1.6.2 Hazardous and industrial waste

1.6.2(1)
Scientific understanding of the potential threats to the environment posed by a wide range of substances used in industrial processes and in general domestic use is constantly evolving, creating a need for new standards for waste management. The current classification system for hazardous waste is set out in the DWA Minimum Requirements for the Handling, Classification and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes and is undergoing review in light of the new regulatory framework for waste management provided by the Waste Act.

1.6.2(2)
In 2007, a survey by DEAT of hazardous waste management companies active in four provinces estimated that 710,500 tons of hazardous waste was disposed of at commercial hazardous waste sites in that year. This figure does not include slag and large quantities of hazardous waste such as gypsum and powerstation ash that are disposed of onsite by the producer, and which constitute the largest portion of hazardous waste. In general, on-site disposal needs to be better regulated and, in time, phased out. In comparison to previous data from 1997, this indicated a significant net increase in the volume of hazardous waste, despite the absence of data from the provinces in the 2007 survey.

1.6.2(3)
Currently, the extent of reuse, recovery and recycling of hazardous wastes is negatively influenced by the costs of transporting waste to the limited number of facilities that are capable of treating, processing and recycling hazardous wastes.

1.6.2(4)
At present both liquid and solid waste, including organic wastes, are disposed of in landfills. This significantly increases the risk of environmental pollution from leaching and makes the reuse or recycling of these wastes impossible. In many countries co-disposal of liquid and solid waste and disposal to landfill of organic waste are outlawed, and the phasing out of these practices is a priority for improving hazardous waste management.

1.6.2(5)
Waste streams that include hazardous components and that present particular strategic challenges include:

• Health care waste: Health care waste consists of both. health care risk waste (HCRW), which comprises the hazardous fraction of the waste stream and health care general waste, which is non-hazardous. HCRW is generated in varying quantities at healthcare facilities and because of its pathogenic characteristics needs to be treated prior to disposal. Systems to support the proper segregation of HCRWwaste are not always in place in hospital wards and clinics. However, significant attention has been paid to the management of this waste stream and the Gauteng HCRW project has developed and piloted a segregation system for HCRW in the urban context. In 2003 DEA developed and piloted HCRW  segregation and management measures in rural settings. Despite these efforts, shortfalls in the availability of compliant HCRW treatment options are still experienced.
• eWaste: Consisting of electrical and electronic waste (WEE), eWaste is a relatively new waste category () for which there is currently a lack of formal disposal mechanisms. Due to the many hazardous components and materials used in the manufacture of electronic goods, including mercury, brominated flame retardants, and cadmium, tis is considered a hazardous waste stream. Used electrical goods are often imported into the country as donations – but in some cases, what is being imported is effectively WEE. There is significant job creation potential in the recycling of eWaste, and several initiatives have and are being set up. The hazardous nature of this waste stream and the small margins of profit generated must be carefully considered when encouraging the recycling of WEE.
• Batteries: Approximately 2,500 tons of batteries are disposed of in general landfill sites annually. Although some alkaline batteries can be disposed of as domestic waste, rechargeable batteries and silver oxide batteries can contain heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium which are classified as hazardous substances and may present an environmental threat when disposed of to landfill. Lead-acid batteries used in cars are considered a hazardous waste. There is an established recycling industry for certain types of batteries (e.g. lead-acid batteries used in cars).
• Fluorescent Lamps: Fluorescent lamps contain a small amount of mercury which is used in the illumination process. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can be harmful in even small amounts. The promotion of compact fuorescent lamps (CFLs) by government and Eskom as an energy saving measure has significantly increased the numbers of CFLs that require disposal when expired. Although Fluorescent lamps can be successfully recycled and the mercury recovered, no such facilities are currently available in the country.
• Power Station Waste: Large amounts of fly ash are generated by coal-powered power stations and coal to liquid fuel plants. The disposal of this ash to land sterilises vast tracts of predominately agricultural land and causes significant air pollution from ash entering the atmosphere. Although this has the potential for reuse in brick making, as a cement extender, and as aggregate in roads, levels of reuse are significantly lower than the amounts of waste generated.
• Pesticide Waste: Due to their toxicity, potential to pollute and threat to human health, pesticide wastes are extremely hazardous and must be transported, treated and disposed of accordingly. These pesticides can contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which accumulate in the food chain and are the subject of international obligations in terms of the Stockholm Convention. South Africa was identified as a country to receive assistance with the collection and disposal of obsolete pesticide waste through the Africa Stock Piles program.
• Oil: A wide range of potentially hazardous compounds occur in used oil, including poly-aromatic hydrocarbons that have carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Because of its slow rate of decomposition, spilled oil accumulates in the environment causing soil and water pollution. Industry, through the ROSE Foundation and National Oil Recycling Association of South Africa (NORA-SA) provide a good example of successful self-regulation. Since the foundation’s inception in April 1994, more than 400-million litres of used oil have been collected, and currently about 40% of used oil is recovered for reuse and recycling.
• Sewage Sludge: The treatment of sewage sludge is regulated as a concurrent mandate between Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and DEA. The widespread disposal of industrial effluent via sewage treatment works results in contamination of sewage sludge with hazardous chemicals, thereby posing particular challenges for its disposal. Uncontaminated sewage sludge has a variety of commercial uses and can be recycled. Nevertheless, a high proportion of sewage sludge continues to be disposed into landfills. Failures in the monitoring and management of sewage sludge have significant health consequence. Sewage sludge that is contaminated by heavy metals from industrial effluent can severely contaminate agricultural land to which it is applied.