Water – Interwaste Holdings Ltd

Water & Waste: Safeguarding Rivers, Communities, and Life Itself

Tash_Inter — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:08:57 +0000

When we protect water, we protect life itself.

From the rivers that sustain ecosystems to the water that supports agriculture, industry, and households, water connects every system that enables communities to thrive. Yet across the world, water quality is increasingly under pressure – not only from scarcity, but from pollution linked directly to how waste is managed.

Waste and water are inseparable. What enters the waste system inevitably finds its way into water systems if not treated responsibly. This is why modern waste management must extend beyond collection and disposal. It must actively protect water – turning waste into a safeguard rather than a threat.

The Growing Pressure on Water Systems

Globally, water pollution is recognised as one of the most significant environmental and public health risks of our time. The United Nations has repeatedly highlighted that untreated wastewater remains one of the largest sources of water contamination worldwide, affecting rivers, groundwater, and coastal ecosystems.

When wastewater and landfill leachate are poorly managed, the consequences ripple outward:

Rivers and wetlands become overloaded with pollutants, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Groundwater resources are compromised, threatening drinking water supplies and irrigation systems.
Communities downstream face increased health risks, particularly in water-stressed regions where alternative sources are limited.

In South Africa, where water scarcity is already a defining challenge, protecting water quality is inseparable from protecting social and economic resilience. Waste management decisions made at a single facility can influence water systems far beyond its boundaries.

ETPs: Safeguarding Rivers and Communities

Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) sit at the critical intersection between waste and water. Their role is not simply to treat contaminated liquids, but to interrupt the pathway between pollution and the environment.

By treating leachate and wastewater to stringent standards, ETPs help ensure that:

Harmful contaminants are removed before water re-enters natural systems.
Downstream ecosystems are protected from cumulative pollution loads.
Communities relying on shared water sources are safeguarded from long-term exposure risks.

In an interconnected system, this matters deeply. A river does not recognise municipal boundaries or fence lines. What enters it upstream shapes conditions for ecosystems, agriculture, and communities downstream. Effluent treatment therefore becomes a shared responsibility – one that links operational excellence directly to environmental stewardship.

Through responsible effluent treatment, waste management shifts from being a risk factor to becoming a protective layer within the water system.

Turning Wastewater into a Shared Resource

Beyond protection, modern effluent treatment plays a growing role in resource recovery. Treated wastewater is increasingly recognised as a valuable component of circular water management, particularly in water-stressed regions.

When managed correctly, treated effluent can:

Reduce pressure on freshwater abstraction by enabling reuse within industrial systems.
Support more resilient operations during periods of drought or supply disruption.
Contribute to broader water security goals by keeping usable water within the system for longer.

This approach aligns with global shifts toward circular water economies, where wastewater is no longer seen as an unavoidable by-product, but as a resource that can be safely reintegrated into operational cycles.

At this level, effluent treatment becomes more than compliance. It becomes infrastructure for resilience, supporting both environmental protection and long-term operational sustainability.

Water Is Never Isolated

Just as waste is never isolated, neither is water.

A failure in effluent management does not remain contained. It moves through rivers, into soils, across ecosystems, and ultimately into communities. Conversely, when wastewater is treated responsibly, the benefits extend far beyond the point of discharge:

Healthier rivers support biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Cleaner water underpins agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.
Protected water systems reduce long-term treatment and remediation costs for society as a whole.

This is the essence of interconnected systems. Water carries the consequences of our decisions, both good and bad, across landscapes and generations.

Protecting Water as a System Commitment

For Interwaste, effluent treatment is not an isolated service. It is part of an integrated approach that recognises how waste, water, land, climate, and communities intersect.

By investing in effective effluent treatment, Interwaste helps ensure that waste operations actively contribute to:

Healthier aquatic ecosystems
Safer water for downstream users
Greater resilience in a water-constrained future

In doing so, waste management becomes a safeguard rather than a threat – a critical link in the system that protects life itself.

Because when we protect water, we are not just managing waste.

We are sustaining the systems that allow communities and ecosystems to endure.

Waste Management Reimagined: Uncharted Waters

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:10:33 +0000

South Africa’s waste landscape is changing , and the stakes have never been higher. In the Era of Responsibility, we’re no longer just reacting to environmental challenges; we’re reimagining how we prevent them. One of the most pressing issues? Liquid waste. From industrial by-products to hazardous leachate, the question is no longer where we dump it – but how we transform it.

That’s what makes Interwaste’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) so significant. It’s not a future idea. It’s a present-day solution to one of South Africa’s most under-addressed waste problems, one that’s reshaping how we manage water, waste, and accountability.

