Waste to Energy – Interwaste Holdings Ltd

How the Waste Derived Fuel Facility is Converting Waste into Sustainable Energy

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 07:15:55 +0000

The world is shifting toward sustainable energy solutions, and waste management plays a vital role in this transition. At Interwaste’s Waste Derived Fuel (WDF) Facility, located at Germiston Hub, we are at the forefront of this movement. By converting high-calorific waste into alternative fuel, we’re not only reducing carbon emissions but also providing industries with a cleaner energy source by reducing their fossil fuels consumption. This blog explores how the WDF Facility transforms waste into fuel and the environmental benefits it brings.

What is Waste Derived Fuel?

Waste Derived Fuel (WDF) refers to fuel produced from waste materials that are high in energy content. These materials can include certain types of industrial sludge, liquids, and hydrocarbon-rich waste. Instead of being disposed of in landfills, these waste streams are processed and converted into a specified fuel that can replace traditional fossil fuels such as coal. At our Germiston Hub, we specialize in producing this substitute fuel, which can be used by energy-intensive industries like cement manufacturing.

How the Waste Derived Fuel Process WorksThe process of converting waste into fuel at our Germiston facility involves several key steps:

Waste Selection: Only certain types of waste with a high calorific value are suitable for WDF production. We accept a variety of hydrocarbon sludges and liquids, particularly from sectors such as petrochemicals, which have high energy potential.
Pre-Treatment: The waste is tested and pre-treated to ensure it meets the required specifications for fuel production. Parameters such as calorific value, moisture content, elemental composition and flammability are carefully evaluated to determine the waste’s suitability for conversion.
Fuel Production: The selected waste is processed using advanced techniques to prepare a fuel that meets end-user specifications. This fuel is then used as a substitute for traditional fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Quality Control: The produced WDF is subject to rigorous quality control to ensure it meets the specific requirements of the industries that will use it. Factors such as combustion efficiency, energy output and potential impact on air emissions are tested to ensure the fuel performs effectively.

Waste Types Handled by the WDF Facility

At the Germiston Hub, we handle various types of waste, including:

Hydrocarbon sludges and liquids
Certain types of industrial waste with high calorific value
Qualifying waste from a variery of industry sectors, including the petrochemical industry.

These waste types, which would otherwise end up in landfills or incinerators, are transformed into a valuable energy resource that supports industries looking to reduce their environmental impact.

The Environmental Benefits of Waste Derived Fuel

One of the most significant advantages of WDF is its ability to reduce carbon emissions. By converting waste into fuel, we provide an alternative to coal and other fossil fuels, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to carbon reduction, WDF helps:

Reduce landfill usage: By diverting waste from landfills, we help minimize the potential environmental impact of waste disposal, including the generation of harmful gases like methane.
Promote resource recovery: Instead of managing these wastes to landfill, WDF turns it into a resource, supporting the principles of the circular economy.
Reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels: As industries transition to more sustainable practices, WDF offers a viable solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Supporting the Circular Economy

The Waste Derived Fuel Facility at Germiston Hub plays a vital role in promoting the circular economy. By converting waste into a usable fuel, we close the loop on resource recovery. Instead of waste being discarded and new non-renewable raw materials being extracted, we use waste to create energy. This reduces the demand for non-renewable resources and helps industries adopt more sustainable practices.

Interwaste’s WDF Facility operates in compliance with applicable Acts and Regulations. Our processes are designed to minimize any related environmental impact, ensuring that all waste is handled safely and responsibly. We also work closely with industries that use WDF to ensure that they meet their sustainability goals and enviro-legal compliance, while adhering to strict safety standards.

Industries Benefiting from Waste Derived Fuel

WDF is an ideal energy solution for energy-intensive industries that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint through coal substitution. Industries that benefit from WDF include:

Cement manufacturing: Cement production is energy-intensive, the WDF offers an alternative to coal, helping this industry meet its sustainability targets.
Power generation: Some power plants use WDF as a substitute for fossil fuels, reducing their reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Petrochemical industries: Petrochemical plants generate hydrocarbon-rich waste, which can be converted into fuel, providing an efficient, circular solution, by processing their waste into WDF thereby reducing their environmental impact through landfill avoidance.

