as well as development and human activity, and calls for development which is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. (Naudé, A. 2010)
According to NEMA (Section 2(2)), the primary focus of Environmental Management is to consider people, as well as their needs, and equitably serve their physical, developmental, psychological, social and cultural interests. While these principles are equally important, the following have been highlighted:
(a) The precautionary …show more content…
Safety
The main objective of the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (181 of 1993) (OHSAC) is stated as:
“To provide for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery; the protection of persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; to establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety; and to provide for matters connected therewith.” (Department of Labour, 1993)
Whilst there is no specific mention of relation to Solid Waste management, the OHSAC encompasses all aspects regarding responsibility by employers and employees alike. It recognizes the general employment conditions, however, special requirements may arise dependant on the nature of employment. (Engledow, S. 2007)
4. Financial Feasibility
The Department of Environmental Affairs: Municipal Solid Waste Tariff Strategy (DEA, 2012) highlights key aspects that influence the cost of providing Municipal Solid Waste Services as:
- Waste Collection
- Street and Public Cleansing
- Reclamation
- Waste to Energy
- Disposal
- Overheads
- Future
The introduction of a Refuse Transfer Station also provides an opportunity establish a Materials Recovery Facility. This facility allows for the recovery of recyclable materials, which can be …show more content…
The National Environment Management Act, 101 of 1998
- The Main objective of The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), requires the perusal of Environmental Justice to ensure that:
(i) Opposing environmental impacts are not discriminately distributed
(ii) That decisions be taken in a manner which is transparent by, and in lawful accordance, allowing access to information; and
(iii) That there be intergovernmental harmonization of guidelines, legislation and movements relative to the environment.
Chapter 1, Section 2 states the principles set out to guide the conditions under which state organs perform any function. It focuses on the environment as well as development and human activity, and calls for development which is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. (Naudé, A. 2010)
According to NEMA (Section 2(2)), the primary focus of Environmental Management is to consider people, as well as their needs, and equitably serve their physical, developmental, psychological, social and cultural interests. While these principles are equally important, the following have been highlighted:
(a) The precautionary …show more content…
Safety
The main objective of the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (181 of 1993) (OHSAC) is stated as:
“To provide for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery; the protection of persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; to establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety; and to provide for matters connected therewith.” (Department of Labour, 1993)
Whilst there is no specific mention of relation to Solid Waste management, the OHSAC encompasses all aspects regarding responsibility by employers and employees alike. It recognizes the general employment conditions, however, special requirements may arise dependant on the nature of employment. (Engledow, S. 2007)
4. Financial Feasibility
The Department of Environmental Affairs: Municipal Solid Waste Tariff Strategy (DEA, 2012) highlights key aspects that influence the cost of providing Municipal Solid Waste Services as:
- Waste Collection
- Street and Public Cleansing
- Reclamation
- Waste to Energy
- Disposal
- Overheads
- Future