Government Gazette: Republic of South Africa

Government Gazette
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Vol. 525 Cape Town 10 March 2009 No. 32000
THE PRESIDENCY
No. 278 10 March 2009
It is hereby notified that the President has assented to the following Act, which is
hereby published for general information:–
No. 59 of 2008: National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008.
AIDS HELPLINE: 0800-123-22 Prevention is the cure

2 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 10 MARCH 2009
Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT. 2008
(English text signed by the President.)

(Assented to 6 March 2009.)
ACT
To reform the law regulating w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t in o r d e r to protect health a n d the
e n v i r o n m e n t by p r o v i d i n g r e a s o n a b l e m e a s u r e s for the p r e v e n t i o n of pollution a n d
ecological d e g r a d a t i o n and for s e c u r i n g ecologically s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t ; to
provide for institutional a r r a n g e m e n t s a n d p l a n n i n g m a t t e r s ; to p r o v i d e for
national n o r m s a n d s t a n d a r d s f o r regulating t h e m a n a g e m e n t of w a s t e by all
s p h e r e s of g o v e r n m e n t ; to p r o v i d e for specific w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s ; to
provide for the l i c e n s i n g and control of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activities; to p r o v i d e for
the r e m e d i a t i o n of c o n t a m i n a t e d l a n d ; to p r o v i d e for t h e national w a s t e
i n f o r m a t i o n s y s t e m ; to provide for c o m p l i a n c e a n d e n f o r c e m e n t ; a n d to p r o v i d e
for m a t t e r s c o n n e c t e d t h e r e w i t h .
PREAMBLE
W H E R E A S e v e r y o n e has the constitutional right to have an e n v i r o n m e n t that is not

harmful to his or her health and to h a v e the e n v i r o n m e n t protected for the benefit of
present and future generations through reasonable legislative and other m e a s u r e s t h a t —
(a) prevent pollution and ecological d e g r a d a t i o n ;
(h) p r o m o t e c o n s e r v a t i o n : and
(c) secure ecologically sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t and use of natural resources
while p r o m o t i n g justifiable e c o n o m i c and social d e v e l o p m e n t ;
A N D W H E R E A S waste m a n a g e m e n t practices in m a n y areas of the Republic are not

c o n d u c i v e to a healthy e n v i r o n m e n t and the impact of improper waste m a n a g e m e n t
practices are often b o r n e disproportionately by the poor;
A N D W H E R E A S p o o r waste m a n a g e m e n t practices can have an adverse impact both

locally and globally;
A N D W H E R E A S sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t requires that ihe generation of w a s t e is

avoided, or where it cannot be avoided, that it is reduced, re-used, recycled or recovered
and only as a last resort treated and safely disposed of:
A N D W H E R E A S the m i n i m i s a t i o n of pollution and the use of natural resources

through vigorous control, cleaner t e c h n o l o g i e s , cleaner production and c o n s u m p t i o n
practices, and waste minimisation are key to ensuring that the e n v i r o n m e n t is protected
from the impact of w a s t e :
A N D W H E R E A S waste under certain c i r c u m s t a n c e s is a resource and offers e c o n o m i c

opportunities;
4 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
A N D W H E R E A S wasie and m a n a g e m e n t practices relating to waste are matters t h a t —

• require national legislation to maintain essential national standards;
• in order to be dealt with effectively, require uniform n o r m s and standards that
apply throughout the R e p u b l i c : and
• in order to p r o m o t e and give effect to the right to an e n v i r o n m e n t that is not
harmful to health and well-being, have to apply uniformly throughout the
R e p u b l i c : and
• require strategies, norms and standards which seek to ensure best waste practices
within a system of co-operative g o v e r n a n c e .
B E IT T H E R E F O R E E N A C T E D by the Parliament of the R e p u b l i c of South

Africa, as follows:—
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
INTERPRETATION AND PRINCIPLES 5
1. Definitions
2. Objects of Act
3. General duty of Slate
4. Application of Act
5. Application of National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act 10
CHAPTER 2
NATIONAL WASTE M A N A G E M E N T STRATEGY, NORMS AND

STANDARDS
Part 1
National waste management strategy 15
6. Establishment of national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy
Part!
National norms and standards, provincial norms and standards and waste service
standards
7. National norms and standards 20
8. Provincial norms and standards
9. Waste service standards
CHAPTER 3
INSTITUTIONAL AND PLANNING MATTERS
10. Designation of waste m a n a g e m e n t officers 25

11. Certain organs of slate to prepare integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
12. C o n t e n t s of integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
13. Reporting on implementation of integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
A d No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:
WASTE ACT. 2008
CHAPTER 4
WASTE MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Part 1
Priority wastes
14. Declaration of priority wastes

15. C o n s e q u e n c e s of declaration of priority wastes
Part 2
General duty
16. General duty in respect of waste m a n a g e m e n t
Part 3
Reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste
17. Reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste

