Weekly Bulletin on Circular Waste Management in Africa and OECD Countries

South Africa

16th International Conference On Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP 2024) to be held during 21 – 26 July 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Among the different presentations, the Batrec Industry AG part of the French SARP Industries will present its experience on field operations in a mercury contaminated environment. More to read: https://www.mercurycapetown.com/workshop-2/

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Call for Public Comments. the Draft National Policy for the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (the draft WEEE National Management Policy) has been gazetted for consultation. More to read: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202406/50835gon4983.pdf

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France

In application of the "polluter pays" principle, the extended producer responsibility (EPR) sectors, from the 1990s onwards, required producers to contribute to the prevention and management of waste from the products they placed on the market. In France, there is significant room for improvement in the performance of EPR sectors: 40% of the waste subject to EPR is still not collected, and 50% is not recycled. The ambitious trajectory of objectives for the future as well as the integration of new sectors should lead to a sharp increase in eco-contributions between 2022 and 2029 (+€6 billion), which will weigh on the margins of companies and/or the consumer. The acceptability of this trajectory presupposes a significant and rapid improvement in the performance of the EPR sectors. However, the conditions are not met to guarantee such a development: the management of EPR sectors by the public authorities has shortcomings that cannot be rectified within a constant institutional framework and the system of incentives for the various EPR stakeholders is partly misguided. Based on these findings, the joint report of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the General Inspectorate of the Environment and Sustainable Development (IGEDD) and the General Council of the Economy (CGE) on the performance and governance of EPR sectors makes ten proposals based on the following three pillars: - the creation of an independent body for the steering and regulation of the EPR sectors, in charge of managing competitive balances, disputes and the control and sanction system; - the strengthening of the management tools in the hands of the regulatory body and the central administration; - the improvement of the incentive system, particularly for marketers, PROs and local authorities. More to read: https://igedd.documentation.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/notice?id=Affaires-0013919&reqId=7d786c6b-2d1c-4d02-83a9-29a2f51d7f35&pos=2&s=09

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Safety, environment and purchasing power: Michelin supports the new European Regulation R117-04 on worn car tires. The new regulation guarantees heightened safety, better respect for the environment, and the protection of motorists’ purchasing power. A stringent test to allow a tire to be used in complete confidence right down to the legal wear limit of 1.6 mm. According to a Michelin study, 50% of tires are removed before reaching a residual depth of 3 mm. On a global scale, 400 million tires are scrapped prematurely every year. More to read: https://www.michelin.com/en/publications/group/michelin-supports-new-european-regulation-r117-04?twclid=2-5scpfvln3luxbw1otbjww3pt1&s=09

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Despite legislative efforts and ecological initiatives, the fight against single-use plastic packaging in France is encountering major obstacles. The use of single-use plastic packaging continues to grow, despite efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Statistics show a significant increase in such packaging, highlighting the need for stricter measures and innovative solutions to counter this trend. In its 2023 report on single-use plastic packaging, the Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) notes a failure in the reduction of plastics. Despite the Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy (Agec) and the objectives of the "3Rs" (recycling, reuse, reduction), the tonnages of single-use plastics increased by 3.3% between 2018 and 2021. This trend contrasts the goal of reducing tonnages by 20% by 2025 with the complete ban on single-use plastics planned for 2040. More to read: ??https://www-auum-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.auum.com/amp/toujours-plus-d-emballages-en-plastique-%C3%A0-usage-unique

