The Recycle Namibia Forum (RNF) has issued a media
statement about the recycling of hazardous material in Namibia, with particular
emphasis on oil and batteries. John Pallett of the RNF: “The 275 000 vehicles
in Namibia, as well as the many ships plying our coastline and anchoring in
Walvis Bay, generate literally millions of litres of waste in oil. Additionally, our country accumulates over 1 000
tonnes of dead batteries every year."
RNF stressed that unfortunately many people do not know how to dispose of old oil and batteries responsibly. Pallett said there are solutions for responsible disposal of these waste items, as significant developments have take place in Namibia to reduce pollution and ensure growth of the recycling industry.
(Photograph: John Pallett of Recycle Forum Namibia at an oil collector)
He added: "Car batteries last 3 years on average, which amounts to just over 90 000 dead batteries produced in Namibia every year. PowerBat, the Namibian arm of PowerTech in South Africa, is currently the biggest player in this market, and sends about 120 tonnes of waste batteries to South Africa per quarter. They are destined for Fry's Metals, a large smelter in Gauteng that pays R3/kg for the scrap. This is clearly a win-win situation: the environment is saved from the toxic lead and sulphuric acid and business thrives on the activity, creating employment, improving skills and building the economy."
Pallett said the situation with waste oil was equally encouraging as about 80% of waste oil is recycled, mainly through collection done by a few local companies. "Wesco, the largest, has an organised system of collection tanks throughout the country, placed at garages (service stations) and workshops where large quantities are generated. The wast oil goes through a simple cleaning and filtering process in Walvis Bay, producing Light Furnace Oil, suitable for use in boilers and burners. The sector has developed to such an extent that a new power station to be established in Arandis next year, will be fired almost entirely with waste oil."
(Photograph: A common sight in Namibia: poorly maintained or old vehicles leaking oil)
According to Pallett administrative obstacles drive people to finding easier (and environmentally more damaging) solution: "For example, export of hazardous waste is prohibited unless authorities in both the sending and receiving countries agree to the movement, and issue permits accordingly. Delays, mistakes, poor communication and unfamiliarity make the system between Namibia and South Africa very inefficient. The Africa Institute which focuses on the Basel Convention governing the movement of hazardous waste worldwide, could help with streamlining the administrative systems and skills so that permitting systems work better."
Pallett added that any person returning a dead car battery to a battery seller should be paid out about N$ 20.00, and if it is not offered, sellers should insist on it. "The more the 'cash-back' system is rolled out (prompted by consumer pressure), the better for us all." He said. Waste oil should be disposed of in proper storage facilities set up by Wesco or by the City of Windhoek. Information on these facilities can be obtained from the City of Windhoek's Pollution Control Inspector, Salatiel Kalimbo, telephone number: (061) 290 2903.
RNF stressed that unfortunately many people do not know how to dispose of old oil and batteries responsibly. Pallett said there are solutions for responsible disposal of these waste items, as significant developments have take place in Namibia to reduce pollution and ensure growth of the recycling industry.
(Photograph: John Pallett of Recycle Forum Namibia at an oil collector)
He added: "Car batteries last 3 years on average, which amounts to just over 90 000 dead batteries produced in Namibia every year. PowerBat, the Namibian arm of PowerTech in South Africa, is currently the biggest player in this market, and sends about 120 tonnes of waste batteries to South Africa per quarter. They are destined for Fry's Metals, a large smelter in Gauteng that pays R3/kg for the scrap. This is clearly a win-win situation: the environment is saved from the toxic lead and sulphuric acid and business thrives on the activity, creating employment, improving skills and building the economy."
Pallett said the situation with waste oil was equally encouraging as about 80% of waste oil is recycled, mainly through collection done by a few local companies. "Wesco, the largest, has an organised system of collection tanks throughout the country, placed at garages (service stations) and workshops where large quantities are generated. The wast oil goes through a simple cleaning and filtering process in Walvis Bay, producing Light Furnace Oil, suitable for use in boilers and burners. The sector has developed to such an extent that a new power station to be established in Arandis next year, will be fired almost entirely with waste oil."
(Photograph: A common sight in Namibia: poorly maintained or old vehicles leaking oil)
According to Pallett administrative obstacles drive people to finding easier (and environmentally more damaging) solution: "For example, export of hazardous waste is prohibited unless authorities in both the sending and receiving countries agree to the movement, and issue permits accordingly. Delays, mistakes, poor communication and unfamiliarity make the system between Namibia and South Africa very inefficient. The Africa Institute which focuses on the Basel Convention governing the movement of hazardous waste worldwide, could help with streamlining the administrative systems and skills so that permitting systems work better."
Pallett added that any person returning a dead car battery to a battery seller should be paid out about N$ 20.00, and if it is not offered, sellers should insist on it. "The more the 'cash-back' system is rolled out (prompted by consumer pressure), the better for us all." He said. Waste oil should be disposed of in proper storage facilities set up by Wesco or by the City of Windhoek. Information on these facilities can be obtained from the City of Windhoek's Pollution Control Inspector, Salatiel Kalimbo, telephone number: (061) 290 2903.
Recycling of hazardous waste in Namibia is growing, driven by economic potential and keen entrepreneurs who identified a business opportunity, inspired by growing awareness.
Pallett concluded: "Prevention of pollution requires a two-pronged approach: an incentive for people to dispose of waste responsibly, complimented with a legal deterrent that punishes wrong-doers (willful polluters). At the moment the second component is lacking, or at best, it is ineffective. All the more reason to give full support to the recycling efforts established thus far."
Recycle Namibia Forum (RNF) is the leading non-profit forum coordinating recycling initiatives in Namibia.
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