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, the Waste Derived Fuel Facility at Germiston Hub is leading the way in converting waste into alternative fuel. By transforming high-calorific waste into a substitute fuel, we’re helping industries reduce their carbon emissions and support the circular economy. If you’re looking for a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution, Interwaste’s WDF Facility is the answer.

A Time of Waste and a Future of Possibility

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:40:23 +0000

As the Diamond Sponsor of ISWA 2024, Interwaste had the incredible opportunity to engage with both local and international industry leaders and colleagues sharing thought-provoking insights and innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the African waste management industry. Our presence at the conference not only highlighted our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices but also reinforced our role as a key player in shaping the future of waste management in the region.

While many of the presentations throughout the event focused on the pressing issues within the waste industry, we are exceptionally proud of our team’s outstanding contributions. Each presentation brought fresh ideas, explored diverse perspectives, and provided actionable solutions for some of the most critical challenges faced today.

Thought Leadership in Action

Kate Stubbs led one of the plenary sessions with her captivating presentation, “A Time of Waste.” She took the audience on a journey through the past, present, and future of waste management, reflecting on the changes in mindset and the actions needed to reconnect with nature. Drawing on concepts like the circular economy and biomimicry, Kate’s insights inspired us to imagine a future where waste becomes a resource rather than a burden.

Sintu Mhlonyane presented an exciting breakthrough in his talk, “Overcoming Challenges in Leachable Analysis: A Novel Approach.” His innovative approach reduces costs and simplifies processes, offering a more efficient path toward regulatory compliance. Sintu’s presentation highlighted his expertise and the practical impact of his work on improving industry standards.

Bradley Thorpe shared his passion for environmental stewardship in his presentation on Biodiversity Protection and Promotion through Waste Management. Bradley discussed how waste management activities can actively protect, restore, and promote biodiversity, sharing actions Interwaste has taken to restore ecosystems and champion biodiversity at our sites. His insights demonstrated our long-term commitment to sustainability, going beyond waste to embrace the full spectrum of environmental responsibility.

Moipone Maseko delivered a forward-thinking presentation on Circular Sustainable Solutions for Liquid Waste, which examined the current state of South Africa’s wastewater treatment plants. She showcased Interwaste’s own Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), which transforms 80-90% of wastewater into clean, reusable water. Moipone’s presentation illustrated the potential of African solutions to meet global challenges head-on, especially as the world faces increasing water scarcity.

Case Studies That Lead the Way

As part of a broader team effort, Interwaste showcased two key case studies. The first focused on Effluent Treatment and the Need to Diversify Our Water Mix, emphasizing how incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles is essential for effective water management. The second case study explored the potential for Waste to Energy in South Africa, examining the drivers for adoption, local opportunities, and insights from our partners at Séché Environnement.

The Time of Waste Concept and Interwaste Stand

Throughout ISWA 2024, our stand embodied the theme, “A Time of Waste,” reflecting on the evolution of waste management and encouraging a mindset shift for the future. Visitors to our stand experienced interactive features like a VR journey through natural environments, which emphasized our connection to nature, and our bold stance on sustainability. We believe that dreaming big and imagining a world without waste is critical to creating impactful change.

As part of our commitment to reducing waste, the stand was constructed with eco-friendly materials, and sustainability was at the heart of every detail, from recyclable carpets to biodegradable paints and inks.

A Thank You

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to ISWA and IWMSA for organizing such a successful conference. The platform allowed us to engage with like-minded individuals and share our expertise, while learning from global leaders who are also committed to creating a better tomorrow.

As we move forward from ISWA 2024, Interwaste remains dedicated to innovating and leading the waste management sector, delivering impactful solutions that address the needs of today, while building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Waste to Energy: Sustainable Solution for SA’s Energy & Waste Crisis!

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Sun, 05 May 2024 11:56:29 +0000

The significance of alternative waste treatment technologies

South Africans have enjoyed some relief from power cuts in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the last quarter of 2023, but the harsh reality is that we still have an energy challenge that need to be solved.

