Assessing the Challenges of Policy Implementation on Municipal Waste Management: A Case of the Biogas Project within The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background to the study

Rapid urbanization and population growth have intensified the challenges of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management globally. Urban regions are facing a major problem in managing and utilizing the opportunities related to Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The volume of MSW is continually increasing, posing difficulties for cities to manage. Soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and visual blight are widely recognised as significant and widespread difficulties that communities around the world encounter. Nevertheless, an increasing body of academic research acknowledges the necessity of a fundamental change in approach towards sustainable waste management strategies that prioritize the extraction of valuable resources while simultaneously reducing the socioeconomic and environmental consequences This chapter has presented the aim and objectives of the research and along with this the rationale behind doing the research and the significance of the study and outline of the final research.

Studies conducted in several developing nations, including Ghana and Nigeria, have emphasized the adverse consequences of ineffective policy implementation on the efficiency of waste management. In their study, Cudjoe and Acquah (2021) highlighted several notable institutional obstacles in Mozambique. These include the need to enhance the skills of staff, the fiscal capacity to provide necessary infrastructure for innovative initiatives, and a lack of government involvement that hampers the implementation of policies in the waste management sector. The results also indicate that the successful execution of policies has a greater likelihood of actively promoting the shift towards sustainable waste management practices and initiatives (Meng, Wen, Luo, and Wang, 2021; (Kumar and Agrawal, 2020; Mor and Ravindra, 2023). Nevertheless, there is still a considerable lack of understanding about how waste management policies are put into practice in developing nations, primarily due to a scarcity of data and limited resources to support and promote this field (Hudson, Hunter, and Peckham, 2019; Nguyen and Watanabe, 2020).

Based on the information provided, this study aims to actively contribute to resolving the urgent issues related to the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in metropolitan settings, specifically focusing on the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (Chen, 2021). The research attempts to identify the specific obstacles that hinder the successful implementation of policies in the waste sector by examining the feasibility of biogas projects. The study aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable waste management practices by giving valuable insights that can improve the implementation of policies in the biogas industry. The findings are expected to bolster the municipality’s endeavours in shifting towards a more ecologically conscious and efficient approach to waste management.

The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality is facing increased issues in managing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) due to rapid urbanization and population growth. This study examines the difficulties linked to the implementation of policies concerning the municipality’s sustainable renewable energy projects, such as biogas. These initiatives are crucial in resolving inefficiencies in waste management. The difficulty arises from the municipality’s struggles in carrying out and implementing legislation aimed at shifting from conventional waste disposal methods to more environmentally friendly practices, such as the production of biogas. The objective of this study is to identify and analyse the obstacles that impede the successful implementation of sustainable waste management policy. The anticipated results encompass a more comprehensible comprehension of the difficulties encountered by the municipality in the pursuit of biogas initiatives, the formulation of suggestions to surmount these barriers, and scholarly perspectives that can be utilized to augment policy efficacy and contribute to the wider objectives of sustainability and environmental preservation within the municipality.

Problem statement

Meng et al. (2021) argued that the presence of inconsistent and obsolete waste policy rule fosters an unfavourable environment that hinders the development and implementation of appropriate waste practices. Jones (2020) documented that the influence of bureaucratic difficulties and the absence of interdepartmental cooperation contributes on the deterioration of project delivery, monitoring, and post-planning initiatives.

In addition to policy development, an effective resource allocation strategy is crucial for the successful implementation of waste policy. This strategy should consider innovative techniques, such as the expansion of biogas projects throughout the municipality. In Vietnam, the local government places a high importance on waste sorting, methods of treatment, and the cost-effectiveness of utilizing renewable energy sources (Bui, Nguyen, Phan, and Nguyen, 2020; Nguyen and Watanabe, 2020). In addition to external innovation, literature also considers other significant factors, such program funding, the presence of trained human resources, and enhanced access to and collection of pertinent data and information (Monza be, Mpofu andDaniyan, 2021).

Literature also explores additional variables contributing to ineffective policy enforcement in developing nations, including the absence of openness and explicit accountability among different levels of government. In South Africa, the national level is responsible for creating policies, while the local authorities are primarily responsible for funding special projects, developing facilities, and carrying out the projects (Meng et al., 2021; Hudson et al., 2019; Gunaratne, Krook, and Andersson, 2020). In general, waste management research encompasses a wide range of topics. However, there is a lack of focus on local studies about public policy and its practical application in the field of biogas technology. This research is suitable for evaluating the current state of sustainable waste management in the city.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study is toassessing the challenges of policy implementation on Municipal Waste Management in relation to the case of the Biogas Project within the city of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. . The study further seeks to identify, analyse, and understand the obstacles that are involved in hindering the successful execution and implementation of the biogas-related projects in the City of Johannesburg.

Objectives of the study

The research objectives are as follows:

• To identify the major policy-related barriers to implementing biogas projects in municipal waste management.
• To analyse how existing regulations and policies influence the development and operation of biogas projects.
• To suggest policy recommendations that can be incorporated to address the identified challenges in municipal waste management.

Research questions

The research undertaken will address the following questions:

• What are the key challenges faced by municipal authorities in implementing biogas projects within existing waste management policies?
• How do regulatory frameworks and existing policies impact the adoption and scaling up of biogas-related projects?
• What policy recommendations can be incorporated to address the identified challenges in municipal waste management?

Significance of the study

Research insight into the challenges of implementing policies for municipal waste management, particularly those related to biogas projects, holds significant value for developing countries. According to Tsui and Wong (2019) developing countries, in general, frequently experience limited resource allocation and generation to initiate and sustain smart energy and waste management practices. Biogas is a significant alternative energy source that can offer a compelling solution to the waste crises through the conversion of organic waste into a renewable energy source (Mishra, Siwal, Nayaka, and Guan,2023; Tsui and Wong, 2019). The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) serves as a case study for the urgency of such research. The city faces a critical waste crisis, and thus attracts significant research attention as local studies have predominantly focused on waste classification, treatment methods, and mostly recycling with less context on sustainable energy sources like biogas from a qualitative perspective (Bortlandet al., 2020; Niyobuhungir and Schenck, 2020).

Although various policy plans have been implemented across the city waste administration, such as the decentralization of services through Pikitup, the situation of waste crises and culture of landfills remain largely unchanged as these sites overflow with stagnant waste and improper treatment methods that have negatively impacted communities and the environment in proximity (Schenck, 2019). Research in this area is of interest because understanding the best practices and areas for improvement from other countries with existing waste management regulations can assist in paving the way for the development of more effective local policies that are aimed at promoting the smart energy and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – 12, which pledges to “reduce the negative impacts of urban activities and of chemicals which are hazardous for human health and the environment, including through the environmentally sound management and safe use of chemicals, the reduction and recycling of waste and the more efficient use of water and energy”.

Chapter outline

The research study comprises of the following five chapters.

Chapter 1 – This chapter gives an introduction to the study, emphasising the variables that will form the foundation of the research.  An overview  is specified as to the validation to this study.

Chapter 2 – This Chapter consists of the literature review which will afford a dire analysis and discussion,on municipal waste management, issues related to municipal waste management, need of policy framework for managing issue of municipal waste management and key measures that can be supportive for this.

Chapter 3 – In this chapter the evidence about the preferred research methodology is explained. The chapter includes discussion about the research philosophy, approach, design, data collection method, sampling strategy, data analysis methods and ethical considerations.

Chapter 4 – This chapter delivers a synopsis of the qualitative outcomes of the study. The data is accessible and outlines of important ideas of notes are specified.  Data is analysed to provide findings, to make recommendations on the next chapter.

Chapter 5 – This chapter includes findings in comparison to existing literature.. This chapter completes with recommendations relating to the Biogas Project within The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.

Conclusion

The research study is focused to have assessment of the critical challenges, faced in the policy implementation process for Municipal Waste Management. The research is particularly focused on the Biogas Project case within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The chapter has demonstrated the background information related to the problem of increasing municipal waste generation and the need of effective policies for the waste management purpose in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The chapter has demonstrated the key research problem statement that was key focus of this research. The chapter has also listed the aim and objectives of the research and its key research questions. The research will have greater significance in terms of benefits of this research for multiple beneficiaries such as policy makers and for the students and scholars about the future research ideas on the issue of municipality waste management in the different regions of South Africa and other countries.  In the next chapter, two the focus will be on the literature review of the study.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Introduction

Literature review is the key element of the entire research work as it renders a strong evidence-based research study. Chapter two focus on the challenges that are faced in the path of policy implementation on municipal waste management. The literature review has covered varied aspects including the concept of waste management. Furthermore, the literature has explored the issue of municipal waste management in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The literature review has further explored the need for policy frameworks and regulations for municipal waste management. Furthermore, the literature has examined the critical challenges that are faced in the process of policy implementation for municipal waste management. The measures that will be supportive to overcome the challenges faced in policy implementation for municipal waste management. In the end of the literature review, all the major points of literature review are summarised, and the gap found in the past literatures is presented. This literature review has established a strong foundational base for supporting the findings of this research.

Concept of Waste Management and Municipal Waste Management

Generation of waste is mainly as a result of human and industrial activities. The major cause of the municipal waste is the human activities (Khan et al., 2022). The waste generated every year is because of number of activities undertaken by human beings. Other than municipal waste, another form of waste is industrial waste. The amount of waste is increasing rapidly due to rapid economic development and improvising the living conditions of the people in the global society. Hence, waste management, most specifically, municipal waste management has come up as a critical challenge in terms of managing it adequately and according to legislation and governance. There are multiple sources of municipal waste including food waste, paper waste, plastics, textile waste, household waste, textile waste and furniture waste (Okafor et al., 2022). 

According to Amasuomo and Baird (2016) waste management is the procedures associated with the handling of waste from generation to disposal. This includes the collection, transportation, disposal/recycling, and monitoring of waste products generated by human activities. In the other words of Demirbas (2011) waste management is the crucial process under which all the waste material generated is gathered, transferred to the related site of processing, processed prior to disposing it as remaining residue. In the similar context, Tchobanoglouset al. (1993) further added that waste management is the practice of accumulating varied activities including supervision of the issue of waste, and handling it with the help of collection, convey, treating and disposal of the waste in an organised manner so that the natural environment and the lives of the people can be safeguarded. For the management of the solid waste effectively, it is vital on the part of the waste management team to have adequate skills and knowledge considering multiple disciplines including financial, legal, administrative so that all the waste management related issues in day-to-day process can be managed and organised in a proper manner. Furthermore, Demirbas (2011) suggested waste management is a vital process of ensuring the safety of the natural environment. 

