Application of the WROSE Model for Promoting Effective Decision-Making and Sustained Climate Change Stabilization in the South African Waste Sector

Trois, C., Abera, Y., Dell’Orto, A., Kissoon, S., & Gomez Sanabria, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2317-3946 (2023). Application of the WROSE Model for Promoting Effective Decision-Making and Sustained Climate Change Stabilization in the South African Waste Sector. In: Waste Management in Developing Countries. Eds. El Bari, H. & Trois, C., pp. 39-62 Springer. 10.1007/978-3-031-28001-6_3.

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Abstract

The need for improved waste management systems has gained momentum globally in order to work towards the reduction of GHG emissions and the impact it has on global climate change. In South Africa, the disposal of unsorted waste to landfill is still the primary waste management method across the country; however, legislative developments aim to drive integrated waste management and the circular economy, putting the disposal of waste to landfill as the least favorable waste management solution. With 80% of the municipal solid waste ending up in landfill sites unsorted and untreated, the only reasonable “activator” of the circular economy would be an integrated waste management system, which is underpinned by an efficient separated collection at the source, followed by carefully selected and strategically localized waste treatment strategies, decentralized recycling facilities, and sustainable end-of-life disposal options. The Waste Resource Optimization and Scenario Evaluation (WROSE) model was developed to assist municipalities in aligning with national legislative requirements and achieving zero waste. This will be achieved through the application of the waste hierarchy into municipal solid waste management practices as well as through the promotion of the circular economy. The WROSE model/decision-making tool is a multiple scenario optimization model that analyzes and evaluates the feasibility of waste management strategies upon all four levels of sustainability (environmental, economic, social and institutional). One of the key gaps identified is lack of application of the WROSE model as a comprehensive zero waste model on South African municipalities with updated waste characterization data; this study addresses the gap identified, by presenting the results of the successful activation of circular economy and integrated waste management in South African case study municipalities. The WROSE model was applied to several metros for problem waste streams such as C&D waste, garden refuse, MSW, OFMSW, food waste, and waste tyres. The study presents a comprehensive waste management strategy that embodies the waste hierarchy for an integrated waste management system to address the issue of the organic waste fraction, garden refuse, and residual plastics with innovative and relevant technology solutions. Finally, the chapter evaluates the potential of the WROSE model/methodology to be used as stabilization wedge for climate change mitigation.

Item Type:	Book Section
Research Programs:	Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Pollution Management (PM) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions (TISS)
Depositing User:	Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited:	29 Jan 2024 12:01
Last Modified:	29 Jan 2024 12:01
URI:	https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/19440

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