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Establishment of an EPR sector for single-use sanitary textiles: the consultation is open. The Ministry of Ecological Transition is submitting for public consultation until 3 August the draft decree establishing the extended producer responsibility (EPR) sector for single-use sanitary textiles. The text specifies the conditions for the implementation of the EPR obligation applicable to producers of single-use sanitary textiles. It defines the concepts of single-use sanitary textiles and producers of single-use sanitary textiles. It also specifies the four product categories that include single-use sanitary textiles subject to EPR and products excluded from the scope of EPR. Category 1 includes wipes, including pre-soaked wipes for personal and household use (personal hygiene wipes, pre-soaked wipes for surface care, finger rinses, optical wipes, etc.), category 2 includes masks, personal protective equipment, disposable linen and clothing, and care devices, category 3 covers other paper hygiene products (paper towels, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, placemats and napkins...) and category 4 absorbent hygiene and intimate protection products (diapers, feminine protection, incontinence products). Excluded from the scope of the EPR are paper hygiene products intended to reach public collection networks and non-collective sanitation facilities, arranged to receive domestic wastewater. The text indicates that the PRO contributes to or provides for the prevention and management of waste from single-use sanitary textiles in order to implement the extended responsibility of producers of single-use sanitary textiles who have transferred their obligations. As part of their prevention missions, the PROs and individual systems set up by producers of single-use sanitary textiles encourage responsible consumption habits, inform consumers about the availability of alternative reusable products and reuse systems and support in particular the development of such products and systems, the text still provides. More to read: https://www.consultations-publiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/spip.php?page=article&id_article=3044&lang=fr

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WEEE: eco-organisations will have to support the removal of batteries from sorting centers. The public authorities have put out for consultation two draft decrees that adapt the extended responsibility of producers of electrical and electronic equipment to the management of batteries in WEEE. One of the objectives is to reduce the risks associated with batteries in certain equipment. The new provisions will apply As part of the public consultation on the compliance of French regulations with the new European Battery Regulation, the public authorities are presenting several changes concerning the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). More to read: https://www.actu-environnement.com/ae/news/consultation-cadre-reglementaire-rep-deee-adaptation-reglement-batteries-44388.php4

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EU & Other countries

Plastic has taken over the world in the past few decades and has burdened Africa’s environments and waste management systems. Africa is no stranger to the plastic problem even if it accounts for only 5% of the global plastic production rates and consumes only 4% of global plastics volumes. In this publication on, The Life before Plastic: Demonstrating Traditional Practices of Reuse in Africa, we explore the problem of plastics on the continent and examine the laws, policies and multilateral agreements put in place to govern plastic waste management and trade. The publication more importantly showcases examples of traditional practices made of natural materials widely used across the African continent as alternatives to plastic. Further, GAIA and BFFP Africa members provide an insight on existing reuse and refill systems on the continent and examine how reuse and refill can be made a stronger part of Africa’s journey towards ending plastic pollution. In conclusion, the Life Before Plastic publication delves into how current and traditional zero waste systems can be sustained in the future by providing and addressing recommendations on corporate accountability, policy makers responsibility and consumer responsibility through making zero waste a lifestyle. More to read: https://www.no-burn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/gaia-life-before-plastic_ENGLISH.pdf

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Progress on circularity in construction depends on 4 key elements. Buildings account for 30-40 percent of all solid waste generated globally, and transitioning the built environment toward circularity is a critical part of the transition to sustainability.??A new report by the US Center for the Circular Economy lays out four intervention categories and specific examples within them that can push the transition along. In term of innovation, significant innovation on product and building design, deconstruction and recovery activities, and recycling infrastructure must occur before the built environment can advance toward circularity. In terms of policy, in order to dislodge the incumbent state of linear buildings, government policies around financial incentives, purchasing practices and city- and state-level ordinances will be key. In terms of partnerships, progress will not be possible until we align “the distinct priorities of this vast ecosystem of participants,” the report says. These should include public-private partnerships, cross-sector initiatives and community-led initiatives.?In terms of financing:?Innovators and established companies both need investment to scale and make necessary changes to their processes. Building owners need to make upfront investments in circularity. Companies focused on the secondary materials market will require infrastructure investments. More to read: https://info.greenbiz.com/index.php/email/emailWebview?email=MjExLU5KWS0xNjUAAAGUcvhmbhTZWjts0SXJuvmqLe8ZP7L5my0_RDNJhd6rxwjCT1lILXG86rpKMnoA9eh-YPcT8HD4V7RzDmgWBu1s06mTcbo0nOPh5A

