1. Status quo assessment of waste generation and waste management services
A Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) status quo assessment will provide the municipality with a better understanding of waste management in their area. It includes the current status with regards to the delivery of services, number of residents, demographic profile and socio-economic composition of a municipality.
This status quo assessment will also feature in the IWMP as it provides further indication of:
- Size of existing landfill site
- Quantity of material available for recovery
- Charactorisation/classification of waste
- Effectiveness of existing recycling programs
- Appropriate size of existing treatment and recycling facilities
Information resources ie. financial and human capital including equipment must also be indicated under this section.
The collected data should then identify priority waste streams to be addressed. The assessment will form the basis for analysing what treatment technologies (if any) will be viable to treat the identified priority waste stream(s).
Systems and processes
Assess the adequacy of current systems and processes in place for handling a waste treatment project. The effective management of municipal solid waste rely on a clear institutional set up in which roles and responsibilities are defined. This includes the various departments within the municipality as well as the interface between the municipality and private sector. Each stage of the waste management process (waste collection, transport, disposal, transfer stations etc.) must be considered and responsibility assigned accordingly.
This step will help you understand your waste and identify the needs for change / alternative waste management / landfill diversion.
2. Develop and/or review an IWMP
Municipalities are mandated to compile Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMP). IWMPs allow for long term and holistic planning, following an integrated waste management approach.
They should optimise processes and systems to improve service delivery, and identify needs and challenges with appropriate solutions.
3. Integrate IWMP into IDP
The IWMPs need to be integrated into Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), as stipulated by the National Waste Act.
This will ensure that the waste project's needs, as identified in the IWMP, are integrated in the municipal planning and that budget is allocated.
4. Establish project steering committee (PSC)
The steering committee should be represented by the following sectors:
- Technical Department
- Human Resources
- Finance / Transaction Advisor
National and Provincial Treasury should also be involved if contracted as PPP.