The State of Water in South Africa

South Africa is one of the 30 driest countries on Earth, and its water crisis is growing more severe by the year. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, national demand is expected to outpace supply by 17% by 2030, driven by population growth, urbanisation, and poor resource management. This stress is compounded by widespread pollution of rivers and dams through industrial effluent and untreated municipal wastewater, with over 56% of wastewater treatment works currently classified as being in poor or critical condition. Climate variability is also intensifying the crisis, particularly in drought-prone regions such as the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. Yet despite these mounting pressures, South Africa’s uptake of water reuse and recycling remains limited, leaving millions vulnerable. Recent data shows that more than 3 million people still rely on water sources considered to be below acceptable health and safety standards. In this fragile context, how we manage waste, particularly liquid waste, has become directly linked to national water security and the wellbeing of communities across the country.

Interwaste’s ETP: A Bold Step Forward

Recognising the need for meaningful intervention, Interwaste launched a first-of-its-kind Effluent Treatment Plant at its Klinkerstene site – a strategic investment designed to address both industrial and leachate-based liquid waste. The plant:

Processes 43 million litres of liquid waste annually
Recovers up to 90% of that as clean, reusable water
Produces 36 million litres of water for safe reuse or compliant discharge
Meets and exceeds Department of Water and Sanitation discharge requirements

Unlike conventional treatment works, the ETP is built to manage complex waste streams – from acidic effluents and heavy metals to chemical runoff – ensuring that water is recovered without harming downstream environments.

A Model for the Present – and the Sector

The ETP is a blueprint for how the waste sector must evolve in this new era. It is environmentally responsible, protecting wetlands, aquifers, and downstream rivers from hazardous waste. It is economically efficient, reducing reliance on municipal water supply during an era of rolling shortages. It is regulator-aligned, supporting the national ban on liquid waste to landfill (effective 2019) and aligns with the National Waste Management Strategy 2020. And perhaps most importantly, it is circular in mindset – turning “waste” into water, one of our most critical resources.

In a country where over 60% of landfill sites do not have leachate treatment infrastructure, this level of intervention sets a new benchmark.

The Bigger Picture: One Plant, Many Lessons

While the ETP is a milestone, it’s not the only solution. South Africa’s waste challenges – particularly around water, require a multipronged approach. This includes increased public-private collaboration, decentralised community-based treatment, incentives for industrial water reuse, and improved regulatory enforcement.

Yet the ETP stands as proof that when we stop waiting for ideal conditions and start innovating within constraint, we unlock new pathways to sustainability.

Reimagining Waste, Reimagining Responsibility

To reimagine waste is to rethink what’s possible. In the Era of Responsibility, it is no longer enough to acknowledge the problem – we must act. Interwaste’s Effluent Treatment Plant is more than a facility; it’s a symbol of progress, proving that even the most complex waste streams can be transformed into value.

But true impact lies in replication, collaboration, and sustained momentum. A single innovation will not fix the system, but it can spark the movement needed to change it. By investing in solutions that restore, recover, and reimagine, we move beyond intention into impact.

Let this be the moment we stop treating water and waste as separate issues. Let it be the moment we choose to lead, innovate, and take accountability, not just for today, but for generations to come.

Waste is no longer something to discard. It is something to solve.

Effluent Treatment: Converting Liquid Waste into Reusable Water

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:51:48 +0000

As populations and industries grow, so does the need for sustainable water management. Liquid waste, if not treated properly, can lead to the contamination of water sources, harming the environment. At Interwaste’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), located at the heart of Klinkerstene Waste Park in Delmas, we focus on converting liquid waste into clean, reusable water. This process not only protects vital water resources but also supports compliance and businesses in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.

What is Effluent Treatment?

Effluent treatment is the process of treating liquid waste or effluent generated by industries. This waste can come from a variety of sources, including manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, or even leachate from waste management facilities. Interwaste’s Effluent Treatment Plant ensures that these liquid waste streams are treated responsibly, recovering up to 90% of the water for reuse, with the remaining waste safely disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.

Why Effluent Treatment is Crucial

Water is a finite resource, and industrial activities can place a heavy burden on this essential element. By treating effluent, industries can minimize their impact on freshwater supplies, protect ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable water use. Interwaste’s Effluent Treatment Plant plays a key role in this effort by providing a circular economy solution – turning waste into a resource.

How Does the Effluent Treatment Process Work?

