A WASTE RDI ROADMAP FOR SOUTH AFRICA The importance of research, development and innovation (RDI) in transforming the South African waste sector Prof Linda Godfrey Project Manager: Waste Roadmap IU CSIR Implementation Unit

Background South Africa has embraced the principles of the waste hierarchy in legislation But, it has been slow to transition up the waste hierarchy South Africa landfills ~90% of all waste generated (2011) A minimum of R17 billion worth of resources lost to the SA economy and a downstream manufacturing sector every year through disposal to landfill (2012) 2

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Background Moving up the waste hierarchy away from landfilling creates environmental, social and economic opportunities for South Africa Opportunity to move resources into a local secondary resources economy In this lies significant opportunity and need for research, development and innovation (RDI) to – Inform policy development and implementation Inform technology uptake Provide evidence to support informed decision-making 6

Waste RDI in South Africa Waste RDI in South Africa can still be considered as ‘emerging’ (Capability mapping project, 2014) Pockets of excellence in certain fields Evidence of both specialisation (depth of maturity) as well as diversity across fields of waste RDI at the various SA research institutions However, funding for waste RDI remains small, with a spend of ±0.33% the value of the waste sector (2012) Within the context of a national R&D spend which has remained steady at 0.76% GDP 7

The Waste RDI Roadmap 8 In 2012 the DST embarked on a process to develop a strategic approach to research, development and innovation (RDI) in the South African waste sector To support South Africa’s move away from landfilling towards alternative options through innovation

The three pillars of the Waste RDI Roadmap include – In South Africa’s transition to a Green Economy Waste Innovation (technological and non- technological) Waste Innovation (technological and non- technological) 9 That will support the maximisation of diversion of waste from landfill towards value-adding opportunities Waste Research & Development (R&D) Waste Research & Development (R&D) Human Capital Development (HCD) The Waste RDI Roadmap

The Waste RDI Roadmap provides a framework to implement – 1. More effective decision-making 2. Faster insertion of context-appropriate Technology 3. Export of Know-How and Technology 4. Strengthened RDI capability and capacity And opportunities to strengthen waste RDI collaboration within and between the public and private sector 10

A process of intense waste sector and NSI participation and consultation was implemented In defining and shaping the – Priority waste streams Municipal waste Organic waste Plastic waste Waste Tyres Electronic waste (WEEE) Sector challenges and opportunities RDI objectives Developing the Waste Roadmap 11

12 RDI focus areas (clusters)

13 Ramping up RDI investment

14 Investment in Waste RDI

15 Investment in Waste RDI

The Waste RDI Roadmap The anticipated benefits of strengthened waste RDI include – Reducing the generation of waste Increased diversion of waste away from landfill Reducing the environmental and social impacts of waste disposal Increasing the recovery of valuable resources in the face of resource scarcity Driving towards a circular economy Stimulating a regional secondary resources economy with potential for new jobs and business 16

Summary of the Waste RDI Roadmap 17

Way forward CSIR has been appointed to implement the Waste RDI Roadmap on behalf of DST In partnership with Government, Industry and Academia Actively explore opportunities (local and international) for RDI collaboration and co- investment Focus for on implementing – –The short-term RDI objectives –With a focus on technology, logistics and society (3 clusters) –Continue Industry-meets-Science workshops –Support the new specialist Hon and Masters degrees in waste management 18

Prof Linda Godfrey Principal Scientist Dr Henry Roman Director: Environmental Services and Technologies Ms Magamase Mange Deputy Director: Environmental Technologies Contact details