"The generation of waste comes with the tyre manufacturing process; we can't escape it but we can find the most practical and environmentally friendly ways to manage that waste," said Pamela Moodley, Goodyear risk control manager. "Waste is a health and environmental hazard. We look first at all possible ways to minimise the waste, using fewer and less harmful chemicals in our process, for instance. Next, we find ways to re-use and recycle.
"Goodyear now recycles more than 98% of its waste, and is proud of the fact that it sends absolutely none of it 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 for thermal destruction."
Before Goodyear's waste can be collected for recycling, however, it must be stored safely and securely in an area that is legally compliant with the National Environment Management Waste Act. The designated waste yard on the outskirts of its manufacturing plant in Uitenhage was audited and declared legally compliant in 2010.
"Goodyear's waste yard has two divisions: hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Most of the area houses recyclable and general waste, such as food, which is given to pig farmers. There are stringent regulations surrounding the storage of hazardous waste. It is kept in a roofed area to prevent rainwater pollution, and on a concrete surface to prevent seepage into the ground. This area is well signposted and kept locked at all times," Moodley explained.
