Regional Market Analysis on Waste Management 

In Africa mainly South Africa and Kenya markets are highly matured in terms of availability of the suppliers with WM expertise and acceptance by the buyers for large contracts

Latest trends related to Waste Management - Africa

Integrated Strategy : The waste management industry is transitioning from a traditional collect-and-dispose model to an integrated approach that expands resource recovery and economic value derived from waste.

Regulatory Changes : Government policies and regulations pertaining to both non-hazardous and hazardous waste disposal have been undergoing a complete revamp to be executed in an effective and efficient manner. Both the buyers and suppliers are responsible for sustainable waste disposal.

Technology Adoption Rate : Suppliers are focusing more on adopting various advanced technologies for fully treating waste for disposing and recycling. High concentration in the markets for waste to fuel and waste to energy generation.

Revenue-generating Opportunities : Buyers are looking at waste as a source of revenue rather than mere waste and are exploring the opportunities for potential reuse/resell.

Circular Economy Model : Buyers and suppliers are focusing on the circular economy model for handling waste. It is basically a value chain that ends where it began.

Preference Towards Waste Brokers : Waste brokerage is a huge business, but the market is yet to develop.

Employee Welfare : It is a high-priority area where African companies seem to lag behind. Very limited information is disclosed about health and safety standards, welfare benefits and training sessions.

Sourcing Models: Pros and Cons

Single Waste Stream Sourcing

Pros

  • Specialized service quality can be obtained
  • Less implementation risk

Cons 

  • Does not serve the ultimate goal of consolidation when done on a local or sub-regional level
  • Fewer cost savings possible
  • Buyers’ sustainability indexes might be affected

Multiple Waste Stream Sourcing

Pros

  • High-risk waste categories can be outsourced
  • Guaranteed high-quality work for critical services
  • Fewer number of supplier contacts
  • Less overhead in the administration of service providers

Cons

  • More time required to identify players that can provide the best quality service for each business division
  • Buyer’s sustainability index might be affected

Regional Total WM Sourcing

Pros

  • Specialized service providers who have strong local presence in each region can be engaged
  • Fewer number of supplier contacts and less overhead in administration of service providers
  • Less paperwork is involved

Cons

  • More time required to identify players that can provide the best quality service for each business division

Global Total WM Sourcing

Pros

  • Single point of contact with the service provider
  • Similar service quality across all global facilities
  • Fewer administration overheads
  • No worries about regulatory compliances
  • Significant sustainability rating can be achieved

Cons

  • Dependent on single service providers, and any local labour laws/issues within the service provider’s company could affect the buyer’s company adversely

Cardboard & Paper Disposal Methods- Best Practices

Recycling Methods

Easily recycled through existing infrastructure. Most fibre is recycled into new cardboard and newsprint at existing mills. It is mixed with water and pulped, then combined with virgin pulp in varying amounts depending on the end product.

Reselling Options

Revenue unlikely, depending on the location, but at least there would be avoided cost of disposal in a mixed waste stream. Re-processors charge a small amount for handling. Revenue might be possible for paper of high quality (low contamination), which is baled, but otherwise charges will apply.

Crucial Facts

Look for cardboard with the “Corrugated Recycles” logo to maximize opportunities for consumer recycling. Avoid cardboard with wax coatings, as these are difficult to recycle. It is a cyclical market but market prices currently are reasonably good. Various innovative methods can be used by the employees for reusing the cardboard within the company for avoiding disposal cost.