OECD (2024) defined municipal waste as the waste that is mainly collected by the municipalities and treated by them only. Municipal waste mainly includes bulk waste from households, other kinds of wases from the commercial activities and trade activities, business wastes, wastes from yards and gardens, sweepings in streets, all the residual content from the litter containers and waste remained from market cleansing when it is managed as the household waste. There are several other wastes that are included in the municipal wastes including waste generated from the sewage networks and treatment and waste that is generated from the construction sites and demolition activities.

In the same line, it was explored by Raj et al., (2020) that the most important social contributor of the waste is the municipal waste as it is ubiquitous. Municipal waste is the waste that is mainly generated by the households and the community people with their routine life activities. Any society can be the contributor of the municipal waste, however, in the modern world, urban societies are more contributing to the municipal waste as compared to rural communities. There is massive waste generation in urban communities and this waste collection, and its disposal demands for huge investment on the part of the municipal corporation and immediate authorities of the respective society and city, and it required huge time and efforts and planning. Municipal waste constitutes both kinds of wastes including solid waste and liquid waste.

Solid waste includes both uniform and mixed waste from cities and areas near cities (Jey Sundar Ali and Zhang, 2020). Most of the waste, like paper, glass, and metal, can be recovered, but it needs to be sorted before or after it is picked up. After decomposition, the other organic waste can be used to add nutrients to the land. There will always be some waste that can’t be recovered or broken down. This waste could be used to generate energy, so it needs special handling when it’s thrown away or treated. On the other hand, liquid waste, is generated from the sewer lines and drainage of the households and the other industrial activities that is shifted to the water bodies and becomes the major cause of the water pollution and hence, treatment of the wastewater is very much crucial requisite in the societies for dealing with liquid municipal waste (Raj et al., 2020).

Issue of Municipal Waste Management in City of Johannesburg

Increasing generation of municipal solid waste at a huge level and this issue has become a matter of global concern. With the increase in the population at global level, the issue of waste generation is becoming more critical became waste management has become a very critical issue that is difficult to manage (Ayeleru, Okonta and Ntuli, 2018). According to Adetunji (2021), as like the other cities in the world, the commercial capital of South African Johannesburg is facing the problem of waste management as a critical issue. As per the data of the year 2018-2019, there was found an issue of illegal waste dumping of around 290000 tonnes of municipal waste in the neighbourhood alongside the city. There is seen a likely increase in the rate of illegal dumping of waste in Johannesburg. This will have a like increase in the coming years because in a period of less than 3 years, the four legal landfills in the city will become full. It is not like that no efforts have been made in Johannesburg, however, over the years, varied efforts have been made to try and manage the problem of waste management in a better way, however, it is still a contentious and politically sensitive issue.

In the similar context, another study conducted by Dlamini, Simatele and Serge Kubanza, (2019) revealed that in Johannesburg, South Africa, there are issues of corruption and administrative flaws on the part of the municipal authorities and because of that there are e uncollected waste materials that are found littered on the streets of the cities. The gap found in the waste collection process has surfaced the path for searching activities in landfill the sites that are non-engineered. (Maqhuzu, Yoshikawa and Takahashi, 2018). Although scavenging in developing countries is recognised for aiding local recycling companies in material recovery, the health issues linked to this practice have also been extensively studied (Nyathi, Olowoyo and Oludare, 2018; Nambuli, Togarepi and Shikongo, 2019). The various instances of uncollected waste in urban areas of the region signify a missed chance to supply clean recyclable materials to local recycling enterprises, potentially contributing to the increase of scavenging activities in the area.

As per the study conducted by Ngalo and Thondhlana (2023) in the city of Johannesburg, there is not visible infrastructure available for delivering the solid waste to the landfills.  In the low-income communities in Johannesburg, the solid waste management is always a critical issue.  There are no socially developed waste management programmes in this city and even lack of equitable waste management programmes has also made the company of the city Pikitup ineffective.  Johannesburg is seeking to have waste diversion from all the landfills through encouragement of the communities with the help of taking some initiatives such as running the waste co-operative and providing payment to the waste collectors for collection of the municipal waste. About 1.6 million tonnes of waste aregenerated in Johannesburg every year, and most of it ends up in landfills. Three out of four landfills are getting close to full, and there is less than 5 years of waste disposal airspace capacity left. No more landfills need to be built in Johannesburg. They need to stop sending waste to landfills (C40 Cities, 2017). 

 Need of Policy frameworks and regulations for Municipal Waste Management

According to Nguyen and Watanabe’s (2020), the ability of the government to not only enforce the policies and regulations that are already in place, but also to modify and implement new ones that are geared towards achieving sustainable solutions, is the very foundation of a successful solid waste management system. According to research conducted by Mishra et al. (2023), there is a pressing need for legislation that might create an environment that is favourable to projects that are fuelled by biogas. Some of the ways in which this environment might be improved include the implementation of subsidies, the negotiation of tax breaks, and the implementation of financial support programs for labour and other social costs. Using government subsidies and tax incentives, it has been seen that the financial feasibility of biogas projects is greatly improved, which in turn attracts investment and speeds up the possibility of project initiation and implementation (Kang, Yabar, Mizunoya, and Higano, 2023).

According to Juanga-Labayen, Labayen, and Yuan (2022), the ineffective implementation of sustainable alternative energy sources can be attributed to several problems, including bureaucratic difficulties, excessively restrictive legislation, and instances of corruption. In their study, Alaranta and Turunen (2021) highlight the ways in which burdensome restrictions and complicated permitting procedures might discourage potential developers and postpone the beginning of possible projects. These bureaucratic roadblocks not only cause the timelines for the project to be delayed, but they also cause the expenses to increase because of the longer administrative procedures and compliance requirements. The research on emerging countries consistently identifies corruption as a component that contributes to the problem. The percentage of organic waste that is included in solid waste in Nigeria is 63.6 percent, and the degree of waste optimisation presents a tremendous potential for opportunities that can be interlinked to the generation of energy and the development of jobs (Adeniyi, 2023). Nevertheless, the implementation of their waste management policy from 1999 has not been possible up to this point due to instances of embezzlement and corruption.
According to Ferronato and Torretta (2019), it has been noted that developing countries frequently do not implement well-established methods for the management of waste fractions. Tsui and Wong (2019) emphasise the significance of maintaining stable rules and a political environment to entice long-term investment in the biogas industry. It is consequently necessary for investors and developers to have clarity before they commit resources. Nevertheless, according to Hudson, Hunter, and Peckham (2019) and Nguyen and Watanabe (2020), unstable regulatory regimes that are characterised by frequent changes and imprecise standards discourage local investment efforts while swiftly eroding the confidence of stakeholders. Taking this into consideration, it is imperative that laws be clearly defined and simplified to ensure the effective operation of projects that are driven by biogasgeneration.
According to Hudson, Hunter, and Peckham’s (2019), the literature suggests that establishing transparent waste management policies and enhancing institutional standards are essential to guarantee the development of projects that are both responsible and sustainable. In their study, D’Adamo, Mazzini, Morone, and Rosa (2022) agree that politicians frequently work towards the establishment of a regulatory landscape that strikes a healthy balance between the promotion of biogas projects and the need to ensure the safety and protection of the environment. On the other hand, research conducted from that point of view sheds light on the numerous potential policy conflict solutions that may be used to enhance the policy for solid waste management (SWM) in developing nations (Monzambe, Mpofu, and Daniyan, 2021). These solutions include the deployment of waste-to-energy plans and technology, integrated waste-to-energy alongside recycling of recyclables, and energy generation from biomass briquettes (Adeniyi, 2023). Organic waste buy-back schemes for biogas production are also included in this category of solutions. On the other hand, when taking into consideration the aforementioned aspects, the budgetary and affordability perspective is sometimes overlooked.

The pre-literature provides evidence that legislative frameworks and regulations have a substantial impact on the success of alternative energy initiatives. Policies that are supportive of alternative energy sources serve as developmental catalysts that encourage the adoption of these sources and the investment in them on a wider scale. Obstacles to successful policy implementation are created by policy frameworks that are both restrictive and inconsistent throughout their application. In this context, the policies and actions of the government that are effective, plays a key role in determining the techniques that are used for the management of municipal solid waste.

Challenges of Policy Implementation for Municipal Waste Management

The process of waste management is a very challenging process for the municipalities of the respective countries. In South Africa, theyare faced with a critical issue of municipal waste management in terms of policy implementation mainly in the City of Johannesburg. The main challenges that are faced in the path of policy implementation for municipal waste management are related to infrastructure, technology, economy, and financial challenges. These challenges are explored with the exploration of the different literatures as below: 

Infrastructure Challenges and Technology Challenges

The examined literature reveals those technological constraints and infrastructural inadequacies present considerable obstacle to the effective execution of biogas initiatives (Hasan, Rasul, Khan, Ashwath, and Jahirul, 2021). Tsui and Wong (2019) emphasise the need of dependable technology and resilient infrastructure to facilitate effective and sustainable operations of biogas plants. Improvements in waste management policy can consequently drive technological innovations, thereby providing viable solutions to waste challenges.

Habib (2021) presents a case study analysing the energy potential and economic viability of biogas production from a combined sewage treatment plant and landfill model in Bangladesh.  This methodology accounts for demographic expansion, energy provision, and financial capability. Nonetheless, a substantial obstacle remains regarding the applicability of these technologies. The primary approaches typically depend on specialised facilities and expert workers, which are critical human resource requirements in developing nations. Singh and Sushil (2021) clarified the situation in India, where unsorted refuse from various sources is combined with general waste, hence increasing the likelihood of processing, and producing hazardous waste combinations.  

The physical characteristics of the plant design pose an additional technical difficulty in the policy, affecting project efficiency, safety, and scalability of the suggested initiatives (Alaranta and Turunen, 2021). Optimally constructed biogas facilities improve energy conversion, diminish gas emissions, and provide effective maintenance and monitoring protocols. Hasan et al. (2021) emphasise the need of choosing appropriate technology and developing innovative plant designs according to local conditions and resource availability. The challenges are complex and highlight significant differences in waste management techniques between developed and poor countries. In this context, industrialised nations emphasise the collection, reuse, and recycling of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and sewage, whereas many developing countries concentrate on and contend with fundamental waste collection and appropriate disposal in fully functional treatment facilities (Bala, Raugei, Teixeira, Fernández, Pan-Montojo, 2021; Mishra et al., 2023). Maintenance is a crucial factor affecting the longevity and reliability of biogas projects; nevertheless, this information is often lacking in policy documents related to waste management. The execution of such plans alleviates system failures, diminishes downtime, and extends the total longevity of biogas facilities. Mishra et al. (2023) demonstrate that insufficient or absent maintenance methods may result in operational difficulties, diminished biogas production, and heightened operating expenses.

