An investigation into solid waste management: a case study of the New England landfill site in Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa.

Abstract

This research study examines the impact of solid waste management systems in a residential area through a case study of the New England Landfill in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The theoretical framework is based on the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA), Location Theory and Collaborative Planning, while the conceptual framework incorporates concepts such as solid waste and solid waste management (SWM), landfill design and the role of planning, liveable environments, and land use management (LUM). Questionnaires, structured interviews, site visits, photographs and mapping were employed to gather data. This enabled the researcher to obtain unbiased information directly from the source in the field while increasing the study’s reliability. The study identified a number of factors in relation to SWM that have a negative impact on the surrounding areas. These include a poor SWM system, the fact that the life expectancy of the landfill has been exceeded, population growth and thus increased waste production, and inadequate security around the landfill site, which enables access by non-employees. Based on these findings, it is recommended that Msunduzi Municipality reviews its SWM bylaws to mitigate the landfill system’s effects on surrounding areas. The municipality should also establish a new landfill site as soon as possible. Finally, it is recommended that Msunduzi Municipality establish reclamation centres to process recyclables in order to reduce illegal waste sorting and promote economic growth.