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The reports have come at a time when the US federal government and other major stakeholders are looking to?organics recycling as a solution ?to climate change and hunger. Using data compiled over the last year, the report identifies a gap between the size of composting facilities today and expected need. For instance, the Composting Consortium learned in a survey conducted with BioCycle that more than half of the full-scale food waste composting facilities in the U.S. today process less than 5,000 tons of food waste?per year. Yet a town of just 50,000 people would produce more food waste annually than such a facility could handle — about 7,000 tons, or 1.4x the capacity. The upfront costs for creating a composting operation can be steep, especially for more complex systems like an aerated static pile or in-vessel composting system. The report estimates starting up a new larger-scale project can often cost $125,000 to $250,000 in upfront engineering and permitting costs alone. The report also notes policy and macroeconomic drivers are making composting more attractive. It cited data from EREF noting landfill tip fees rose 11% between 2021 and 2022. Meanwhile, a rising number of cities and states are requiring that organic waste be diverted from the municipal solid waste stream, providing a ready feedstock for new facilities. More to read: https://www.wastedive.com/news/compost-consortium-funding-investment-capital-report/721532/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202024-07-19%20Waste%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:64101%5D&utm_term=Waste%20Dive

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Does Compostable Packaging Actually Break Down? Composting Consortium Reveals Groundbreaking Findings from Largest Field Test in North America. This study the largest known North American field test of certified compostable packaging. Real-world testing shows that certified food-contact compostable packaging successfully breaks down at commercial composting facilities that meet reasonable operating conditions for elements like moisture and temperature, according to a report released by the Composting Consortium. An 18-month study tested more than 23,000 packaging units at 10 different commercial composting facilities. Compostable plastic packaging broke down 98% by surface area when composted, and compostable fiber packaging broke down 83% by surface area. In both cases, that exceeds the minimum threshold for disintegration established by compost industry groups: 90% and 80%, respectively.? The report notes that collaboration across the composting value chain and infrastructure investment are necessary to ensure widespread acceptance of new compostable packaging materials. “Unlocking the full potential of certified food-contact compostable packaging demands a multi-faceted approach,” the report said. The report recommends that brands advocate for measuring disintegration by surface area as opposed to weight because that method is considered a more reliable measure than weight, which “is more susceptible to sources of error and systematically underestimates disintegration results in field testing.” The consortium plans to share the data gathered for this report to the Compostable Field Testing Program, an international nonprofit research group that aims to “bring field testing to composters across North America and beyond.” The Composting Consortium also said the data will support development of the first ASTM field-test standard for compostable packaging. More to read: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/does-compostable-packaging-actually-break-down-composting-consortium-reveals-groundbreaking-findings-from-largest-field-test-in-north-america-302117539.html

A new dissolving technique makes it easier to recycle clothes. American researchers have developed an innovative process that can transform mixed-fibre garments into raw material for the manufacture of future textiles. Enough to revolutionize the highly polluting fashion industry, which could account for 26%?of global CO2 emissions in 2050? Nothing is less certain. More to read: https://usbeketrica.com/fr/article/une-nouvelle-technique-de-dissolution-facilite-le-recyclage-encore-rare-des-vetements

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During the last INC 4 some States (EU in particular and its Member States) tabled proposals on how to the Plastics Treaty?should deal with chemicals, polymers and products (Analysis of CRPs for chemicals, polymers and products at INC4). See below the work performed by CIEL which looked if the EU proposal fulfils 12 conditions for effective control of chemicals and polymers of concern and 12 conditions for effective control of problematic and avoidable plastic products. . ?More to read: https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/D4E1FAQFY9xl5iyjr1Q/feedshare-document-pdf-analyzed/0/1721304923094?e=1722470400&v=beta&t=-CZBWckrXzEbTI58HLKq9ZVlGj2erXSACWzf1AIhyBw