When landfills attain capacity, transforming them into recreational spaces or municipal facilities necessitates the consideration of cultural preferences in waste management policies to guarantee that the potentially refurbished infrastructure satisfies the residents’ needs (Nandy, Fortunato, and Martins, 2022; Zaman and Ahsan, 2019). Cultural variables influence the placement of solid waste treatment infrastructure and may lead to social resistance, including concerns about air pollution, health impacts, frequent community protests, and vandalism. Monzambe, Mpofu, and Danvian (2021); Jones (2020). Literature that discusses the technical and infrastructural obstacles is crucial for the effective implementation and sustainability of biogas initiatives in poor nations.

Financial and Economic Challenges

Financial resources are essential for the integration of renewable energy sources into the primary power system. The efficacy and viability of these initiatives frequently rely on economic variables (Alaranta and Turunen, 2021; Kang et al., 2023; Hasan et al., 2021). Tsui and Wong (2019) assert that waste management can be reinterpreted as both an environmental concern and an economic opportunity. Various studies examine the economic advantages of biogas initiatives, assessing capital investment requirements, operational expenses, and prospective revenue production (Mapani, Muthimba, Sikidi, and Maseko, 2022). For instance, local households that compost organic waste can not only reduce waste but also generate biogas for personal use (Chikowore, 2021).

The operating expenses related to biogas include technology purchase, maintenance, and specialised manpower (Juanga-Labayen, Labayen, and Yuan, 2022). The reasons underscore the necessity of implementing an effective internal operating system that optimises project productivity and minimises costs. Borland et al. (2020) indicate that revenue generating for biogas can arise from multiple sources, including the conversion and sale of biogas as fuel and electricity. Nonetheless, financial obstacles, including restricted access to capital and investment, impede the advancement and scalability of biogas within waste management practices and policies. D’Adamo et al. (2022) examines the difficulties faced by project developers in obtaining initial funding, particularly in areas with weak capital markets. The results indicate that financial limitations hinder project execution and obstruct the expansionofthebiogas industry inthearea.

Mishra et al. (2023) advocate for addressing financial issues in waste management by using Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and international funding options. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) facilitate the utilisation of private sector investment and knowledge, while simultaneously gaining advantages from public sector support and resources. Nonetheless, insufficient government funding is a prevalent limitation in underdeveloped nations that consistently obstructs waste management initiatives and the execution of related policies (Nguyen and Watanabe, 2020; Hudson et al., 2019).
Governments face difficulties in investing in crucial waste treatment and recycling technology without sufficient financial resources. The literature will examine innovative financing strategies, including green bonds and carbon credits, as prospective funding sources (Nandy, Fortunato, and Martins, 2022). These financial instruments entice investment by providing incentives for sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives. Numerous nations have established and enacted user fees, along with waste management taxes and regulations. Tunisia mandates its hotels to remit a tax on their revenue, while citizens incur a cost for municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Addressing financial obstacles via new funding strategies and effective operational management is crucial for the growth and longevity of these initiatives.

Measures to Overcome the Challenges faced in Policy Implementation for Municipal Waste Management

Meng et al. (2021) assert that inconsistencies and obsolete waste policy and legislation provide a detrimental environment for the development and implementation of appropriate waste management techniques. Jones (2020) documents how variables including bureaucratic difficulties and insufficient interdepartmental cooperation contribute to the deterioration of project delivery, monitoring, and post-planning actions.

In addition to policy development, an effective resource allocation strategy is essential for the successful execution of waste policy, particularly regarding new initiatives like the implementation of biogas project throughout the municipality. The Vietnamese government emphasises waste segregation, treatment techniques, and the economic efficiency of renewable energy utilisation (Bui, Nguyen, Phan, and Nguyen, 2020; Nguyen and Watanabe, 2020). Beyond innovation, research identifies several critical factors to consider, including program funding, the availability of trained human resources, and enhanced access to and acquisition of pertinent data and information (Monzambe, Mpofu, and Daniyan, 2021).

Literature identifies additional reasons contributing to inadequate policy enforcement in developing nations, including a deficiency in transparency and a lack of clear accountability among governmental levels. In South Africa, the national tier establishes policies, while local authorities bear the primary responsibility for funding special projects, developing facilities, and executing these projects (Meng et al., 2021; Hudson et al., 2019; Gunaratne, Krook, and Andersson, 2020). Overall, waste management research encompasses various domains; nevertheless, the focus on public policy and its application of biogas technology is limited in local studies. This renders the research exemplary for assessing the current state of sustainable waste management in the city.

To deal with the issue of massive volume of municipal waste, a waste management strategy has been initiated in the City of Johannesburg. Under this strategy, in the communities, entrepreneurship is stimulated through opening the waste buy-back centres that are mainly operated by the communities. These centres mainly operate by purchasing the recycle waste materials including plastic, paper, carboards, cans and glasses from the general people and then from these centres the recyclers purchase these wastes (C40 Citities, 2017). A direct cash payment is given to the waste collectors in the same proportion to the volume of the waste collected by them and the waste cleaned by them. The cooperation gained from the informal waste collectors is also an important supportive measure in the functioning of this initiative of waste incorporation. When the supply and demand is not matched by the buy-back centres its resulted into waste collectors to travel long distances for selling the waste products. The main aim of this kind of waste management initiatives is to empower the impoverished communities via providing them ownership of the business entity and increase of the recycling waste. There are seven buy-back centres spread out across the city. Each one hires 10 to 15 full-time workers and helps another 30 people in other ways (C40 Cities, 2017).

Conceptual Model

The below diagram conceptualise the approach followed. It has elaborated the issues in the municipal waste management that has defined legal issues, operational issues, supply chain issues and social issues such as population growth and consumption patterns. Other than this, it highlighted the challenges that are faced in the process of municipal waste management including infrastructure challenges, technology challenges, financial challenges and economic challenges.

Figure 2.2. Municipal waste management issues and challenges 

Based on the overall discussion, it has been concluded that waste management and more specifically municipal waste management is a very critical and concerning issue in South Africa more specifically in Johannesburg. The past studies were conducted in a general context, where the issue of waste management and municipal waste management is explored in a detailed manner.

The past studies even explored the key challenges that are faced in the path of the municipal waste management such as infrastructure and technology challenges, economic and financial challenges, and other critical challenges. However, it has been also explored that the issue of municipal waste management is not explored in much detail in the past research studies in context to City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in relation to biogas project. This is a clear gap evident in the past research studies and hence this research is aimed to examine this gap with the exploration of the further data collection and reaching to the most crucial research findings related to this research problem to bridge the gap found in the past studies.

In the next chapterthree, the focus will be on the research methodology used in this study.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

Introduction

In chapter three, the focus was  to look at how the research methodology is used as the foundational element of the entire research process. Secondly how the research methodology renders directions in finding the suitable method of data collection and data analysis. The key research methodology that was selected in this research study was qualitative methodology where mainly primary data collection method was used for the data collection purpose. Under primary data collection method, semi-structured interview method was used in this research. The analysis of the qualitative data collected through semi-structured interview method was done via using the thematic analysis method.

Research Design

Research design is basically the direction blueprint for any research study in order to find out the directive path for doing the research on a specified set direction and plan (Creswell, 2013). There were  multiple options of the research design available with the researchers namely casual-comparative research, correlational research, explanatory research, descriptive research, exploratory research.

From among all the alternative research design options mentioned here, the research implied the exploratory research design with multiple reasoning points. The exploratory research designs a suitable and appropriate option of research design for the research which are focused to address a particular research subject which has high level of uncertainty to be addressed and the subject that was ignored and the research problem that was not well understood in the past and existing research (Creswell and Creswell, 2018). Hence, the subject matter of the research related to waste management of the municipal waste management in the City of Johannesburg and hence to get a good understanding of this research topic the exploratory research design was found the most suitable and directive research design. Characterising it of being the most flexible research design not having any formal structure to be followed in any research, the use of the exploratory research design was considered the most suitable and appropriate research design for this research. The exploratory research design is aimed to have identification of the surrounding environment where the problem undertaken in the research exist (Creswell, 2013). Exploratory research design was  applied well for the qualitative research with the use of the research question as the direction of data collection and hence, this research being qualitative applied exploratory research design.

Research Philosophy

There are two schools of thoughts for determining the required research philosophy to be applied in the research study namely phenomenological and positivist. The phenomenological research study has direct relevance with the qualitative research that motivates the researchers to select a particular research philosophy. Under phenomenological research criteria, for doing the qualitative research, the study included interpretivism research philosophy. The interpretivism is the most common research philosophy that has adherence with the qualitative research. Interpretivism considers the viewpoint that the social realities are subjective in nature, and they are constructed socially, and their interpretations are made by different individuals in different ways as per their own perspective. Interpretivism was  applied in the form of a naturalistic research philosophy that considers research questions as the base to determine the suitable data collection method (Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2013). In this research, the issue of waste management more specifically the municipal waste management is very critical, and challenges faced in the municipal management are also the subjective nature of issue and hence in order to explore this issue, the use of the interpretivism research philosophy was the most suited one. The interpretivism philosophy directed the researcher to explore the selected research phenomenon in a very in-depth and detailed manner.

Research Strategies

Research strategy is basically the main component of the research project that direct the selection of the core research method from the perspective of the researchers to have selection of an appropriate research strategy (Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2013). There are multiple options of the research strategy under different categories namely positivism research strategy, phenomenological research strategies and combined research strategies. The explanation of these strategies is given below:

Positivist Research Strategy

The positivist research strategy focuses on having objectivist viewpoint and have analysis of the objective data in any research. Considering this, the research only has one category of strategy named survey strategy that is discussed below:

Surveys

Survey is the primary data collection method that is used for the purpose of collecting the empirical and numerical data from any larger population. In the survey, the questionnaire tool is used as the core instrument of the data collection (Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2013).

