Approximately 4.8 million tonnes of solid waste makes its way to landfill sites in South Africa, many of which are fast reaching maximum capacity. One of the processes to reduce the load on landfill sites is the incineration of waste. Medical waste is the most common waste incinerated followed by industrial and certain household wastes, with treatment capacity currently able to process 4 700 tonnes of waste per month. The efficient and safe operation of waste material plants is necessary to avoid health impacts for people and prevent harmful contaminants from entering the environment.
Waste materials plant operators can work within a team of waste collectors, engineers, technicians and mechanics. They can be exposed to dangerous materials and equipment and are required to wear protective clothing.
Waste materials plant operators must have a good understanding of the processes and machinery to dispose of varied waste types, additionally benefitting from:
Control the operation of multiple hearth incinerator furnaces and related equipment
Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions
Complete and maintain plant logs, records and reports
Perform security and safety checks
Waste materials plant operators can benefit from a General Education and Training or Further Education and Training Certificate or a National Certificate in Environmental Practices at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges.
They can also benefit from a General Certificate in Waste Treatment offered at the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced operator.
Provincial and local government.
Waste management companies.
