Dynamic factors influencing future domestic waste flows in the City of Cape Town

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY : The production of waste in cities is one of the largest challenges to urban sustainability. Waste generation continue to grow with increasing population.Waste management has become challenging for urban and city managers. This study therefore explored the dynamic factors influencing future domestic waste flows in the City of Cape Town. This was achieved by first undertaking a literature analysis to examine the drivers of waste flows and exploration of municipal waste management as a complex system. A qualitative system dynamics approach mainly using causal loop diagrams was then utilised, and three feedback loops essential for managing waste were identified, namely: public health feedback loop, waste resource management feedback loop, and environmental protection feedback loop. The public health feedback loop revealed that residents' behavioural problems in combatting illegal dumping is a major concern that impedes advancement in the municipality. With informal dwellings on the rise, illegal dumping has consequently increased, impacting people's health. The waste resource management feedback loop shows that waste generation reduces available landfill capacity and undermines environmental protection efforts. However, recycling efforts, such as source separation in selected suburbs, diverts waste and home composting further increases the diverted waste, thus, saving on landfill airspace. Alternative technologies can also be utilised to increase the landfill airspace, as illustrated in the environmental protection feedback loop. To assist the City of Cape Town in combatting illegal dumping, case specific studies and particularly, understanding household waste flows and behaviours would be useful. In addition, extending to quantitative system dynamics modelling would support policy design and implementation of intervention projects.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University