Phenomenological research strategies

In the next section the different methods and research strategies that are available as alternative methodologies are discussed.

Interviews

Interview is the method of primary data collection that facilitates to have collection of the qualitative and textual data (Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2013). In the interview open-ended questions are used for the collection of the data. The interview method is applied in three distinct forms namely structured-interview, semi-structured interview, and unstructured interview. The interview data collection is done via using a very small and restricted sample.

Focus groups.

A focus group is a way to do study by having a group of people talk to each other and share information. The group is made up of a few carefully chosen people who talk about a certain subject. Focus groups are a great way to find out what and how people think and act, and they can help you answer questions like “why,” “what,” and “how.”

Case Study

Case studies focus on a small group of things (often just one), like a person, a group, or an organisation that is studied in great detail. Case study method is a qualitative data collection method which facilitates to the point and directly relevant data about the research context (Melnikovas, 2018).

Action research

For a long time, action research needs the researcher to be a part of the group or community being studied and write about their daily experiences.

 Grounded Theory

Grounded theory the data is gathered, refined, and grouped in several steps. Instead of starting with an idea, the first step is to collect the data in different ways (Melnikovas, 2018).

Ethnography

An ethnography is a detailed study of a certain group of people or the process of doing such a study. Ethnography is a way to study the world from the point of view of how people interact with each other. The variety of cultures at home (anywhere) and abroad is what this qualitative study method is based on.

Combined Research strategies

The development of the research design by the researchers is done with the combination of the different research strategies by using two or more research paradigms in a single research project.

From among all these research strategies, in this research ethnography research strategy was applied in this research because it supports the use of qualitative research method in the research study. Under qualitative strategy, the use of semi-structured interview method was done in this research.

Target Population

The target population refers to the specific group of individuals or entities that a researcher wants to study and draw conclusions about (Creswell and Creswell, 2017). The target population comprises of:

• The officials from the Environment and Infrastructure ServicesDepartment in the City of Johannesburg municipal offices
• Pikitup officials involved in waste management operations.
• Pikitup officials involved in landfill operations management.

Sampling

Sampling process in any research is related with selection of the suitable sample for the purpose of primary data collection in any research (Ryan, 2013). The main objective of the sampling process is to find out and select the most suitable sample from the target population for the retrieval of most useful and relevant data. The sampling strategies are of the multiple kinds which are categorised into two probability sampling and non-probability sampling. In this research, non-probability sampling strategy was used where mainly purposive sampling strategy was applied in this research (Emmel, 2013). The purposive sampling in this research was aimed at representing the diverse participants that were involved in policy implementation on municipal waste management in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, including Pikitup. Purposive sampling is based on the principle that selecting information-rich samples allows for a deeper understanding of the phenomena under study (Shaheen et al.,2016). Respondents can only be chosen after conducting several observational visits to the sites, which helps in identifying and locating samples that align with the study’s purpose and objectives.

Under purposive sampling varied criteria are used by the researchers for the selection of the sample where demographic factors such as age and gender and experience are considered primarily and under functional role and organisational ideologies other aspects are used such as willingness of the participants to take part in the research, their time availability, their knowledge level and experience in the related field (Patton, 1990). Purposive sampling is a great way to find and choose cases that are full of useful information about the thing that are studied in qualitative research (Palinkas et al., 2015). For this study, purposive sampling was used to find out important people who have direct knowledge and experience with the municipality’s garbage management policies and how they are put into place (Etikan, Musa, and Alkassim, 2016; Gentles, Charles, Ploeg, and McKibbon, 2015).

Types of Sampling

The study’s sample size was carefully chosen based on the idea of “data saturation,” which means that more conversations are not likely to reveal any new information or themes. Braun and Clarke (2013) say that there isn’t a single, agreed upon way to figure out how many people should be in a random sample, especially when it comes to qualitative research. In qualitative research, stopping further sampling is based on two main ideas: there is enough data or there is too much data. These choices are affected by the reason for collecting the data, its quality, and how it was put together.

When more data collection doesn’t reveal many new themes, insights, views, or pieces of information, this is called data saturation (Nguyen and Watanabe, 2020). A lot of the time, leading, open-ended, and probing questions are used in qualitative research to get rich and detailed information. Purposive sampling methods used in qualitative research make it more likely that researchers will find too much data because they choose cases that are full of useful information (Hudson, Hunter, and Peckham, 2019). So, if no new information comes up, the researcher should stop gathering data and think about choosing unusual cases to confirm the results and give a full picture of what they mean (Cudjoe and Acquah, 2021). Because of this, the sample size is variable and will be changed if there is still too much data. At first, the study wants a total of twelve people, split into the following groups:

Table1: Description of Sample groups

Sample group	Sample size
Pikitup Officials City Officials Pikitup landfill site operations officers	4 4 4
Total sample:	12

Data Collection and Research Instrument

Creswell and Creswell (2017) say that semi-structured individual interviews are a way to get qualitative data because the people being interviewed are asked a set of planned questions. The main research tool for the project will be semi-structured interviews with individuals. This way works especially well for getting in-depth views on the difficulties of putting policies into action for biogas projects. Participants in semi-structured interviews are asked to give thorough and nuanced answers to open-ended questions to collect qualitative data. This flexibility makes it possible to learn a lot about the experiences and views of the individuals.

The key data collection instrument that was used in this research was interview guide. The interview guide was carefully put together to meet the research goals of the study. There were three main parts to it: an introduction and a look at the population; policy frameworks and rules; technical and infrastructure problems; and economic and financial issues. There will be at least three open-ended questions in each section, each designed to get specific information that is important to the objective. For example, people could be asked about the biggest problems they face with regulations, how technical limits affect the performance of biogas plants, and the money problems that come up when trying to make biogas projects happen. 

Pilot Study

In order to get ready for a bigger study, a pilot study is a “small study to test research protocols, data collection instruments, sample recruitment strategies, and other research techniques” (Lester, Cho, and Lochmiller, 2020; Clavia, 2019). One important part of a research project is the pilot study, which finds possible problem areas and flaws in the research instruments and protocol before they are used in the full study (Ismail, Kinchin, and Edwards, 2017). It can also help the research team get used to the steps spelt out in the plan and choose between two different ways to study, like using interviews instead of a self-administered questionnaire. Apilot study was conducted in this research for testing the feasibility of the data collection instruments.

Administration of Questionnaire

Face-to-face semi-individual interviews were used to collect data. These will be done on-site while keeping some parts of comfort and privacy. With permission, each interview will be recorded on audio, and thorough notes will be added to let the participants know about the study and its goals. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks to collect all the data. This includes planning and performing the interviews, as well as transcribing and getting the data ready for analysis. Each one-on-one interview will last between 45 and 60 minutes, based on how in-depth the conversation is and how many questions the participants ask. (See Questionnaire in appendix A).

Data Analysis

The person doing the study will use theme analysis to look at the data for this study (Mallinson, Childs and Herk, 2013). A method called thematic analysis is used to look at groups of data and find themes or patterns that run through them. The researcher will use the six steps of thematic analysis: getting to know the material, coding it, coming up with themes, going over themes again, defining and changing themes, and writing them down (Creswell and Creswell, 2017). This will help you understand how the participants felt, what worries them, and what problems they ran into during the execution phase. The participants will be asked to have their stories recorded and then typed up word-for-word.

Validity and Reliability

The research will incorporate construct validity where the results of the interview data and its findings will be supported with the findings of the literature review to prove their authenticity and implications (Baumgarten, 2012). For reliability purpose, the research will use the internal consistency reliability where the questions of the interview will be devised in such a way that all the interview questions will be interlinked with each other, and they will collectively tend to find the findings which can address the research problem in the best possible manner (Leung, 2015).

Limitations of the Study

The study identified the following limitations:

• This research study is narrowly focused on the issue of municipal waste management in the context of the city of Johannesburg. So, the outcomes of this research will have significance only for Johannesburg metropolitan municipality. The research lacks a generalizability aspect. Generalizability aspects state that a study is only considered significant when its results hold importance for a wider population, and it is a limitation over here. So, this is the core limitation aspect of this research (Queirós, Faria and Almeida, 2017).
• In this research study only a semi-structured interview method has been used. The limitation of this type of interview is that the collection of data is taken from a very small sample and due to this many important factors are not explored (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill, 2016).

Elimination of Bias

In this research study, there was no biasness involved. The following elements of eliminating bias was covered:

• In this research there was the use of gender-neutral words that do not highlight the identity of anyone eliminate favouritism and promote a sense of belongingness. The research does not support any inequality of genders and mainly focuses on the challenges of policy implementation of the municipal waste management system of Johannesburg.
• This research study is aware of language sensitivity and does not support any race, religion, or specific name until and unless it is required. This research shows respect for all genders, common beliefs, ethnicities, or backgrounds and is supportive of using empathetic language.
• This research has avoided any kind of evaluating language that causes to increase in the use of stereotypes. The research has used gender-neutral and has shown awareness of cultural differences and sensitivity. The research has communication based on empathic statements related to the matter of subject and avoids generalized comments.
• In this research there have not been any assumptions made related to any age group neglecting a social barrier or discrimination. This research reflects on the diverse perspectives and focuses on the contribution of everyone. In this research, there have not been used of any ageist language and stereotypes and it is free from any prejudiced assumptions.

Ethical Considerations

The following elements of ethical consideration was looked at:

• Ensuring participants have given informed consent: In this research the concept of ensuring participants gives an idea that the participant is well capable of understanding the nature of the study and independently taking the decision to participate in the research work. This point ensures that the involvement of the participant is voluntary, free from any kind of and that the participant is aware of their right to stop the research at any point(Clark-Kazak, 2017).
• Ensuring no harm comes to the participants: The researcher has made sure that during the conduct of research, all the approved safety measures have been applied and there has been no harm caused to any of the participants. It clarifies that the research is free from any kind of danger and no physical or mental threat has been caused to the participants.
• Ensuring Confidentiality and anonymity: In this research, there has been no loss of informational data and the identity of all the participants has been secured. The researcher has made sure that the data and materials used for the research are all protected and that no breach of confidentiality has occurred (Mustajoki and Mustajoki, 2017).
• Ensuring that permission is obtained: The researcher has made sure that all the legal formalities and permissions are already obtained for the research work without causing any kind of disturbance later.