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New CIEL publication: Is Busan the last stop of the #PlasticsTreaty negotiations ? While UNEA resolution 5/14 did set for the INC “the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024,” it did not mandate that negotiations had to conclude by the end of 2024. Additionally, UNEA resolution 5/14 “decides” a number of issues, such as the provisions of the future international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, but “recommends” that UNEP convene the INC with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024. The provisionally applied Rules of Procedure of the INC state that the INC, in consultation with the Secretariat, may set its meetings at dates and locations of its choosing. Furthermore, UNEA resolution 5/14 “requests the Executive Director to convene a diplomatic conference of plenipotentiaries upon completion of negotiations by the intergovernmental negotiating committee,” without setting a specific deadline for completion of the INC negotiations or date for the diplomatic conference of plenipotentiaries, contrary to practice in previous MEAs (indicating flexibility born out of lessons learned from the challenges created by indicating such dates in the mandate). In conclusion, although some may suggest that a decision by UNEA to request that UNEP convene any additional meetings of the INC beyond 2024 is needed, in light of the careful wording of UNEA resolution 5/14 and previous experiences from negotiations extending beyond the initial timeline for the Rotterdam Convention without a new mandate from the UNEP Governing Council, a decision by UNEA would not be required. More to read: https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Treaty-Negotiation-Timelines.pdf

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E-scrap & battery breakthroughs: How technology is enabling efficient recycling in India. Hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy are ones of the most efficient e-waste recycling technologies in India, with an extraction efficiency of around 95%. The ultrasonic battery disassembly technology, although not widely implemented yet, has a great scope in the future. Direct recycling and integrated carbothermal reduction is also used at a pilot scale. the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on e-waste recycling. “AI-powered sorting systems with advanced image recognition accurately identify and categorise e-waste, improving material recovery efficiency. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, combined with AI, analyses the elemental composition of e-waste, enhancing the recovery of valuable metals like gold, copper, and rare earth elements. Additionally, bio-remediation, which uses microorganisms to break down hazardous materials, offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatments.” Although mostly at the lab level, these innovations demonstrate significant progress in e-waste recycling.?More to read: https://www.wasterecyclingmag.com/india/weee-recycling/e-scrap-battery-breakthroughs-how-technology-is-enabling-efficient-recycling-in-india

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Investment ‘critical’ for U.S. compost facilities as industry shows little growth since 2018. A blended financing model could provide needed investment into large-scale composting facilities nationwide, according to new research from?Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium. More to read: https://www.wastedive.com/news/compost-consortium-funding-investment-capital-report/721532/

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Can EPR contribute to the improvement of the informal sector? EPR holds significant potential for integrating the informal sector into formal waste management systems. But what’s the ground reality in India??More to read: https://www.wasterecyclingmag.com/news/waste-management/can-epr-contribute-to-the-improvement-of-the-informal-sector

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The Biden administration on Friday announced it plans to phase out the use of single-use plastics from all federal operations by 2035, as part of its broader strategy to tackle plastic pollution. The phase-out would start with a goal to end federal procurement of single-use plastics from food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027. The announcement comes ahead of the last scheduled round of negotiations toward a global treaty?to end plastic pollution set to start in Busan, Korea on Nov. 25. Countries are still divided on whether the deal should include caps on plastic production. More to read: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mobilizing-Federal-Action-on-Plastic-Pollution-Progress-Principles-and-Priorities-July-2024.pdf

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EU joins the declaration on primary plastics polymers, emphasizing that the full lifecycle of plastics includes the production of primary plastic polymers. Studies show that the world cannot achieve its goals of ending plastic pollution and limiting global average temperature rise to less than 1.5° Celsius if the unsustainable production of primary plastic polymers is not addressed. Left unaddressed, production of primary plastic polymers is projected to increase exponentially through 2050 and could overwhelm national waste management and recycling programs, even after significant improvements supported by the new instrument. Addressing the unsustainable production of primary plastic polymers is not only essential to ending plastic pollution worldwide; it also represents one of the most efficient and cost-effective approaches to managing the plastic pollution problem. More to read: https://www.bridgetobusan.com/