Wasting the Nation.indd - Groundwork
Wasting the Nation.indd - Groundwork
Wasting the Nation.indd - Groundwork
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Chapter 3: The politics of wastein South Africa, is likely to attach to anything that big corporations are engaged in.And <strong>the</strong>y will be able to appeal any declaration to <strong>the</strong> senior ministries which can beexpected to support <strong>the</strong>m. Everything from <strong>the</strong> initial declaration to <strong>the</strong> details ofregulation will be contested with powerful interests and ranks of corporate lawyerslined up behind <strong>the</strong> economic significance.At <strong>the</strong> same time, it appears that <strong>the</strong> DEAT is now cultivating its own corporateconstituency in industries involved in managing, recycling or recovering energy fromwaste. If so, this reflects <strong>the</strong> ‘political’ culture of key South African departments whichare positioned in relation to particular economic interests. Thus, <strong>the</strong> DME is integralto <strong>the</strong> minerals and energy complex while <strong>the</strong> DTI relates primarily to interestswithin <strong>the</strong> industrial manufacturing sector. The mandate for growth has <strong>the</strong> effect ofreinforcing <strong>the</strong>se relationships as <strong>the</strong> private sector is seen as delivering on it. During<strong>the</strong> parliamentary hearings, it appeared that <strong>the</strong> DEAT was ready to call up industryallies to give weight to its positions, particularly in defence of incineration.Waste struggles codifiedIn a certain sense, <strong>the</strong> Waste Bill summarises – and codifies – <strong>the</strong> current state of playin struggles around waste initiated in <strong>the</strong> late 1980s. Understood this way, it makessobering reading.The definition of wasteIn its submission to parliament, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) argues thatwaste is anything <strong>the</strong> holder discards. This would leave <strong>the</strong> practical definition of wasteto businesses and <strong>the</strong> market. It would, as <strong>the</strong> American Petroleum Institute put it,leave businesses “free to increase or decrease waste production rates … and negotiatetreatment or disposal service contracts in a free and competitive market” [see Chapter4].BUSA points out that <strong>the</strong> private sector is driving recycling without governmentintervention. Indeed, <strong>the</strong> commodities boom has boosted <strong>the</strong> market in recyclables,turning wastes into resources. The boom is now turning to bust as commodity pricesfall in anticipation of global recession and those resources are now likely to turn backinto waste. Ei<strong>the</strong>r way, <strong>the</strong> market is interested in <strong>the</strong> potential for profit and indifferentto <strong>the</strong> use value of materials. Recycling is of interest only in so far as it comes in below<strong>the</strong> cost of ‘virgin’ materials – or is compatible with <strong>the</strong> interests of dominant marketplayers.- 72 - groundWork - <strong>Wasting</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Nation</strong>