Conclusion

Overall, the chapter  has indicated the issue of municipal waste management in the city of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The issue is very sensitive for the purpose of policy implementation. The research will take help of the qualitative methodology where mainly primary data collection method of semi-structured interview will be used. The analysis of this data will be done via using the thematic analysis method. The chapter has defined the entire methodology.

In the next chapter, 4 the focus will be on the data analysis and results of the study.

CHAPTER 4. RESULTS, DISCUSSION, AND INTERPRETATIONS OF FINDINGS

 Introduction

This chapter analyses the principal findings of the study, which examines the challenges that occurred during the policy-related impeding the efficient execution of biogas initiatives within the municipal waste management framework of the City of Johannesburg. This thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders including municipal officials,Pikitup landfill site managers, and Pikitupoperations representatives uncovered significant insights into the challenges faced while implementing biogas policies. Through a methodical coding and conceptual approach, important themes were found, including institutional impediments, technological and infrastructure limits, financial constraints, and regulatory challenges.

The discussion of this chapter four shows the development of themes with the literature research to support participants’ transcripts. These interviews and research are for waste management, providing a comparative analysis of how Johannesburg’s experiences align with or differ from trends in other urban settings. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges that occurred between legislative as well as operational aspects while implementing the biogas projects by analysing the viewpoints of participants from different departments.  The chapter further analyses the implications of these findings for the sustainability of waste management methods in Johannesburg by focusing on the recommendations for legislative modifications that may enhance support for biogas initiatives. This also explains the inadequacy between policy formulation and execution by providing pragmatic insights into measures that could enhance the potential of the city for sustainable waste management.

Profiles of the Interviewees

Table 4.1: Demographics of Participants

Participant ID	Role	Department	Experience years	Responsibilities
P1	Operations general Manager	Pikitup	15	Management of day-to-day waste collection and disposal operation.
P2	Waste minimisation officer	Pikitup	11	Ensuring the adherence to environmental regulations and the sustainability of waste management processes and implementation of waste minimisation programs.
P3	Waste Information Management Analyst	Pikitup	9	Evaluation of waste data to enhance collection routes and operational efficiency.
P4	Project Coordinator	Pikitup	10	Management and coordination of biogas as well as waste management.
C1	Policy development	Johannesburg City	16	Formulation of waste management policies and strategic initiatives for sustainability.
C2	Strategic coordination, Business planning and Budgeting	Johannesburg City	13	Facilitate Strategic planning formulation of budgets coordinates budget allocation for waste management and environmental initiatives.
C3	Project manager, biogas	Johannesburg City	10	Manages biogas project implementation.Evaluating and strategizing environmental implications for alternatives waste treatment technology initiatives.
C4	Specialist waste policy and projects	Johannesburg City	8	Facilitate policy and projects implementation and advocating for sustainability initiatives.
L1	General Manager Landfill management and Waste minimisation	Landfill Management and Waste Minimisation (Pikitup)	15	Overseeing landfill management, waste diversion and ensuring regulatory compliance.
L2	Landfill operations Manager.	Landfill operations (Pikitup)	13	Monitoring technical components of landfill management, encompassing biogas extraction.
L3	Compliance officer	Landfill operations (Pikitup)	18	Supervision of environmental and safety regulations at landfill. Undertake landfill audits.
L4	Landfill operations supervisor.	Landfill operations (Pikitup)	10	Management of equipment and systems for waste disposal, waste recovery and extraction of biogas.

Table4.1.  is the representation of a detailed in-depth analysis of the professional profiles of the 12 individuals interviewed in the study.

This participant profile table comprises crucial aspects including participant identity (ID), role/position, department, number of experience (in years) and key responsibilities. This table is the description of the positions within municipal waste management in Johannesburg, encompassing three principal business units engaged in waste and environmental management. These are categorised as Pikitup, Johannesburg City officials, and PikitupLandfill Operations. The participants from Pikitup officials (P1, P2, P3 and P4) are represented as the operational and analytical roles that majorly focus on the collection waste collection, environmental compliance, and facilitation of operational efficiency. These officials are comprised of different experience years in the management of routine waste management.

The group of participants from City officials (C1, C2, C3 and C4) comprises policymakers, strategy coordination, business planning and budgeting, biogas project managers and policy, project implementation coordination officers. These people were having experience of different years. Participants from Landfills Operations (L1, L2, L3 and L4) majorly comprise the technical and the officers with high years of experience.

Development of Codes and Themes

Table 3:  Representation of the key themes addressed through the thematic analysis.

Table 3 is the representation of the key themes addressed through the thematic analysis of interview data from participation from different departments associated with Johannesburg’s municipal waste management and biogas initiatives.

Identified Codes	Themes	Description
Lack of skilled staff, inadequate practices, Knowledge gap, Lack of budget, high project cost, limited funding	Challenges to Biogas Project Implementation Due to Policy	Focusing on the lack of skilled staff members and the requirement for biogas management training. Aims to address the limitations in budgets that restrict projects from being executed and scaled.
Lack of departmental cooperation and overlapping tasks	Impact of Current Regulations on Biogas Project Development	Illustration of the organizational and structural challenges affecting policy execution. Addresses the difficulties presented by inadequate or incompatible regulations on biogas initiatives.
Delays in regulations, irregular policy revisions, ambiguous instructions. Public awareness, opposition to change, insufficient communication, Lack of data, and inadequate monitoring.	Recommendations for Policies to Address Implementation Issues	Analysis of the impact of public image and community engagement on project success. Underline the significance of more dependable procedures for gathering and tracking data.

These themes are the analysis of the principal challenges that impede the effective execution of biogas projects.

Thematic Analysis:

Analysis of theme 1: Challenges to Biogas project implementation due to Policy

The first theme is the analysis of the resource constraints representing that this issue can be a significant challenge posed by a shortage of competent workers, inadequate techniques, and a knowledge deficit in biogas management within municipal waste systems. Participants highlighted that the absence of specialized expertise hinders effective management and innovation in biogas projects. Lack of resources can result in increased consumerism, and pollution, reducing land quality, and ineffective waste management can be the consequences of the inefficient utilization of natural resources globally. Biogas serves as a crucial energy source in the array of strategies to address these issues. Thus, these issues can be the reasons for both human as well as operational resources. However, participants comprising operational managers, technical supervisors, and environmental officers frequently highlighted the challenges they experienced. 

From the interview conducted, Participant L2affirmed that.

“The most prevalent approaches frequently depend on specialized facilities and skilled workers, which constitute the primary human resource requirements in developing nations. However, unsorted waste from diverse origins is mixed with general waste, thereby heightening the risk of processing, and generating dangerous waste mixtures”.

This can be stated that the training is crucial for the staff members and general citizens which can be considered as an effective way to facilitate the practices. Moreover, consistent training for waste management staff members is crucial.

In a similar context, Participant P1 who is an Operational GeneralManager at the Pikitup stated that,

“In addition to policy development, an effective resource allocation strategy is essential for the successful execution of waste policy, particularly about new initiatives including the implementation of biogas project throughout the municipality. Waste segregation, treatment technologies, and the economic efficiency of renewable energy utilization is crucial”.

In addition to this, both participant P1 and P2 shared their perceptions on the knowledge of technology for biogas management. They also highlighted that, the training of proficient staff members, the financial capacity to furnish the necessary infrastructure for innovative initiatives; and insufficient governmental engagement that obstructs policy implementation within the waste industry. Whereas, from a general standpoint, a substantial knowledge deficit persists concerning the implementation of waste management policies in developing nations, primarily attributable to restricted data availability and inadequate resources to advance and invigorate the sector. Beyond inventiveness, they also affirmed that for effective waste management, the additional critical elements to examine include program funding, the availability of trained human resources and enhanced access to and acquisition of pertinent data and information.

This also focuses to another policy-related barrier while implementing the biogas project in the municipal waste management. Financial resources, contracts, and markets may impede efficient waste management. Governments often enter long-term contracts, which constrains their adaptability. Moreover, local authorities frequently have constrained finances for the thorough management of their municipal solid waste and depend on support from national departments. Thus, this shows that municipal budgets generally do not rise in tandem with the expanding population and increased risk of waste generation. Thus, financial difficulties may arise if the expenses associated with solid waste management surpass the revenues.

To support this viewpoint, Participant C2 (Strategy and Budget Coordination) from the Johannesburg city shed light:

“Financial constraints such as lack of access to the investment and sustainability of the biogas within waste management practices and policies. However, project developers are also likely to experience a lack of initial funding. Areas significantly weak like capital markets can result in the financial restrictions that can hinder the execution of the projects and limit the development of biogas management”.

Furthermore, Participant P2 (Waste Minimisation officer) from Pikitup shared their viewpoints on the significance of the potential solution to improve this issue.

While examining the interview data considering this theme, it was found from the interview responses from P2participants that,

“We can seek an effective approach such as the incorporation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and international funding options. Because, P2 has the perception that Public-private partnerships (PPPs) facilitate the utilisation of private sector investment and knowledge, while simultaneously gaining advantages from public sector support and resources. Nevertheless, insufficient government funding is a prevalent limitation in underdeveloped nations that consistently obstructs waste management initiatives and the executionof projects relating to biogas”.

Therefore, Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are considered the transfer and management of an effective service now delivered by the public sector, either fully or partially to the private sector. It encompasses extensive private sector involvement in governmental services and functions as a possible strategic management tool. Providing resources for finances can be an advantageous and sustainable initiative. Numerous nations have established and enacted user fees, along with waste management taxes and rules. Addressing financial obstacles via new funding mechanisms and effective operational management is crucial for the advancement and sustainability of these efforts.

There can be an advantage of tax-exempt subsidies compared to cash subsidies for religious, educational, and philanthropic institutions is that they operate automatically and can be awarded unconditionally. In a similar context, Participant C1 (Policy Development) argued that,

“This environment can be enhanced through strategies including subsidies, tax incentive negotiations, and financial assistance programs for labour and other social expenses. Government subsidies and tax incentives have been shown to markedly enhance the financial viability of biogas projects, drawing investment and expediting project initiation and execution”.

Considering the institutional challenges, municipalities experience difficulties in managing increasing biomass volumes in an integrated manner due to constrained financial and technical resources necessitating the involvement of private entities (personal communication). This highlighted the lack of coordination between national and subnational governments. This theme highlights organizational and structural challenges that impede the effective implementation of biogas projects such as inadequate communication within the departments, and the lack of a cohesive vision for waste management.

