Waste recycling and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) development in Greater Kokstad Municipality.
Date
2013-02-15
Authors
Sobuce, Ndabazovuyo Wellington
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Abstract
Waste management is a global phenomenon and all nations need to ensure that waste is handled
in an environmentally friendly and healthy manner. Municipalities in South Africa generate a lot
of solid waste which is disposed of in the landfill site. The life span of these landfill sites is
shortened by all waste that gets disposed on site. The only mechanism that can be used to
minimize the amount of waste disposed of in the landfill site is waste recycling. At Greater
Kokstad Municipality (GKM) there are very few companies that are involved in recycling
activities. The rate of unemployment in the area is high and recycling activities would provide
employment opportunities. This study is based in Kokstad and emanates from the fact that there
are large volumes of waste discharged at the Kokstad landfill site. It seeks to explore the
experiences and challenges faced by waste pickers and recycling SMMEs in the GKM. Also to
identify reasons that causes waste pickers and SMMEs not to use the opportunity created by
large volumes of unused waste to establish self-employment or employment of large numbers of
unemployed people. This study used a qualitative research method and a phenomenological
research design. The researcher used focus groups and semi-structured one-to-one interviews
based on question themes or an interview guide. Data gathered was analyzed using Tesch’s
method of data analysis and thematic content analysis. The main findings of the study revealed
vital information that can assist in shaping and planning recycling activities within Greater
Kokstad Municipality. Findings also highlight the need to create an environment conducive to
the implementation of effective recycling initiatives.
Description
Keywords
Waste recycling, Integrated waste management, Waste disposal, SMMEs, Landfill site, Waste pickers