Ecosystems

We at Ecosystems recognise the need for new approaches to handle rapid urbanisation, recycling and industrial waste through integrated waste management. Our integrated waste management systems are designed to suit our clients waste generation, resources, the socio-economic level of the community or workforce and their potential for industrial growth. The vulnerability of the local environment, the quantity and types of waste generated as well as the attitude of the people will all be taken into account for each system designed.

In designing our integrated waste management systems Ecosystems measures the efficiency, cost benefit and environmental safety of recycling, landfill, incineration, composting etc. selecting the methods that are environmentally sound, economically feasible and acceptable to society making them an ideal solution for town councils and businesses who recognise the need to manage waste responsibly and efficiently .

Safe , environment friendly waste disposal is a major problem throughout the world, and landfill - the most commonly used method of disposal in South Africa - is becoming an increasingly expensive option as transport costs increase and suitable land becomes harder to find. Incineration, is used as a method of reducing quantities of waste by eliminating combustible material. This is a viable waste management option if controlled burning techniques are used. Combustion takes place at extremely high temperatures of up to 1200 C. At these temperatures waste is completely incinerated and there is little or no air pollution or unpleasant odours. Ecosystems manufacture two types of incinerators:
The small homestead/farm unit which caters for up to 100 kg of combustible waste a hour.
The industrial/municipal unit which caters from 100 kg's of combustible waste a hour. This unit is manufactured from refractory bricks and is gas injected to generate a heat of up to 1200 degrees centigrade. The unit is also fitted with an electric air blower to introduce oxygen for combustion.

Ecosystems conduct waste surveys prior to designing and setting up our integrated waste management projects. It is from these surveys that we measure the efficiency, cost benefit and environmental safety of the various disposal methods which can be used in our integrated waste management. We are also able to calculate the recyclable recovery value of your waste as well as suggest waste reduction options.

Ecosystems encourages value adding recyclable waste. This can be achieved by the production of various arts and crafts from various wastes such as plastic bags, 2L plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, cardboard and tin. The production of arts and crafts can contribute substantially to the economy of rural communities. They entail labour based production processes which make people producers as well as consumers. Ecosystems can give rural communities advice and access to production skills, affordable equipment and reasonably priced raw materials.

Crafting Group.	Hand drawn cart.
Recycling centre	Bags.
Tractor made from waste.	Clean-up team

Ecosystems is committed to capacity building and empowerment of disadvantaged communities. We therefore offer an outreach program in which we provide motivated entrepreneurs with the skills and opportunities to enter into the recycling industry. This takes the form of buying recyclable materials from private entrepreneurs on a weight basis as well as training local community members in the manufacture of arts and crafts using local waste materials. This includes - amongst others: plastic mats; recycled glasswork; wire crafts; carvings from exotic trees etc.

We consider this an important aspect in our integrated waste management systems. For this reason Ecosystems is involving the companies who are purchasing the recyclable waste, they are essential in helping create a sustainable market for this waste.