The transcript of the P1 (OperationalGenera manager) can be quoted as evidence that, 

“They have experienced the inconsistencies and obsolete waste policy and legislation that provide a detrimental environment for the development and implementation of appropriate waste management techniques. Other factors including bureaucratic difficulties and insufficient interdepartmental cooperation, contribute to poor project implementation,”.

Institutional challenges can be observed as fluctuations in the infrastructural developments, technical issues, and unavailability of the facilities. This is stated that municipal waste can consist of a higher volume of manufactured items. (For instance, packaging materials). In urban environments, differences in substrate supply are primarily attributable to infrastructure issues rather than production-related concerns. Consequently, it is imperative to have dependable transportation and infrastructure to enhance supply stability levels.

In association with this, Participant L1 (General Manager of landfill Operations) stated that,

“In their perception, technical and infrastructural challenges fall under the institutional challenges, substantial obstacles to the effective execution of biogas initiatives. Cultural considerations can impact the development of solid waste treatment technologies. This can further lead to societal opposition including concerns about air pollution, health impacts, frequent community protests, and destruction of nature”.

A significant technical problem has been observed during the use of waste management in a biogas facility; the anaerobic digestion process is susceptible to toxicants, and a diverse array of substances present in municipal waste could disrupt the process. In this context, Participant C3 (Project Manager) quoted that,

“Unsorted waste from diverse sources is processed with regular waste, hence augmenting the likelihood of dangerous waste mixtures being processed and produced. These wastes can release harmful toxins if they are leftunsorted and untreated”.

Meanwhile, these issues can be resolved with the implementation of biogas plants and can be the better approach for economic as well as environmental attributes. The viability of biogas plants depends on a dependable and universally accepted technique for disposing of the substantial volumes of digestate generated. The evaluation of the biogas power plant as an economic entity considers electricity selling prices, investment costs, and sustainability. Biogas generation systems can be categorised into small, medium, and large scales which can have diverse designs and implications.

To support this viewpoint, again Participant P2 (Waste minimisation officer) suggested that,

“A well-designed and well-structured system can enhance energy conversion, reduce Green House Gas emissions, and enable efficient maintenance and monitoring procedures. It requires the selection of suitable technology and building unique designs of the biogas plants. These designs and technologies should be aligned to the local environment”.

The policies developed for waste management and standards comprise several attributes including sector-specific norms, compliance which often requires recycling, public awareness, fees, subsidies, and taxes. Awareness campaigns (mandatory labelling on hazardous chemicals) comprising information and a monitoring and feedback system are the components that make up the waste management policy and guidelines. Policymakers and government bodies can comprehend suitable policies through the overall analysis of the specific areas. While developing effective policies, it is crucial to consider some attributes comprising geography, climatic changes, and urbanization. However, there can be a delay in policy implementation which can be due to the development of nations, lack of financial resources and assistance from the government.

In a similar context, Participant C1 (Policy Development) quoted that,

“There should be continuous improvement in the existing policies, as Maintenance is a vital element which can influence the durability and dependability of biogas plants. Whereas this information is frequently absent from waste management policy documents. Furthermore, the incorporation includes plants that can limit the failures of systems. This further restricts the downtime and improves the lifespan of biogas systems. However, lack of continuous maintenance procedures may result in operational difficulties, diminished biogas output, and heightened operating expenses”.

This can be observed that the restrictions in policy implementation can be impacted by external factors such as landfill tariff, landfill bans, and waste framework regulations.

To support this statement, Participant P3 (Waste information management) quoted that,

“Inadequate policy execution on the efficacy of waste management can have adverse consequences. These can result in substantial institutional challenges including the need for competent personnel development, inadequate budgetary capacity to supply necessary infrastructure for new initiatives, and insufficient governmental interest that impedes policy implementation within the waste sector. However, there is still a substantial knowledge gap about the application of waste management policies in developing nations. This is frequently caused by a lack of publications with data and resources to research and support the industry”.

4.4.2 Analysis of Theme 2: Impact of Current Regulations on Biogas Project Development

This theme is the analysis of the impact regulatory framework influences to the growth and implementation of biogas projects. It seeks to create a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape and its impact, enabling stakeholders to advocate for more effective policies and practices. Moreover, this theme also illustrates challenges in securing public acceptance, confronting opposition to change, and improving community comprehension of biogas as a sustainable alternative.The participant, recognise that the regulatory framework significantly impacts biogas project development. The challenges are clear lengthy approval processes, overlapping mandates, and high compliance costs often slow progress and discourage investment. On top of that, the lack of targeted incentives, like subsidies or feed-in tariffs, makes it difficult for biogas projects to compete with traditional energy sources. However,they see a lot of potential in the opportunities created by our country’s focus on waste diversion from landfills, carbon reduction commitments, and the growing need for decentralized renewable energy solutions.

To unlock this potential, the participants believe that there is need to simplify and streamline the permitting process, improve collaboration between departments, and introduce meaningful financial incentives to support biogas development. Public-private partnerships and capacity-building programs could also play a big role in driving innovation and adoption in this space.

Participant 2(Waste Minimisation Officer) from the interview shed light on the significance of conducting a comprehensive examination of findings over some time to detect patterns.

The transcript of this Participant P2 affirmed that,

“In my opinion, a successful policy implementation significantly enhances the likelihood of facilitating the transition to sustainable waste management practices and initiatives. Although, from a universal standpoint, a considerable knowledge deficit persists concerning the implementation of waste management policies in developing nations, primarily attributable to complicated lengthy regulatory framework, lack of incentives, restricted data availability, publications, and access to resources necessary for advancing and stimulating the sector”.

The lack of unity among the public regarding the waste management significantly for biogas management can be the key concern. Although, these issues can be resolved with the assistance of leaders and their decision-making ability within the policy environment.

From the findings of the interview, Participant C3 (Waste Information officer) affirmed that,

“Alongside the innovation, additional critical attributes can be examined including program funding, the availability of trained human resources, and enhanced access to and acquisition of pertinent data and information”.

In addition to this, the inadequacy of transparency and local authorities are ultimately responsible for funding special projects, developing facilities, and carrying out the projects. Government bodies are also found to have accountability within the biogas project management. It is also observed that developing countries are often found to experience restricted allocation of resources while maintaining effective energy and waste management strategies. Biogas is considered an alternative energy source that provides an effective solution to waste problems by converting biological waste into renewable energy. Furthermore, this can be affirmed that waste treatment techniques are found to have the recycling potential to produce sustainable energy from biogas management.

Analysis of Theme 3: Recommendations for Policies to Address Implementation Issues

This theme focuses on the analysis of gaps in data and monitoring which can be considered as critical attributes. Collection of data, monitoring systems and evaluation frameworks are important to explore the biogas management projects within the municipal waste system. Thus, participants consistently focused on the challenges they experienced. For instance, the challenges can be inadequate data collection and inadequate tracking systems which can hinder the planning of projects, their longevity and adherence to regulations and standards.

The issue of gaps and data monitoring can hinder the coordination between the employees of the company as well as it can negatively impact the overall outcomes of the policy implementation for biogas and municipal waste management.

To support this context, Participant L3 (Compliance officer) affirmed that,

“Developing and executing efficient waste strategies can be negatively impacted by inconsistent and antiquated waste policy and legislation. The issues such as bureaucratic difficulties and insufficient interdepartmental cooperation contribute to the deterioration of project implementation, monitoring, and post-planning initiatives”.

Although, these issues can be resolved by conducting continuous monitoring and evaluating a waste management strategy to establish the objectives and indicators that will assess its efficacy. The objectives must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound and associated with the overarching goals and vision of the project. Whereas the gaps can be analysed with the help of reports. Thus, the gap analysis facilitates the comparison of actual business performance versus optimum performance levels.

 In a similar context, again Participant C1 (Policy Development) stated that.

“The physical characteristics of the plant design pose an additional technical difficulty in the policy, affecting project efficiency, safety, and scalability of the suggested initiatives. Well-designed biogas facilities enhance energy conversion, reduce gas emissions, and enable efficient maintenance and monitoring procedures”.

The findings offer comprehensive insights into mitigation strategies, including engagement with local communities, proactive biogas policies, best practices in both developed and developing economies, cost-benefit analysis of biogas production, and consistent monitoring of upstream supply chain activities in the biogas sector. This can be stated that while implementing any policy in municipal waste management experienced significant impairing and efficacy of waste management.  Moreover, public policy served as an attribute of the government bodies during the plan executions. Public policy is commonly referred to as constitutions, regulations, laws, legislative actions, principles, or directives.  Waste management policies encompass legislation on environmental protection and regulations concerning waste segregation, collection, treatment, or disposal. Public policy stakeholders encompass governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations, civil society organisations, and communities. In addition to this, it can be stated that key factors that can be observed are “poor governance”, inadequacy of monitoring, lack of communication among the stakeholders and ignorance of social aspects.

Participant L1 (General Manager of Landfill Operations) quoted the transcription from the findings of the interview and affirmed that,

“While working, they have experienced a lack of coordination among the stakeholders in the assessment execution of sustainable municipal solid waste management. Moreover, institutional frameworks may be too sluggish in adapting to evolving conditions, hence hindering innovation within the waste. This has resulted in local municipalities with diverse settlement systems, necessitating varied approaches to waste management. Institutional and spatial fragmentation enhances the system’s opacity, rendering universal solutions inadequate”.

Therefore, these findings represent a Johannesburg’s biogas initiative experiences significant challenges within the municipal waste management framework. Thus, the biogas project in Johannesburg City encounters considerable obstacles within the municipal waste management system, mostly stemming from resource limitations, financial impediments, institutional inefficiencies, and policy inconsistencies. This chapter comprises interviews with stakeholders from Pikitup, Johannesburg City, and landfill operations which revealed critical insights into the operational, financial, and regulatory challenges obstructing the successful implementation of biogas projects. Moreover, the lack of resources such as a lack of staff availability and inadequate infrastructure, limit the sector’s capabilities while a lack of financial support highlights the necessity for novel funding mechanisms. This can include the public-private partnerships. Institutional obstacles, including bureaucratic impediments and inadequate interdepartmental collaboration, adversely affect the efficacy of policy implementation. Moreover, challenges in policy updates and regulatory clarity generate disparities between policy objectives and actual results.