The effluent treatment process at Interwaste’s ETP involves several advanced steps:

Pre-treatment – Liquid waste is first screened and tested to ensure compatibility with the treatment process. This step also helps to identify any hazardous substances that need special handling.
Primary Treatment – Large particles and contaminants are removed through sedimentation and filtration, separating solids from liquids.
Secondary Treatment – The effluent undergoes biological treatment where microbes break down organic materials in the waste, converting it into harmless byproducts.
Tertiary Treatment – The treated effluent is polished through advanced filtration and chemical processes, removing any remaining contaminants. This step ensures that the water meets high-quality standards for reuse.

Waste Streams Handled at the Effluent Treatment Plant

Our facility handles a variety of liquid waste streams, including:

Industrial effluent from manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas industries
Leachate produced by waste management facilities
Liquid waste from wash bays and cleaning operations

These waste streams contain a mix of chemicals and contaminants that can be harmful if not treated properly. Interwaste’s ETP is equipped to handle these diverse waste types, ensuring safe and responsible management.

Recovering Clean, Reusable Water

One of the most significant benefits of the Effluent Treatment Plant is its ability to recover up to 90% of treated waste as clean, reusable water. This water can then be repurposed for various industrial applications, reducing the demand for freshwater resources and supporting sustainable practices.

Environmental Compliance and Safety

The Effluent Treatment Plant operates under strict regulations set by the Department of Water and Sanitation, ensuring that all treated effluent meets environmental and safety standards. This guarantees that our treatment processes protect the environment, reduce pollution, and contribute to water conservation efforts.

Effluent treatment is an integral part of the circular economy model. By converting liquid waste into reusable water, industries can reduce their reliance on virgin resources and minimize waste generation. With liquid waste being banned from landfill disposal in 2019, this approach supports sustainable development and helps businesses meet their compliance and environmental goals.

In an era of growing environmental concerns, responsible water management is more important than ever. Interwaste’s Effluent Treatment Plant provides a reliable, compliant and sustainable solution for treating industrial liquid waste while recovering precious water resources. By choosing to treat effluent responsibly, businesses can play their part in protecting the environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Converting Liquid Waste into Reusable Water

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:41:25 +0000

What is Effluent Treatment?

Why Effluent Treatment is Crucial

How Does the Effluent Treatment Process Work?

The effluent treatment process at Interwaste’s ETP involves several advanced steps:

Pre-treatment – Liquid waste is first screened and tested to ensure compatibility with the treatment process. This step also helps to identify any hazardous substances that need special handling.
Primary Treatment – Large particles and contaminants are removed through sedimentation and filtration, separating solids from liquids.
Secondary Treatment – The effluent undergoes biological treatment where microbes break down organic materials in the waste, converting it into harmless byproducts.
Tertiary Treatment – The treated effluent is polished through advanced filtration and chemical processes, removing any remaining contaminants. This step ensures that the water meets high-quality standards for reuse.

Waste Streams Handled at the Effluent Treatment Plant

Our facility handles a variety of liquid waste streams, including:

Industrial effluent from manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas industries
Leachate produced by waste management facilities
Liquid waste from wash bays and cleaning operations

Recovering Clean, Reusable Water

Environmental Compliance and Safety

Every last drop counts!

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:50:02 +0000

Interwaste launches solution to improve South Africa’s water mix

South Africa is facing a major water crisis – with dry taps becoming a norm in big cities across the country. In fact, as an example, residents in Johannesburg have become all too familiar with planned water outages, as well as unplanned shutdowns – all in an attempt to preserve what little water is available and ration it accordingly between the 6 324 000 people who live in the city.

If we consider that Johannesburg is South Africa’s commercial capital, the impact has been far worse than residents lacking bath water. Businesses in water-reliant industries such as restaurants, gyms, car washes, and construction, amongst others, have also been severely impacted. The lack of water supply has led to businesses going for hours and sometimes days without water and operating for fewer hours – generating less income and creating a knock-on effect in terms of letting staff go, compromised hygiene and increased health risk.

The economic disruption is undeniable – calling for urgent and sustainable solutions to the water crisis.

So, where do we begin?

The development of these solutions begins with identifying the causes.

Research has revealed that amongst other reasons, inefficient water management is one of the main causes of water scarcity in the country; this speaks to the lack of water conservation infrastructure. The preservation of water through reuse, and waste treatment has been neglected for far too long – with water being used irresponsibly across both the public and private sectors.

