Multi-criteria analysis for sustainable decision making: Opportunities for waste and recycling SMMEs (including cooperatives) in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This paper reports on a study for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to identify and maximize opportunities in the waste and recycling sector for “Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) owned by women, youth, the disabled and previously disadvantaged” in the province. Opportunities from various waste streams as resource potential for SMMEs and cooperatives are presented, this is part of a KZN NCPC Industrial Symbiosis Programme in South Africa. The overall aim of the research project was to identify opportunities for SMMEs and cooperatives in KZN to exploit under exploited waste streams. This paper presents the findings for the first objective of the project namely, identifying waste streams that could provide income generating opportunities for SMMEs. This paper outlines the approach and methodology taken to prioritise a single waste stream that could provide income generating opportunities for SMMEs (including cooperatives) in the province. A multi-criteria approach was followed whereby waste streams were assessed based on various criteria: economic value; the amount and distribution of waste in the province; the type of waste streams; the availability and ease of roll out of technology options; ease of surmounting barriers to entry; market types and market availability; alignment and contribution to improving the sustainable development goals; opportunities for symbiotic relationships or collaborations. After assessing the qualitative and quantitative considerations, organic waste opportunities were determined to be the most ubiquitous and promising (with low barrier technology options for implementation) followed by bottom ash, as well as construction and demolition waste in the KZN province. These waste streams remain relatively unexploited. Composting is the recommended technology to treat the organic waste fraction due to the relatively small up-front investment required for set up, scalability, and relatively low skill requirements. In certain circumstances simple off the shelf anaerobic digestion technologies for other organic fractions could also be used. A top-down approach to SMME development is not advisable, therefore an important recommendation is that SMMEs (in particular cooperatives) which are already experienced and/or have a proven track record in composting should be considered for implementation.