Analysis of Discussion

Based on the interview data findings, numerous discussion points were formed to satisfy the research objectives, offering a thorough analysis and evaluation of the acquired data. This can be readily comprehended by applying the insights derived from thematic analysis. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings from the theme analysis undertaken in Chapter 4 by focusing on the problems and opportunities associated with the implementation of biogas projects within Johannesburg’s municipal waste management system. The thematic analysis of the obtained data uncovered numerous significant findings pertinent to the study issues. This section provides a comprehensive analysis of these findings about the results of previous studies conducted in this context. The analysis of the findings can be articulated under the aims of this study as follows:

Discussion on the challenges/ barriers to Biogas Project Implementation Due to Policy

Objective First, the study found that certain challenges/barriers were experienced by management within the municipal waste systems which included a lack of resources, skilled employees, lack of proper technology and lack of knowledge about waste management. This also shed light on several institutional challenges such as a lack of coordination between public and government bodies (stakeholders), inadequate infrastructure, and restricted budgeting and funding. This aspect was also emphasized in previous studies. For instance, D’Adamo et al. (2022) examine the challenges encountered by project developers in obtaining initial funding, particularly in areas with weak capital markets. The results indicate that financial limitations hinder project execution and obstruct the development of the biogas industry in the area. Moreover, Nguyen and Watanabe, (2020) and Hudson et al., (2019) affirmed that insufficient government funding is a prevalent limitation in underdeveloped nations that consistently obstructs waste management initiatives and the execution of related policies. However, these studies are indications of certain types of barriers while implementing policy in the implementation of the biogas projects. In a similar reference, Nandy, Fortunato, and Martins, (2022) discussed the impacts of these challenges on government bodies. Governments face challenges in investing in crucial waste treatment and recycling technology without sufficient financial resources. Therefore, this study found that the municipal waste system encounters several challenges. The obtained findings from the interview and studies conducted have similar results. This shows that actual real challenges exist in the waste management policies that need to be resolved and managed effectively.

Discussion on the Impact of Current Regulations on Biogas Project Development

About the Objective second, it was found that current research shows the considerable impact of current regulations on biogas project development. This includes public engagement and the resolution of social and communicative impediments in biogas project development. Successful waste management projects necessitate effective public engagement. Although, several barriers hinder this process such as socio-economic disparities, restricted access to information and a lack of trust in authority. Cultural norms and attitudes significantly affect community preparedness to embrace biogas as a sustainable alternative. Moreover, this aspect was supported by previous studies. For instance, the foundation of an effective solid waste management system relies on the government’s capacity to enforce current policies and regulations, with the adaptation and introduction of new ones aimed at sustainable solutions (Nguyen and Watanabe, 2020). Research underscores the necessity for legislation that fosters a supportive environment for biogas initiatives (Mishra et al., 2023). Additionally, Kang et al., (2023) suggested that this environment can be enhanced through strategies including subsidies, tax incentive negotiations, and financial assistance programs for labour and other social expenses.

Government subsidies and tax advantages have been shown to markedly enhance the financial viability of biogas projects, hence attracting investment and expediting project commencement and implementation. Another study conducted by Hasan et al. (2021) and Tsui and Wong (2019) discussed that this can also impact the technology and infrastructures which can be the major and considerable challenges during the implementation of project development. Thus, improvements in waste management policy can consequently drive technological innovations, thereby providing hopeful answers to waste challenges. In the same series of these attributes, another previous study conducted by Alaranta and Turunen (2021) emphasizes that costly laws and intricate permitting processes can discourage prospective developers and postpone project commencement. Bureaucratic hurdles increase project schedules and escalate expenses due to prolonged administrative processes and compliance requirements. Developing nations frequently exhibit a deficiency in established mechanisms for the management of waste fractions (Ferronato&Torretta, 2019).

Discussion of Recommendations for Policies to Address Implementation Issues

Considering objective three, this discussion is focused on the policy implementation to manage the challenges that arise in the biogas projects underscoring the necessity for strategic modifications in data collecting, monitoring, and interdepartmental cooperation. Municipalities are advised to establish comprehensive tracking and evaluation frameworks to guarantee efficient data gathering and real-time performance assessment. This discussion can be extended with the support of the previous studies. For instance, Nguyen and Watanabe, (2020) and Hudson et al. (2019) suggested the approach of Public-private partnerships (PPPs) which facilitate the utilisation of private-sector investment and knowledge, while simultaneously gaining advantages from public sector support and resources. Whereas insufficient government funding is a prevalent limitation in underdeveloped nations that consistently obstructs waste management initiatives and the execution of related policies. Additionally, Alzamora and Barros, (2020) explained this aspect by taking an example of Tunisia.

Numerous nations have established and enforced user fees, along with waste management taxes and legislation. Tunisia mandates that hotels pay a tax on their revenue, and citizens incur a levy for municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Maintenance is a vital element influencing the durability and dependability of biogas projects; yet this information is frequently absent from policy documents on waste management. Implementing such plans mitigates system failures, reduces downtime, and prolongs the overall lifespan of biogas facilities. Mishra et al. (2023) suggest that the absence or insufficiency of maintenance methods may result in operational difficulties, diminished biogas production and heightened operating expenses. Nandy et al. (2022) and Zaman and Ahsan, (2019) shed light on the renovation of the landfills after which they attain capacity, transforming them into recreational spaces or municipal amenities necessitates the consideration of cultural preferences in waste management regulations to guarantee that the possibly repurposed infrastructure satisfies the demands of the residents. Another study conducted by Adeniyi, (20230 suggested that the solutions encompass organic waste buy-back initiatives for biogas generation, the execution of waste-to-energy strategies and technologies, the integration of waste-to-energy with recycling of materials, and energy generation from biomass briquettes. Nevertheless, the financial and affordability aspects are sometimes overlooked while evaluating the criteria. In these ways, research indicates that there can be effective ways to resolve the policy implementation challenges which are also similar to the findings. This shows that the conducted interviews and research are relevant and authentic.

Conclusion

It is summarized that; this chapter is the analysis of obstacles associated with the implementation of biogas initiatives in Johannesburg’s municipal waste management system. It comprises the discussion of the study of stakeholder perspectives by thematic examination of interviews, pinpointing institutional, technological, financial, and regulatory obstacles. This chapter also provides effective recommendations (such as policies) for the better execution of the biogas projects. The next chapter has presented the key conclusions of the research in the form of final research outcomes and along with this the research implications and recommendations are also presented.

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

 Introduction

The key purpose of this study was to assess the difficulties, effects, and policy suggestions associated with integrating biogas plants into Johannesburg’s municipal waste management system.

The aim of the study was to assess the challenges that are associated with poor policy implementation in relation to municipal waste management. The study further seeks to identify, analyse, and understand the obstacles that are involved in hindering the successful execution and implementation of the biogas-related projects in the City of Johannesburg.

The research was executed with three principal objectives., namely.

• To identify the major policy-related barriers to implementing biogas projects in municipal waste management.
• To analyse how existing regulations and policies influence the development and operation of biogas projects.
• To suggest policy recommendations that can be incorporated to address the identified challenges in municipal waste management.

The research addressed the following questions:

• What are the key challenges faced by municipal authorities in implementing biogas projects within existing waste management policies?
• How do regulatory frameworks and existing policies impact the adoption and scaling up of biogas-related projects?
• What policy recommendations can be incorporated to address the identified challenges in municipal waste management?

Findings from the Study

The investigation addresses the significant obstacles in policy implementation. This includes insufficient finances, a shortage of skilled workers, inadequate technology, and poor expertise in waste management within Johannesburg’s municipal system. In alignment with previous research and interview findings, it was evident that institutional issues such as insufficient coordination among stakeholders, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted funding, constituted significant impediments. Based on multiple previous studies validate similar conclusions highlighting that budgetary constraints and inadequate governmental backing impede sustainable waste management initiatives in poor areas. These findings indicate that significant obstacles exist within the policy frameworks regulating waste management in Johannesburg, which require targeted resolution for the successful deployment of biogas projects.

Analysing the second objective which was the growth of biogas projects. This research revealed that regulatory obstacles considerably influence public participation, approval from the society and accessibility of projects. Significantly, socio-economic gaps, restricted access to information, and lack of trust were found to be barriers during public engagement, which are essential for the success of biogas projects. Cultural norms also affected the community’s readiness to embrace biogas as an alternative energy source. Previous studies correlated and supported these findings, indicating that regulatory frameworks, as highlighted by Nguyen and Watanabe (2020) and Kang et al. (2023), require modification to promote biogas development via supportive policies, such as financial incentives and subsidies. Research conducted by Hasan et al. (2021) and Alaranta and Turunen (2021) emphasised that intricate permitting procedures and bureaucratic obstacles impede project timeframes and escalate expenses, highlighting the necessity for regulatory simplification. This corresponds with the research result that optimised laws and support systems are crucial for promoting biogas project development and stimulating investments in sustainable energy solutions.

By the third goal, the study addressed at policy suggestions to improve project viability within Johannesburg’s municipal waste management system and address implementation issues with biogas. The results indicated that enhanced interdepartmental coordination, efficient data collecting, and continuous performance monitoring are crucial for optimising waste management programs. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been recognised as an effective approach to addressing resource lacks and utilising private-sector expertise, as indicated by previous research conducted by Nguyen and Watanabe (2020) and Alzamora and Barros (2020). Further research showed that successful biogas initiatives depend on stable financing, maintenance strategies and novel waste-to-energy technologies, which may mitigate operational interruptions and prolong project longevity. This research corresponds with the findings of Mishra et al. (2023) and Adeniyi (2023), emphasising that enduring maintenance procedures are essential for project sustainability. Moreover, cultural factors comprising the transformation of filled landfills for public utilisation, as proposed by Nandy et al. (2022), may enhance community support and involvement in biogas initiatives.

Study Conclusions

The study concludes that biogas projects offer significant opportunities to address Johannesburg’s waste management challenges, including landfill over-reliance and greenhouse gas emissions. However, successful implementation faces barriers such as misaligned policies, insufficient stakeholder engagement, weak institutional capacity, and limited financial resources. Informal waste systems and marginalized communities remain underutilized in planning efforts. Technological innovation, smart systems integration, and robust monitoring frameworks are essential for scalability and effectiveness. A holistic approach emphasizing policy coherence, community inclusion, sustainable financing, adequate infrastructure and capacity building is necessary. Collaborative efforts between government, private sector, research institutions, and communities can drive progress.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities, Johannesburg can create a sustainable and inclusive waste management system, serving as a model for green urban development in South Africa and beyond.