A proactive approach to water preservation

To drive innovative ways to support South Africa’s water conservation requirements, as well as address the dire water shortage facing the country, Interwaste developed a sustainable solution – the newly launched Leachate and Effluent Treatment Plant. The plant is capable of treating approximately 43 million Liters of water per year, – recovering 80 to 90% of it into clean water. Designed with sustainability in mind, the plant’s circular approach means that some of this water is reused directly on site, reducing the consumption of precious natural resources and, in turn, mitigating the environmental risks posed by liquid waste while reducing the pressure on our water supply.

As the first environmentally responsible waste treatment facility in South Africa, the plant uses state of the art technologies and complies with stringent quality standards. In addition to the minimal waste generation, Interwaste uses chemicals responsibly, further reaffirming the organisation’s belief in sustainability and the responsible use of resources.

Key features of the Interwaste Leachate and Effluent Treatment Plant include:

Flexibility to treat and process a range of liquid waste types including leachate.
Bespoke pre-treatment processes which balance pH levels and remove elements such as suspended solids, pollutants, and oils to ensure the optimal blend is created enabling the facility to operate within safe conditions, minimising risk and ensuring maximum output.
Refined concentration methods that separate salts from water.
Advanced filtration systems to remove remaining constituents from the water.
Continuous monitoring and control systems to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards.

Play your part!

As pioneers of sustainable waste management solutions, Interwaste hopes to inspire individuals, the government, as well as the private sector to employ the circular approach to using water. Addressing South Africa’s water scarcity is everyone’s responsibility and should be a priority – from our homes to our businesses.

Whenever you use water, consider this: every drop counts!

World Water Week: Wastewater treatment

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:30:28 +0000

As the world comes together to celebrate World Oceans Day, we are reminded of the profound importance of our oceans and the urgent need to protect them. The oceans, with their mesmerizing beauty and vast expanse, provide us with invaluable resources, support vibrant ecosystems, and play a crucial role in regulating our planet’s climate. However, they are facing unprecedented challenges from plastic pollution and habitat destruction to overfishing and climate change. In this blog piece, we explore how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices can serve as a powerful tool in preserving the world’s oceans and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

ESG principles have emerged as a critical framework for measuring the ethical impact and sustainability of businesses and investments. It is not surprising that these principles align seamlessly with the conservation of our oceans. ESG emphasizes responsible environmental practices, social responsibility, and ethical governance, all of which are vital for safeguarding our marine ecosystems and ensuring a thriving ocean environment.

Environmental Stewardship: A Key Component of ESG:

The environmental pillar of ESG emphasizes sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and climate change mitigation. These elements align closely with the preservation of our oceans. By implementing robust environmental policies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and adopting sustainable waste management practices, companies and communities actively contribute to the well-being of marine ecosystems. The health of our oceans directly impacts the planet’s overall ecological balance, making environmental stewardship a fundamental aspect of ESG.

Social Responsibility: Protecting Coastal Communities:

The social pillar of ESG focuses on a company’s relationships with its employees, customers, and local communities. When it comes to oceans, coastal communities play a vital role in their preservation. By engaging with these communities, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and promoting responsible fishing practices, companies uphold their social responsibility. Additionally, investing in education and awareness programs about marine conservation can empower these communities to become active guardians of the oceans, further reinforcing the social dimension of ESG.

Governance and Ethical Practices: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability:

The governance pillar of ESG centres on corporate governance, ethics, and transparency. In the context of oceans, governance plays a critical role in ensuring responsible and ethical practices. By establishing strong governance structures, enforcing stringent compliance measures, and actively monitoring the environmental impact of their operations, companies demonstrate their commitment to ocean conservation. Transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms further reinforce the governance aspect of ESG, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Circular Economy and Ocean Conservation:

Effective waste management plays a pivotal role in the broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework for ocean conservation. As we strive to protect our oceans and marine ecosystems, it is imperative to understand the direct link between responsible waste management practices and the well-being of our oceans.

The circular economy approach, a key component of ESG, aligns closely with efforts to protect our oceans. The circular economy minimizes waste generation, prevents pollution, and reduces the exploitation of natural resources, all of which have a direct impact on the health of our oceans. Embracing circular economy principles not only enhances ESG performance but also safeguards our marine environments for future generations.

ESG practices offer a comprehensive framework for businesses, investors, and individuals to contribute to the preservation of our oceans. By integrating ESG principles into their strategies, companies can proactively address environmental challenges, empower coastal communities, and ensure ethical governance in their operations. Embracing sustainable practices, supporting marine conservation initiatives, and promoting responsible consumption can collectively drive positive change and foster a deeper sense of stewardship for our oceans. Engaging in sustainable practices, sharing knowledge, and supporting initiatives that protect marine biodiversity foster collaboration, enabling a more holistic approach to ESG and the preservation of our oceans.

