Factors that influence environmental performance in the waste management industry in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Abstract

Abstract Due to a rapid increase in population and industrial advancements, there has been an increased generation of waste in South Africa. The waste management sector in South Africa plays a vital role in the South African economy, the sector has been valued at 15.3 billion rand, and contributes to 0.51% of the counties GDP. In the last decade, there have been numerous reports of environmental degradation, pollution and non-compliances by the activities of waste management companies. Waste has now become one of the most significant environmental issues that requires attention. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that positively influence environmental performance in the waste management industry in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN). The investigation dwelled into organizational culture, environmental management and the pro-environmental behavior of employees, and how these factors influence environmental performance. A sample of 80 respondents were sampled from four company’s in the waste management sector, which consisted of landfill management, waste transportation, environmental consulting and waste recycling. Respondents were made up from each facet of the business, sales, technical, transport, environmental and health and safety amongst others. Respondents were issued with a self-administered questionnaire. The data obtained from the questionnaire was analyzed by the statistical software package SPSS. The results revealed that the three factors namely organizational culture, environmental management and pro-environmental behavior had a statistical significant influence on environmental performance. Based on the results of the study it is recommended that management show continued commitment to environmental responsibilities, green performance appraisals should be taken seriously and conducted regularly, training and environmental awareness should be regularly conducted for staff to expand their knowledge, further to this, rewards and recognition should be given to staff in order to motivate and encourage employees to conduct their activities in an environmentally safe and responsible manner. The study will assist and enlighten top management in the waste management sector of the factors that influence environmental performance in their respective organizations. In turn, various practices and procedures can be put in place to ensure that the business activities are conducted in accordance with best environmental methodologies to enhance environmental performance.