Abstract
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
The use of Material recovery facilities to recover recyclable materials from the solid waste stream is a favourite alternative to landfilling, with over 90% of the waste generated in South Africa ending up in landfills. Establishing MRFs in a solid waste management system will help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill, thereby increasing the lifespan of available landfills. This will also help in the reduction of the amount of energy and resources used up in the manufacturing process by virgin materials, will generate income from the sale of recyclables, and create employment.
Numerous MRF’s have been established in the past and been unsuccessful. In order for MRFs to be able to achieve their role in waste management, it is imperative for them to be successful. This study will identify the factors required for the success of a MRF. The study will also identify the limitations faced by a MRF and how the limitations can be managed.
In order to carry out this research, a case study was done on a Zerowaste MRF. Here, data was gathered through direct observation and interview. The case study provided information on how different factors affect the MRF, the limitations of these factors on the MRF and the manner in which the facility manages the limitations. The case study was the preferred study method as it provided detailed information on the subject of study, while focusing on a single case.
From the study, it was discovered that many factors come into play to ensure the success of a MRF. One factor being the availability of ‘clean’ raw material, as well as ensuring high quality of the recovered product. The level of contamination of the incoming waste can go a long way in affecting other factors. From the sorting process, to the product quality, health, cost and residue, high level of contamination is one of the main limitations faced by the MRF. The facility has been able to manage the limitations of contamination by ensuring that only ‘clean waste’ is collected for processing at the facility, and ensuring the sorters sort with care when sorting a contaminated load. Minimizing the cost of running the facility to ensure its financial viability was an additional success factor identified. This involves minimizing the cost for maintenance, transportation, and residue disposal. Other success factors include: a good management with the requisite management skills, educating the waste generators to separate waste at the source of generation, availability of extra storage space, and allocating extra space for future expansions during the design phase of the facility.
By achieving the aim of this research, the study is able to contribute to the body of knowledge relating to material recovery facilities. This study will be useful to researchers who are studying MRFs and their successes. It will also be useful to MRF operators and managers as well as individual managers and institutions who intend to establish a MRF.