EnviroServ excels at the International Solid Waste Association Conference

EnviroServ CEO, Dean Thompson began proceedings as part of a CEO panel and stated that as part of SUEZ , the company's expertise is centred on waste and water infrastructure, focused on financing, construction, operations, and maintenance of these essential systems. "While landfilling remains the primary treatment and disposal method in Africa due to its accessibility and cost-effectiveness, the future points toward sustainability," he said.

The gradual depletion of traditional landfill capacity, along with progressive legislation, is paving the way for innovative solutions, such as converting existing facilities into green landfills and developing waste-to-energy and thermal solutions for both public and private customers. With SUEZ's support, EnviroServ, with local partners African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) and Royal Bafokeng Holdings , is well-positioned to deliver these sustainable solutions. However the implementation of large, complex projects, particularly waste-to-energy initiatives, faces challenges, notably affordability.

Without regulatory frameworks enforcing landfill taxes, these advanced technologies can be significantly more expensive than traditional landfilling. Therefore, a comprehensive contractual framework is essential, with public-private partnership models being ideal for facilitating investment. As a private company with a strong legacy, Thompson said EnviroServ was well-equipped to bridge the financing gap and leverage its expertise, but that this required a defined operational environment and robust regulations. "Collaborations with organisations like the World Bank and IFC could help ensure successful project preparation, transparent procurement, and the long-term viability of investments."

Nico Vermeulen , EnviroServ Group Operations Director, said the company priority was the conversion of waste management facilities into green landfills. "Our initiatives aim to foster innovation and sustainable resource management, reducing the impact on the environment. Through our effluent treatment plants, we are contributing to the production of usable water from the treatment of leachate via LTP and the reduction of landfill gas through collection, treatment, and valorization," Vermeulen said. The company has implemented temporary and progressive capping to reduce the impact of rain on leachate production and contaminated stormwater, as well as recovery of waste from general waste facilities in partnership with waste reclaimers to reduce waste to landfill.

Makgabo Van Niekerk EnviroServ's Head of Public Affairs and Communications spoke about how the company was actively promoting waste separation at the source and raising community awareness about the benefits of recycling. “We have been involved in working with communities for a number of years,” she said. “EnviroServ is committed to being neighbourly and inclusive in its approach to waste management."

Mahmood Patel EnviroServ's National Laboratory Manager presented on “Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) - Waste or Wealth?”. The occurrence of NORM in South Africa dated back to the early 1900s, and the country has comprehensive radiation protection framework for this waste stream. While activities involving radioactive material are prohibited unless controlled under the NNR Act, clear guidance is needed under the Waste Regulations for NORM waste management. Further work must be done to explore uses for NORM wastes beyond long-term storage and disposal.