Water conservation is no longer an option in SA-it is an absolute necessity. We cannot afford to squander this lifeblood of our people, our economy, our environment.
Prof Kader Asmal Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry (1994 - 1999) This project investigated the use of a waste minimisation club to promote waste minimisation within industry. The metal finishing industry in the Durban Metropolitan Area was chosen as the focus of the study due to the environmental problems faced by the industry and its proximity to the Pollution Research Group.
This chapter summarises the main findings of the project and provides recommendations developed from these findings. The aim of the recommendations is to provide guidelines for the future management of similar clubs.
As mentioned in Chapter 1, section 1. 6, the main aim of this project was to promote waste minimisation within industry by establishing and sustaining a waste minimisation club.
Secondary aims of the project were to:
• reduce the demand for water by the metal finishing industry,
• improve water quality through pollution prevention,
• assist companies in complying with bylaws,
• demonstrate the benefits of waste minimisation to industry,
• develop the concept of waste minimisation clubs for South Africa, and
• analyse the results to improve running of future clubs.
6.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The waste minimisation club for the metal fmishing industry was successfully run for two and a half years.
During this period, the following results were obtained:
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A total of 391 waste minimisation options was identified for 26 club members as at November 2000, and 19 companies reported an implementation ofa total of 147 of these options; . The highest proportion of options identified and implemented was from the housekeeping category;
Fourteen companies saved a total of 120 ML of water over the duration of the project;
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Twelve companies reported a total financial saving (from June 1998 to November 2000) in chemicals of more than R 2 million but did not report actual quantities saved. Similarly for metals where approximately R 360 000 was saved, and effluent energy and waste disposal where total savings ofR 360 000, R 560 000, and R 62 000 were saved respectively;
A total saving (over the entire research period) of R 4.2 million was made by 16 companies;
Capacity was built within the club on waste minimisation, and successful dissemination of information was achieved through the distribution of the club's newsletter;
It was difficult to be certain that members fully grasped the meaning of waste minimisation as some members believed that installing an effluent treatment plant constituted waste minimisation;
The main barriers to implementing waste minimisation were identified as a lack of time, resources, and commitment;
The main drivers were identified as cost savings, attaining legal compliance, and reducing environmental burden;
The club improved relations within the metal finishing industry, between members and the local authority, and between members and chemical suppliers; and
Analysis of the results indicated that the club's size and lack of motivation by club members were at times a drawback to the management of the club.
The results show that a commitment to waste minimisation and a well managed waste minimisation programme results in significant financial savings as well a lower environmental impact. Positive feedback was received from club members, who believed that the club had been of great benefit to them. To most members, waste minimisation was a simple way to improve efficiency at their factories, achieve cost savings and meet regulatory requirements.
It has been found however that some companies lack the commitment to continue with waste minimisation programmes. This is largely a result of the lack of time available for waste minimisation activities, especially in the smaller enterprises. The success achieved by the proactive companies who benefit the most from waste minimisation served as an incentive for other companies to become more active and commit time to a waste minimisation programme.
6.2 REALISATION OF OBJECTIVES
Based on the results of the project, it is evident that the objectives have been achieved. The club has successfully promoted and increased awareness on waste minimisation in the metal finishing industry. Significant savings in water, chemicals, and energy were made by club members. The negative environmental impact of the companies was reduced due to reductions in the use of harmful chemicals. A number of companies were able to comply with local discharge limits for metals due to reducing the amount of metals sent to drain. The metal finishing club led to further clubs being established in South Africa.
6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
While a number of successes were achieved with the club, the following recommendations may assist to improve the future management of other waste minimisation clubs:
• The waste minimisation champion, management of the companies, and shop floor employees should receive training in the implementation of waste minimisation;
• Companies should report on options implemented and savings achieved on a more regular basis, and in writing;
• The results reported by companies should be verified by an independent person;
• Greater emphasis should be placed on the concept and importance of monitoring and targeting;
• Club membership should be limited to between 10 to 15 companies to facilitate improved management;
• Training should be conducted in conjunction with regular club meetings, and should start with the first meeting.
As clubs are a voluntary organisation, it would be useful to have the support of all spheres of government to make the waste minimisation club concept more attractive to industry. In this way the major polluting industries would not only be able to reduce their environmental impacts but also improve relations with relevant government departments. If further clubs were to be established for small and medium sized industries, it would be beneficial for government to subsidise these clubs or provide an incentive for companies to participate in a waste minimisation club.