Tyre manufacturer Goodyear and Waste Trade are investing R2.4-million in a rubber recycling facility at Uitenhage in 2012.

The R2.4-million investment of Goodyear and Waste Trade Company at the waste yard hinges on cleaner production, waste minimisation, re-use, and recycling, said Pamela Moodley, Goodyear risk manager.

“Waste is a health and environmental hazard. We look first at all possible ways to minimise waste, using fewer and less harmful chemicals in our processes. Next, we find ways to reuse and recycle. Goodyear now recycles 98% of its waste, and sends none to landfill.”

It is currently the only manufacturing facility in South Africa that can boast a true ‘zero waste to landfill’ policy. The small amount of remaining non-recyclable waste is sent to thermal destruction.

Before Goodyear’s waste can be collected for recycling, it is stored safely and securely in an area that complies with the National Environment Management (NEM) Waste Act.

The designated waste yard on the outskirts of its manufacturing plant in Uitenhage was audited and declared compliant two years ago. Goodyear waste yard has hazardous and non-hazardous waste sections.

Most of the area houses recyclable and general waste, such as food, which is given to pig farmers. There are stringent regulations for storage of hazardous waste. It is kept in a roofed area to prevent rain water pollution, and on a concrete surface to prevent seepage into ground. This area is signposted and kept locked.

Waste can be seen as raw material. Waste Trade Company on-site team of Louis Rossouw and Joseph le Roux have established biodiversity at the edges of the yard, capturing rainwater runoff and making compost from food waste to grow a patch of lawn, flowers and vegetables that they give to anyone who asks. A family of feral cats prevents rats from breeding in and around the yard. A small aviary adds to a haven of environmental harmony on the edge of the tyre production facility.

PHOTO; Pamela Moodley, Goodyear risk manager, at the new rubber waste recycling facility in Uitenhage.