The South African Hazardous Waste Management Market

South African Hazardous Waste Management Market on an Upswing Driven by Tightening Government Legislations

The South African hazardous waste management market is on an upswing due to tightening legislation related to waste collection, transportation and disposal. Environmental inspectors have been pressuring waste generating companies to improve their environmental impact management programmes, opening up opportunities for waste management companies. "The recent tightening of environmental legislation by environmental inspectors known as the 'Green Scorpions' has been a major driver in the rapid increase volumes of hazardous waste emanating from various industries," notes the analyst of this research . "Environmental inspectors have been pressuring industries to treat, dispose, and rehabilitate several historical stockpiles." Previously, a mere 4.8 per cent of the total hazardous waste material generated in South Africa found its way to hazardous landfill sites. However, in 2008, some of the major hazardous waste management companies received record tonnages, with some treating and disposing 58.0 per cent more hazardous waste compared to 2007.

Most hazardous waste material generated in South Africa originates from the mining industry. The current economic slowdown has had an adverse effect on this industry due to the depreciation in commodity prices amidst a shrinking global demand for commodities. "The mining sector generates approximately 90 per cent of all hazardous waste material found in South Africa," explains the analyst. "Hazardous waste material generated from mining activities is expected to continue falling until there is an upsurge in mining activities."

Despite the present slowdown in mining activities, the power generation industry is expected to produce high volumes of hazardous waste material. Eskom Holdings, South Africa's biggest power supplier, has embarked on an expansion drive to increase generation capacity and ensure reliable supply of electricity to the country. During this process, large volumes of hazardous waste material are likely to be generated from scrubbed off-gases. The power generation as well as the petrochemical industries are anticipated to generate huge volumes of hazardous waste material, as they embark on their expansion drive. The strict enforcement of legislation guarantees the need for responsible and holistic waste management services by these industries. "Ultimately, waste management companies need to diversify their portfolio of clients to cushion themselves from the negative impacts of the current economic slump," concludes the analyst.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Mining
• Power generation
• Industrial and metals finishing

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Biological treatment equipment
• Physico-chemical treatment equipment
• Thermal treatment equipment