Further to this, South Africa also has a waste problem – with the country generating roughly 122 million tonnes of waste a year. However, these two challenges can actually work in tandem to each other to provide sustainable solutions to both problems, in the form of waste-to-energy plants.

Waste to energy plants, in simple terms are facilities that convert waste into electricity, heat or gas. These plants use various technologies, such as incineration, gasification, landfill gas recovery and generation or anaerobic digestion, to break down waste materials and generate energy. The benefit though, is that the process does not only reduce the volume of waste, but it also decreases the need for landfill space, while providing a renewable source of energy.

Infrastructure

While there are a variety of small scale plants already operating around the country, we still have a long way to go, if we want to address the power deficit we currently face, which is about 4000 – 6000 MW daily. This means of course, that currently, our demand exceeds supply.

However, the good news is that waste can provide us with a number of different solutions to help minimise our energy usage gap. Today, there are solutions like anaerobic digestion, which biogas producers use to convert organic wastes, as well as agricultural residues and wastewater into biogas, which can be used for transportation and heating or even electricity generation. The reason for this is that anaerobic digestion creates methane gas from the naturally occurring bacterial processes and this combustible gas can then be used to generate electricity. Landfill gas recovery is another process wherein methane produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfill is captured by a gas pipe network built into waste body of the landfill, collected and processed to generate electricity or heat.

Interwaste itself owns South Africa’s first Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) plant – which converts various types of waste into alternative fuels, reducing dependence on coal and other carbon-intensive fossil fuels in general, industrial, and municipal sectors. So again, you can see the potential, not merely for investors and stakeholders, but of the benefit of the whole community as we examine ways in which to combat waste, but importantly, find solutions to our energy challenges – solutions that are sustainable.

Policies

As the market for waste-to-energy solutions grows, we believe that further relevant legislation and standards will be implemented, which will encourage the private sector, as well as municipalities, to make the necessary adjustments in order to ensure compliance – through their waste usage and drive more responsible energy sources for our country.

We can see the start of the evolution already. In fact, in 2022, the Western Cape imposed 50% organic waste to landfill bans, with a plan to impose a 100% ban by 2027. In the same vein , the City of Joburg has also invested more than R200-million in developing the Landfill Gas to Energy Clean Development Mechanism Project which uses gas turbines to drill out methane gas – caused by the degradation of bio-organic compounds at its landfill sites – all to generate renewable energy for the municipal grid.

The future

So, how do we continue to build on this great work?

A complete shift is now required towards creating a circular economy which designs waste out of the value chain and prioritises the re-use and recycling of waste generated as a secondary resource. It may be a tough ask, but with collaboration, planning, and accountability from both the public and private sectors, it can be done. There is an urgent need for increased collaboration between industry and government. If we want to maximise the potential of waste to energy at a local level, we must prioritise education, awareness, investment in waste innovation, and the development of supportive policies and infrastructure.

Further to this, we also need behavioural changes in our own, households. For example, instead of throwing food away, use it to make compost. However, if this does not appeal to you, then look to food waste solution providers who can collect your food waste – at households, schools, and even shipping centres – and they will compost this food waste in a safe and reliable manner. We all have to start being responsible and adopting a ‘nothing wasted’ mindset, if we truly want to impact the health of our planet.

Climate action and economic preservation can coexist

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:30:29 +0000

How waste management fits

The waste management industry has faced several operational challenges during this year, notwithstanding the immediate impact due to load shedding. Yes, waste can be affected by load shedding, as the critical facilities that handle both general and hazardous waste are treated by electricity-powered equipment, and without power, it results in delays in the waste management processes. As a result, we have seen waste build up in neighbourhoods, business districts, and public areas – which is not only unsanitary but raises raising the risk of disease transmission.

Load shedding has also had a severe impact on incinerators and recycling plants, because they too need a consistent supply of electricity. Without electricity, waste treatment processes can be suspended or interrupted and of course, then more waste could end up being disposed of to our already burdened landfills.

Further to the impacts of load shedding, is the increase in operational costs due to the significant increases in the cost of living in the past two years, and the waste management industry has felt the pinch. This is true for all consumers and the entire business sector in our country. Add the rampant loadshedding, unfavourable exchange rates and higher lending rates, every organisation is still feeling the effects.

