The Department of Environmental Affairs will looks into developing regulations to improve waste management.

“It is imperative for us to introduce innovative approaches in dealing with waste particularly focusing on diverting waste from landfill disposal to other waste management options,” Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said during her budget vote speech.

Molewa said her department will consult on the proposed development of regulations for, among others, the separation of waste at source, the banning of plastic waste at landfills, a prohibition of the burning of waste, a regional approach to waste management and disposal, and a deposit-return charge on plastic bottles.

“We have seen a positive trend regarding the provision of and access to waste collection services over the past 5 years.  As more households are provided with waste collection services we hope to achieve the desired 80% access,” Molewa said.

 

Waste Amendment Act, 2014

The NEM: Waste Amendment Act, 2014, which has been in effect since the 2 June 2014, establishes an economic basis for viable recycling. It apportions sufficient value to waste to facilitate demand for recyclables, thereby producing more jobs and enterprise development.

The act also provides for a waste management pricing strategy, the establishment of a Waste Management Bureau, and for mechanisms to oversee the disbursement of revenue collected.

According to Molewa, recycling has contributed as much as R50 billion to the South African economy. “In effect, waste will now be a renewable resource and not something to throw away,” she said.

The minister highlighted the progress made in recycling. “We began with plastic bags in 2002 and initiated a national waste tyre plan last year. The tyre plan alone will create more than 10000 jobs within the next 2 years. Going forward, we will prioritize electronic waste, paper and packaging.”