Waste group launches SA’s first refuse-derived-fuel plant

Local waste management business Interwaste launched South Africa’s first refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant earlier this month, which created fuel from nonrecyclable materials, such as plastic, thereby reducing waste to landfill. “In line with global best practice, Interwaste continually invests in innovative solutions that have the most environmentally sound waste management [practices] at its core. It is with this in mind, and with a strong focus on aiding our customers to reduce operational expenses, while acting responsibly towards the environment, that we commissioned the RDF plant,” Interwaste CEO Allan Willcocks said at the launch.   The plant, which was imported from China last year, is located at the company’s depot in Germiston, Gauteng, and is producing a solid recovered fuel in the form of extruded logs and pellets, as well as shredded and bailed fluff, to European standards.