In a recent article, the government revealed that over R168 million was spent in purchasing waste collection fleets – a very steep cost.

So, if we consider that our electricity challenges are likely to exist for a while, what then would we like in 2024 for the waste sector?

Well, the reality that exists is that we must consider that we are in a juxtaposition between fighting climate change and fighting economic turmoil – and which one comes first, or can they coexist?

The good news is that climate action and economic preservation can coexist and in fact, should. Waste and effective waste management presents a large economic opportunity to establish new industries and/or revenue streams. Our hope is that 2024 is used to really drive solutions that deliver on this opportunity – all at levels within the public and private sector. We have always advocated that waste to energy production is a good place to start and will create more jobs and opportunities, and with the availability of technologies available we can convert different types of waste to energy – in the form of electricity, steam or gas.

And it is not just electricity where waste can have an impact, but our water too. Our wastewater can be re-used as well -and when treated to the required standards, nearly all effluent waste can be recycled and offer a strong solution for water sustainability and access – water that was previously not deemed safe for consumption.

In fact, the global waste-to-energy market is expected to grow from to almost 43 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 – so you can see the massive opportunity that exists. Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency has also stated that renewables have the potential to employ more than 40 million people by 2050. These figures are not just big but represent growth for economies that embrace them.

So, in 2024, we would like to see climate action and economic preservation coexisting, where waste and effective waste management not only establish new industries and/or revenue streams, but helps companies meet their legislative requirements as we fight climate change. It’s a win for everyone.

As we wrap up the year, and start preparing for the new one, we are excited to be building on our existing services and launching some new service offerings in 2024, which not only align to legislation but support our clients ecological transition to the circular economy.

Pioneering a Greener Future for South Africa’s Energy Crisis

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 03:54:46 +0000

The role of emerging technology in addressing food waste.

16 October marks World Food Day – a day set to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable food systems and combating hunger worldwide.

According to an article published in Scientific American, the global food system contributes to around a third of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. However, what has never been clear is how much of this is due to lost or wasted food. While a further article reveals that methane, from landfills, produced by the global food supply, is much more powerful at warming the planet than carbon dioxide itself – which is a sobering thought.

In a nutshell, food waste really does have a negative impact on the environment and society. The good news though, is that this waste can be managed effectively, not only from a household perspective, but right across the food supply chain.

The truth about food waste

There is a common misconception that food waste is only leftover food that is discarded by households. However, food waste occurs from the moment food is farmed all the way through to retail stores and ultimately into your homes. Not only does it occur at the production level due to several factors, including climate change, soil quality, diseases and/or lack of labour, but given that retailers place a premium on quality, produce that does not meet their quality standards can be rejected and thus, wasted. As a result, landfills are significantly impacted by food waste that was never actually consumed postproduction.

Considering the magnitude of the food waste challenge in South Africa (it is estimated that 30% of all food produced is wasted), addressing it goes beyond just households – and means that retailers, restaurants, and the agricultural industry at large need to become more actively involved in the reduction of food waste. While sustainability policies are helping curb this challenge – especially from a business perspective – there is a pressing need for solutions that can help these industries tackle food waste, to have a measurable impact on our food system and the environment.

The role of emerging technology

Technology and innovation play an important role in waste reduction and beneficiation by not only giving us new methods to manage waste more sustainably – especially from a supply chain perspective, but given the scale of waste these innovations, also include aspects like using this waste as a secondary resource. When considering food or organic waste, processes such as composting and anaerobic digestion are able to re-purpose this waste for another use, such as soil regeneration or energy.

Anaerobic digestion is a process by which biogas is created through naturally occurring bacterial processes. This gas is harnessed and used to generate electricity. Anaerobic digestion is an established process which requires specific expertise and technology, but essentially it reduces the amount of organic waste going to landfill, as well as a decrease in the emission of harmful greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, the platform can act as an on-site model that ensures that waste is managed immediately, as it is generated, and is then disposed of in hygienic and compliant manner.