ESG principles and the protection of our oceans are inherently interconnected. As we celebrate World Oceans Day, let us recognize the profound impact that ESG practices have on the health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, embracing social responsibility, upholding ethical governance, and adopting circular economy principles, companies can contribute to the conservation of our planet’s blue heart. Together, we can create a future where ESG initiatives and ocean preservation go hand in hand, ensuring a thriving and resilient planet for generations to come.

Happy World Oceans Day!

Connecting ESG and World Oceans Day to Protect our Planet’s Blue Heart

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 19:45:37 +0000

Environmental Stewardship: A Key Component of ESG:

Social Responsibility: Protecting Coastal Communities:

Governance and Ethical Practices: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability:

Circular Economy and Ocean Conservation:

Happy World Oceans Day!

World Water Day: Educate, collaborate, and save lives!

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 03:39:14 +0000

Despite international treaties, declarations, and national standards recognising clean water as a human right issue, according to Greenpeace.org as much as 19% of rural South Africans still do not have access to a reliable water supply, and 33% do not have basic sanitation services. The worst affected are rural citizens, as over 26% of schools (urban and rural) and 45% of clinics do not have access to water. This is predominantly as a result of inadequate investment and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, but other aspects such as pollution, inefficient water use and waste mismanagement, compound the issue.

South Africa is also one of the driest countries in the world and it is facing a 17% water supply shortfall in less than a decade. Yet almost 25-30% of our water is being lost due to leaking pipes and neglected infrastructure in towns and cities nationwide, reveals an article by EARTH.ORG. This means 70 million litres of treated clean, drinkable water is lost daily as a result of leaks in our water piping system, the article continues to explain. Simple leaks. It is devastating and impacts millions of citizens’ basic human rights.

And the country’s water infrastructure is under even more strain, as reservoirs are not filling up fast enough due to power interruptions, ongoing vandalism and the lack of investment in basic maintenance.

Despite these glaringly obvious political and governance issues, we cannot ignore the reality that there are several other human activities that play a pivotal role in present-day water-related risks, and that these same virtues can be a focal point for change. South Africa’s strong and entrepreneurial private sector is known for driving innovation and solutions, and water opportunities can certainly be one of these catalysts.

Some of the other human activities impacting water scarcity include:

Water pollution from a variety of historical and current industrial activities.
Impacts of climate change bringing drought, floods and changing weather patterns.
Lack of population education about water preservation, sanitation and recycling.
Lack of planning for future water supply requirements, especially in cities with bigger populations.
Water demands currently exceeding available raw water allocation.

How can we collaborate?

If we aim to preserve our water, it will require better recycling and reuse, as well as more effective wastewater management and water conservation strategies. As such, corporates and government need to find ways to provide solutions cost-effectively and efficiently.

This means ensuring that there are suitable resources to collect and treat industrial waste and municipal sewage effectively, which can be achieved if waste management companies take a proactive approach to inventing new ways to preserve, manage and repurpose water.

A perfect example of an effective wastewater management solution is Interwaste’s effluent recycling programmes within its operations that is used in areas such as irrigation and dust suppression. Through a variety of technologies, liquid waste or sewage can be treated to safe standards to replenish rivers and catchment areas and even be used as potable water in areas with low water supply.

Essentially, Interwaste devised alternatives for the disposal of liquid waste, and opened a specialised division that offers solutions to liquid waste generators including management of a variety of inorganic, acid, caustic and oil-based liquid waste streams.

But each one of us can do more to help towards improving our river conditions and the chemical waste that is being washed into the water. It will take collaborative effort from Government and corporate South Africa to build suitable infrastructure to support the water mix, find solutions that are most effective, at the most economic cost and at the highest efficiency rates as possible.

Habits that we can adopt in our households

In our households, we can start by using more organic-based products in our home – many more affordable options are becoming available – and educate ourselves around the ingredients used in household detergents and cleaners. We can also dispose of products correctly at proper recycling centres.

As we commemorate World Water Day, let us bear in mind the significant impact that a small act such as picking up litter and placing it in a dustbin, can make. Every action can help to ensure stormwater drains do not get over clogged and contribute to healthier water in our rivers.

Additionally, we each need to consider how our actions impact water supply, and perhaps look at adopting habits that will help us save water, such as turning off the taps in between washing your hands or brushing your teeth, reporting leaks straight away, and choosing water efficient products to use at home.

Solving our looming water crisis is complex and requires a multi-faceted and integrated approach across the entire water value chain from source through to consumption and re-use. Energy can be created but water is a finite resource that urgently needs to be treated as such!