Abstract
This study explored the impact of EIA regulations on Small-Scale Recycling Businesses (SSWRBs) in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The National Environmental Management: Waste Act (Act No. 59 of 2008) and the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS, 2020) emphasise the diversion of waste from landfill disposal towards reuse, recycling, and recovery. This approach aligns with the waste management hierarchy, which prioritises waste avoidance and reduction, followed by reuse, recycling, and recovery, with disposal considered a measure of last resort. While large businesses play an important role in economic development, small-scale waste recycling businesses (SSWRBs) also contribute to achieving sustainable development and circular economy objectives.
Data from SSWRBs were gathered by means of questionnaire-administered surveys and telephonic interviews and were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. The questionnaire was disseminated to 25 SSWRBs in Mpumalanga Province, and 21 completed it. However, only 18 were valid, thus yielding a valid response rate of 84%. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version was used to generate descriptive statistics such as multiple linear regression analysis. Descriptive content analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data, and revealed that 86% (n=6 out of 7) of SSWRBs reported difficulties in accessing necessary information and support to complete EIAs. Further analysis using SPSS software showed a significant correlation between the complexity of EIA requirements and the inability of SSWRBs to comply. This study emphasises the importance of adopting a balanced approach to EIA regulations that protects the environment while supporting small recycling businesses to transition towards a circular economy.
The findings of the study indicated that EIA regulations can impose significant administrative and financial burdens on SSWRBs, thus potentially limiting their ability to adopt CE practices. Additionally, the study revealed that EIA requirements significantly impact SSWRBs' operations, scalability, and profitability in Mpumalanga Province. The Mann-Whitney U test results showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in the perceptions of compliant and non-compliant SSWRBs regarding the impact of EIA regulations on their operational efficiency. Furthermore, the study found that 33.3% (n=6) of SSWRBs reported no impact of EIA compliance on their day-to-day operations, while 22.2% (n=4) acknowledged that it influenced their productivity. The study's findings highlight the importance of more accessible
and tailored guidance and resources to facilitate EIA compliance among SSWRBs, thus promoting sustainable waste management practices and environmental stewardship. Further research is required to identify regulatory frameworks that best support circular economy adoption.