Finally, it can be concluded that this research has effectively fulfilled all three objectives by offering significant insights into the obstacles, regulatory influences, and policy recommendations crucial for improving biogas project execution within Johannesburg’s waste management system.

Recommendations relating to study.

Carrying out the effective execution of biogas initiatives within municipal waste management frameworks necessitates overcoming many obstacles in legislation, resources, coordination, and public involvement. Thus, the following suggestions are meant to manage important issues such as institutional inefficiencies, resource allocation, antiquated regulations, and a lack of public knowledge as determined by the results of the literature research and interviews of participants from different departments.

Development of effective policy and regulatory framework

Waste system improvements can be facilitated by an integrated, interdisciplinary management structure which incorporates the environmental, economic, and social facets of sustainability. This also comprises the significance of social dimensions including employment, acceptance, equity, motivation, interest, and engagement. Enhancements in resource efficiency for energy and waste using comprehensive municipal urban design, emphasising effective stakeholder engagement and behavioural modification strategies (Thyberg & Tonjes, 2015).

Technological developments

The most traditional technology for biogas management is known as Anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. This is one of the earliest types of renewable energy (RE). Biogas technology is recognised as a highly suitable alternative for the treatment of organic waste, owing to its capacity to recover both materials (such as the solid fraction for use as a soil conditioner or organic fertilizer and the liquid fraction for fertigation or liquid fertiliser) and energy (for instance, the gas can be refined to meet natural gas standards for use as vehicle fuel or converted into electricity) (Pandyaswargo et al., 2019).In contrast to fossil fuels, anaerobic digestion technology (AD) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by employing locally sourced materials. Furthermore, the waste of this technology known as digestate, serves as a high-value fertilizer for agricultural production and can substitute conventional mineral fertilizers (Achinaset al., 2017).

The preparation of solid waste, selection of appropriate microbes and optimisation of variables have significantly boosted the efficiency of the digester. Innovations in reactor design, the recycling of digestate and the utilisation of sludge as raw materials for various sectors have enhanced the sustainability of solid waste (Srivastava, 2020). Biogas digestate can be incorporated for soil fertilisation which can diminish the reliance on artificial fertilisers. The minerals in the substrates would be preserved, while the primarily organic nitrogen in the raw manure effluents is largely mineralised in the digestates. Consequently, it is more readily absorbed by plants and water contamination is diminished. The use of digestates in rural regions substantially can remove the foul smells and flies associated with raw slurry, hence markedly enhancing air quality and overall living conditions in these locations (Tagne et al., 2021).

In addition, Singh et al., (2024) provided more technological ways such as the incorporation of advanced technology, especially artificial intelligence. It has the potential to transform the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal solid waste management methods. Artificial Intelligence techniques such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Machines, Decision Trees, Genetic Algorithms, and Linear Regression are employed to enhance multiple aspects of waste management. For instance, it comprises the collection, processing and categorisation. Accurate garbage accumulation predictions and route optimisation are essential components of effective waste disposal methods, with AI playing a crucial role in realising these goals (Hussain et al., 2020).

Optimized allocation of resources

Poor management of Municipal solid waste management can result in the deterioration of important land resources and result in enduring environmental and public health issues. Therefore, it requires a sustainable and efficient waste management system is essential to reconcile developmental needs, human quality of life and environmental preservation.

The keyway is to facilitate the frequency of recycling. For instance, Municipal solid waste (MSW) is recycled at a rate of 1%, composted at 1%, and the remaining 94.5% is relegated to landfill disposal (Tan et al., 2014). The segregation and recycling of waste are crucial for enhancing waste management efficiency.

An ideal combination of two options for distributing current resources to address the challenge of optimal resource allocation for the adoption of recycling systems by municipalities in rural and urban areas of a developing nation. This includes extensive data collection, and a non-linear optimization model was formulated to recommend a recycling policy that integrates two strategies: augmenting and reallocating current municipal solid waste management resources, thereby maximizing the average probability of municipalities implementing a recycling program (Alshaikh and Akmal Abdelfatah, 2024).

Financial Assistance and Public Engagement

Facilitation and allocation of funding for machinery and apparatus for biogas and energy/electricity systems. Suitable institutional reforms and frameworks to promote biogas-to-electricity investments by smallholder farmers and other rural populations. Efficient and dependable technology tailored to local requirements and circumstances (Kabeyi and Olanrewaju, 2022). Public awareness can be explored with the assistance of an expertise and awareness of educators are crucial for advancing sustainable education and environmental sustainability objectives. Environmental education promotes sustainable lifestyles and deters unsustainable behaviours among students by equipping them with essential tools for broad social benefits (Debrah, Vidal and Dinis, 2021).

Environmental education is a discipline aimed at fostering knowledge and comprehension of the environment among citizens, as well as elucidating the relationship between humanity and the environment, and advocating for essential responsible measures to ensure survival while enhancing quality of life standards.

To facilitate biogas electricity generation, it is essential to implement subsidies and public financial support mechanisms to aid the establishment of biogas power plants. Establishing suitable feed-in tariffs encourages the development of efficient power plants and their sustained, effective operation. Several additional factors must be implemented to promote biogas energy generation (Barasa Kabeyi and Olanrewaju, 2022). This includes public awareness which can be carried out by promoting knowledge of biogas power generation prospects and incentives. Reducing the substantial investment expenses by implementing tax incentives and facilitating access to affordable and conveniently accessible financing. Enhancing the local expertise in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of power plant projects (Kabeyi and Olanrewaju, 2021). 

Optimisation of the data collection and monitoring

Many technologies are explored by waste management researchers to enhance waste management efficiency and automate bin collection. Researchers have endeavoured to explore the feasibility of implementing advanced systems for solid waste management utilising identifying technology to address issues associated with manual data collection. Waste monitoring is essential for the advancement of the urban economy in contemporary society, particularly in developing countries. The proliferation of sensing technology such as GSM/GPRS, sensors, and RFID has revitalised MSW systems(Kundariyaet al., 2021). Ultrasonic sensors, metal detectors and fragrance receptors exemplify technological interventions in the waste sector that facilitate safe and cost-effective trash monitoring. Once various waste fractions have been identified and segregated, they can be efficiently organised into stacks within a waste storage unit through mechanically controlled sorting equipment (Hannan et al., 2020).

Implementing the Biogas Initiatives to Regional Contexts

Effective management of municipal solid waste significantly the organic component is essential for advancing circular economy models. Whereas the waste would be reintegrated as resources in productive processes. This corresponds with the Sustainable Development Goals of fostering responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and developing sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) (Triviño-Pineda et al., 2024).

Effective management in turn has environmental advantages comprising the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 200%–240% through biomethane and energy generation, respectively while fostering eco-friendly activities through the utilisation of the use of clean and sustainable technologies. This plan fosters a balanced and responsible economy for the utilisation of natural resources. The benefits of Anaerobic Digestion render it a significant solution for the sustainable management of food waste while responsibly harnessing its energy potential (Triviño Pineda et al., 2021).

Areas for further research

5.5.1 Comparative Analysis of Policy Frameworks

Comparative research is necessary to comprehend the efficacy of Johannesburg’s waste management regulations. The way that policy frameworks in other cities or municipalities handle issues associated with implementing biogas might be examined in such research. Johannesburg may adopt best practices, for example, by examining the incentives, laws, and governance systems of cities like São Paulo or Nairobi. This study would offer insightful information about how international standards might be tailored to Johannesburg’s particular waste mix and socioeconomic circumstances.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Public Awareness

Stakeholders, including residents, informal waste pickers, and businesses, play a critical role in waste management. Research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of current community engagement strategies in increasing participation in biogas projects. Understanding how to better involve informal waste pickers could ensure a more inclusive system, while studies on public awareness campaigns could identify ways to overcome resistance to using biogas technologies, particularly in areas with limited understanding of their benefit5.5.3 Economic and Financial Feasibility

One of the biggest barriers to biogas projects is financial sustainability. Further research should explore the financial models that could support such initiatives, including the role of public-private partnerships and access to green financing options. Additionally, cost-benefit analyses comparing biogas to other waste management technologies could help decision-makers prioritize investments. By examining potential revenue streams, such as selling surplus biogas or carbon credits, research could demonstrate the economic viability of these projects.

• 5.5.4 Technology Integration and Innovation

The scalability of biogas projects in Johannesburg depends heavily on technological innovation. Research should focus on the feasibility of adopting advanced biogas technologies that can handle the city’s diverse waste streams. Moreover, integrating smart city technologies, such as IoT-enabled waste collection systems, could improve efficiency in waste sorting and enhance the overall performance of biogas plants. Studies could also explore opportunities for local manufacturing of biogas equipment, reducing reliance on expensive imports.

• 5.5.5 Regulatory and Institutional Barriers

Johannesburg’s regulatory environment can significantly influence the success of biogas projects. Research is needed to identify specific regulatory hurdles, such as lengthy permitting processes or unclear guidelines on waste-to-energy projects. Additionally, studies should assess the city government’s institutional capacity to implement, monitor, and manage biogas projects effectively. Recommendations could include streamlining regulations and building institutional competencies through training programs.

• 5.5.6 Environmental and Social Impact Assessments

Biogas projects have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize landfill dependency. However, their environmental and social impacts need further investigation. Lifecycle assessments could quantify the environmental benefits of biogas versus other waste-to-energy solutions. On the social front, studies should explore how biogas projects influence job creation and whether they displace existing informal waste management systems. This research would help balance ecological benefits with social equity.

• 5.5.7 Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks

Effective implementation of biogas projects requires robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks. Research should focus on designing metrics to assess the performance of these projects against policy objectives, such as waste diversion rates and energy production. Additionally, studies could evaluate the effectiveness of existing M&E mechanisms in ensuring compliance with environmental and energy goals, providing recommendations for improvement where necessary.

• 5.5.8 Policy Coherence and Multi-Level Governance

Municipal policies do not exist in isolation; they intersect with provincial and national strategies. Research should investigate how Johannesburg’s biogas policies align with South Africa’s broader climate action and energy transition goals. It is also essential to understand how multi-level governance can support or hinder these projects. This research could propose strategies to improve policy coherence and create synergies between various government levels.

These areas of research collectively provide a roadmap for addressing the multifaceted challenges of implementing biogas projects in Johannesburg. By exploring these topics in-depth, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners can develop more effective strategies for integrating biogas into the city’s waste management system. Summarise the please the further areas for further research.