Companies operating within the waste industry without a license can face penalties of up to R10 million or a maximum stay in prison of ten years. These and other pressing issues around licensing and legalities of operating in this space was discussed at a recent Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) information session in Gauteng.

Dr Suzan Oelofse, President of the IWMSA, indicates: “With the implementation of new regulations, the cost of landfilling hazardous waste will increase by about 20% and could double for general waste. It is important for us to keep our members informed about the latest developments and trends in the waste management sector, and therefore regularly host information and training sessions on pertinent waste related matters across the country.”

During the session, guest speaker, Zingisa Smale, Director of Waste Management at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), indicated that although the province is the smallest in South Africa, it presents unique waste management challenges, due to high urbanisation andlarge industrial areas.

Smale provided a comprehensive overview to delegates about all the regulations that are in place in Gauteng. Information was also shared about where to obtain licenses for waste activities in Gauteng, as well as which processes and channels to follow with the Department of Environmental Affairs for a national licence.

For more information on licencing of your operation, contact the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) on (012) 310 3897 for national or for Gauteng contact Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) on (011) 240 2500.

The IWMSA is a non-profit organisation comprising a body of dedicated professionals in their respective fields, who give freely and voluntarily of their time and expertise in order to effectively educate, promote and further the science and practice of waste management.  For more information, visit: www.iwmsa.co.za