So, in order to achieve our zero waste to landfill goal as a country, we all need to take part in making a change. Start with small changes in your purchasing habits, but in instances where food waste cannot be avoided, consider recycling that into compost as an example, or examine various other options within the waste management segment that could work for you and/or your business.

This World Food Day, think about your food waste – how you manage it – don’t just throw it away – it can be used and benefit the environment and all mankind.

Waste-to-Energy An Innovative Solution to South Africa’s Energy Crisis

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:11:06 +0000

Independent energy analyst Pieter Jordaan’s latest findings reveal a dire situation that is surpassing even the darkest predictions. The nation has already experienced a staggering amount of load shedding, surpassing the entirety of 2022 in just a matter of months and currently on track to double the amount of time spent without power. The statistics are truly shocking, with load shedding occurring on almost every single day this year, accumulating to 239 days of national loadshedding so far (as of the 29^th of September 2023). In terms of actual blackout hours experienced, the situation is even worse, with South Africans enduring significantly longer periods without electricity. The data paints a grim picture, indicating that the country has been left in the dark for equivalent of 57 full days without electricity, with an expectation for South Africans to incur another 27 full days by the time we reach 2024.

While renewable energy projects have received significant attention, there is one solution that is often overlooked – waste-to-energy. By harnessing the potential of waste, South Africa can not only address its energy challenges but also tackle its waste management issues and move towards a more sustainable future.

The Circular Economy and Waste-to-Energy:

The concept of the circular economy offers a way to achieve inclusive economic growth while reducing environmental impact. Waste-to-energy solutions align perfectly with this model by repurposing waste materials and transforming them into a valuable energy source. By adopting waste-to-energy technologies, South Africa can optimize its waste streams, minimize energy and raw material consumption, and generate revenue from what was previously considered waste.

South Africa generates approximately 122 million tons of waste annually, most of which ends up in landfills. However, this waste holds significant value, estimated at around R17 billion per year, which could be utilized as secondary resources within the economy. By diverting waste from landfills and converting it into energy, South Africa can unlock the economic potential of its waste while reducing environmental harm.

Waste-to-Energy Technologies:

Several waste-to-energy processes can be implemented to convert different types of waste into energy. Thermal destruction technologies, such as gasification and pyrolysis, recover energy in the form of gas or steam, generating power from municipal waste, biomass, rubber, tires, and certain plastics. Additionally, biological waste-to-energy solutions like biogas and anaerobic digestion plants can generate energy from organic waste such as food, agricultural waste, and sewage. Physical solutions involve converting liquid, solid, or sludge waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), which can replace conventional fuels like coal.

The Benefits and Challenges:

Waste-to-energy solutions offer a consistent base load of energy, operating 24/7 and reducing environmental impacts and waste disposal costs. Unlike wind and solar energy, waste-to-energy plants provide a reliable and continuous source of power. However, the success of waste-to-energy projects depends on factors such as the quality and consistency of the waste feedstock, technology selection and investment, revenue potential, and regulatory frameworks. Collaboration among government, industry, and technology providers is crucial to overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of waste-to-energy in South Africa.

Waste-to-energy is one of the clear-cut solutions being pursued. At Interwaste, we have successfully pioneered Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in South Africa, creating a fuel source comparable to A-grade coal from non-recyclable industrial waste. This alternative fuel can be used in power, steam, and heat generation. Similarly, property owners are implementing green and energy-efficient building practices, while the supply chain industry focuses on reducing its carbon footprint.

As South Africans continue to grapple with an ever-worsening energy crisis, it is imperative to explore alternative solutions that can address not only the shortage of power but also the mounting waste crisis.

Waste-to-energy systems have proven successful in various parts of the world, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to tackling two critical challenges simultaneously. By diverting waste from landfills, we can reduce environmental pollution and methane emissions, while also producing a reliable source of clean energy. The integration of waste-to-energy initiatives into South Africa’s energy infrastructure could pave the way for a more sustainable future, providing a viable solution to the country’s energy and waste crises.

By embracing waste-to-energy technology, South Africa can not only overcome its energy deficit but also pave the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. It’s time to seize this opportunity and turn waste into a valuable resource, benefiting both our energy needs and the environment we call home.