1 8. E x t e n d e d p r o d u c e r responsibility
Part 4
Waste management activities 15
19. Listed waste m a n a g e m e n t activities

20. C o n s e q u e n c e s of listing waste m a n a g e m e n t activities
Part 5
Storage, collection and transportation of waste
21. General requirements for storage of waste 20

22. Storage of general waste
23. Waste collection services
24. Collection of waste
25. Duties of persons transporting waste
Part 6 25
Treatment, processing and disposal of waste
26. Prohibition of unauthorised disposal

27. Littering
Part 7
Industry waste management plans 30
28 Preparation of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans by certain persons

29 Preparation of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans by o r g a n s of state
30 C o n t e n t s of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
31 Notification of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
32 Consideration of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans 35
33 Specification of m e a s u r e s to be taken
34 R e v i e w of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
Part 8
Contaminated land
35. Application of this Part 40

.36. Identification and notilication of investigation areas
37. C o n s e q u e n c e s of identification and notilication of investigation areas
38. Consideration of site assessment reports
39. O r d e r s to remediate contaminated land

WASTE ACT. 2008
40. Transfer of remediation sites

41. C o n t a m i n a t e d land register
Part 9
Other measures
42. Recognition p r o g r a m m e s 5
CHAPTER 5
LICENSING OF WASTE M A N A G E M E N T ACTIVITIES
43. Licensing authority

44. C o - o p e r a t i v e g o v e r n a n c e in waste m a n a g e m e n t licence applications
45. Application for waste m a n a g e m e n t licences 10
46. A p p o i n t m e n t of persons to m a n a g e waste m a n a g e m e n t licence applications
47. Procedure for waste m a n a g e m e n t licence applications
48. Factors to be taken into account by licensing authorities
49. Decision of licensing authorities on waste m a n a g e m e n t licence applications
50. Issuing of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences 15
51. C o n t e n t s of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences
52. Transfer of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences
53. R e v i e w of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences
54. Variation of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences
55. R e n e w a l of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences 20
56. Revocation and suspension of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences
57. Surrender of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences
58. Waste m a n a g e m e n t control officers
59. Criteria for fit and proper persons
CHAPTER 6 25
WASTE INFORMATION
60. Establishment of national waste information system

61. Objectives of national waste information system
62. Establishment of provincial waste information s y s t e m s
63. Provision of information 30
64. A c c e s s to information
CHAPTER 7
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
65. C o m p l i a n c e powers of Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry

66. Waste impact reports 35
67. Offences
68. Penalties
CHAPTER 8
GENERAL MATTERS
Part 1 40
Regulations
69. Regulations by Minister

70. Regulations by M E C s
71. General regulatory p o w e r s
Ac( No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT. 200H
Part 2
Consultative process
72. Consultation
73. Public participation
Part 3 5
Exemptions and appeals
74. Applications for e x e m p t i o n

75. Consideration of applications for e x e m p t i o n
76. Decisions on applications for e x e m p t i o n
77. R e v i e w and transfer of e x e m p t i o n s 10
78. Appeals
CHAPTER 9
MISCELLANEOUS
79. Delegation and assignment

80. Repeal and a m e n d m e n t of laws, and savings 15
81. Transitional provisions in respect of permits issued in terms of E n v i r o n m e n t
Conservation Act
82. Transitional provision regarding listed w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activities
83. Act regarded as specific e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t Act
84. Short title and c o m m e n c e m e n t 20
SCHEDULES
1. Waste m a n a g e m e n t activities in respect of which a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence

is required
2. L a w s repealed or a m e n d e d
CHAPTER 1 25
INTERPRETATION AND PRINCIPLES
Definitions
1. In this Act, unless the context indicates o t h e r w i s e —
" a c c e p t a b l e e x p o s u r e " m e a n s the e x p o s u r e of the m a x i m u m permissible
concentration of a substance to the e n v i r o n m e n t that will have a minimal negative 30
effect on health or the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
"associated s t r u c t u r e s a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e " , when referred to in S c h e d u l e 1,
m e a n s any building or infrastructure that is necessary for the functioning of a
facility or waste m a n a g e m e n t activity or that is used for an ancillary service or use
from the facility; 35
"best practicable e n v i r o n m e n t a l o p t i o n " m e a n s the option that provides the
most benefit or causes the least d a m a g e to the e n v i r o n m e n t as a w h o l e , at a cost
acceptable to society, in the long term as well as in the short term;
" b u i l d i n g and d e m o l i t i o n w a s t e " m e a n s waste, excluding h a z a r d o u s waste,
produced during the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of any structure, 40
and includes rubble, earth, rock and w o o d displaced during that construction,
alteration, repair or demolition;
" b u s i n e s s w a s t e " m e a n s waste that e m a n a t e s from p r e m i s e s that are used wholly
or mainly for c o m m e r c i a l , retail, w h o l e s a l e , entertainment or g o v e r n m e n t
administration purposes; 45
" b y - p r o d u c t " m e a n s a substance that is p r o d u c e d as part of a process that is
primarily intended to produce another substance o r product and that has the
characteristics of an equivalent virgin product or material;
" c l e a n p r o d u c t i o n " m e a n s the c o n t i n u o u s application of integrated preventative
environmental strategies to processes, products and services to increase overall 50
efficiency and to reduce the impact of such processes, p r o c e d u r e s and services on
health and the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
" c o m m e n c e " m e a n s ihe start of any physical activity, including site preparation or
any other activity on the site in furtherance of" a waste m a n a g e m e n t activity, but
does not include any activity required for investigation or feasibility study p u r p o s e s
as long as such investigation or feasibility study d o e s not constitute a waste
m a n a g e m e n t activity:
" C o n s t i t u t i o n " m e a n s the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996;
" c o n t a i n e r " m e a n s a disposable or re-usable vessel in which waste is placed for
the p u r p o s e s of storing, accumulating, handling, transporting, treating or disposing
of that waste, and includes bins, bin-liners and skips;
" c o n t a m i n a t e d " , in relation to Part 8 of C h a p t e r 4, m e a n s the presence in or under
any land, site, buildings or structures of a substance or m i c r o - o r g a n i s m a b o v e the
concentration that is normally present in or under that land, which substance or
m i c r o - o r g a n i s m directly or indirectly affects or may affect the quality of soil or the
e n v i r o n m e n t adversely;
" d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g " , in relation to waste treatment, waste transfer or waste
disposal facilities, m e a n s the planning for and m a n a g e m e n t and remediation of the
closure of a facility that is in operation or that n o longer o p e r a t e s ;
" D e p a r t m e n t " m e a n s ihe Department of E n v i r o n m e n t a l Affairs and T o u r i s m ;
" d i s p o s a l " m e a n s the burial, deposit, discharge, a b a n d o n i n g , d u m p i n g , placing or
release of any waste into, or onto, any land;
" d o m e s t i c w a s t e " m e a n s waste, excluding hazardous waste, that e m a n a t e s from
premises that are used wholly or mainly for residential, e d u c a t i o n a l , health care,
sport or recreation purposes;
" e n v i r o n m e n t " has the m e a n i n g assigned to it in section 1 of" the National
E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act;
" E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n A c t " m e a n s the E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Act,
1989 (Act No, 7 3 of 1989);
" e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y s o u n d m a n a g e m e n t " m e a n s the taking of all practicable steps
to ensure that waste is managed in a m a n n e r that will protect health and the
environment;
" e x p o r t " m e a n s to take or send waste from the Republic to a n o t h e r country or
territory;
" e x t e n d e d p r o d u c e r responsibility m e a s u r e s " m e a n s m e a s u r e s that extend a
p e r s o n ' s financial or physical responsibility for a product to the p o s t - c o n s u m e r
stage of the product, and i n c l u d e s —
(a) waste minimisation p r o g r a m m e s ;
(b) financial a r r a n g e m e n t s for any fund that has been established to p r o m o t e the
reduction, re-use. recycling and recovery of waste;
(c) a w a r e n e s s p r o g r a m m e s to inform the public of the impacts of w a s t e
e m a n a t i n g from the product on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t : and
id) any other m e a s u r e s to reduce the potential impact of the product on health and
the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
"Gazette", when used in relation t o —
(a) the Minister, m e a n s the Government Gazette; and
(b) the M E C , m e a n s the Provincial Gazette of the province c o n c e r n e d ;
"general w a s t e " m e a n s waste that does not pose an i m m e d i a t e hazard or threat to
health or to the e n v i r o n m e n t , and i n c l u d e s —
(a) d o m e s t i c wasie;
(b) building and demolition waste;
(c) business waste: and
(d) inert w a s t e ;
" h a z a r d o u s w a s t e " m e a n s any waste that contains organic or inorganic e l e m e n t s
or c o m p o u n d s that may, o w i n g to the inherent physical, c h e m i c a l or toxicological
14 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT G A / K T T E . 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
characteristics of that waste, have a detrimental impact on health and the

environment;
"high-risk a c t i v i t y " m e a n s an undertaking, including processes involving
substances that present a likelihood of harm to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
" h o l d e r of w a s t e " m e a n s any person w h o imports, generates, stores, a c c u m u l a t e s , 5
transports, processes, treats, or exports waste or disposes of w a s t e ;
" i m p o r t " m e a n s any entry into the Republic other than entry for transit;
" i n c i n e r a t i o n " m e a n s any m e t h o d , technique or process to convert waste to Hue
gases and residues by m e a n s of oxidation;
" i n d u s t r y " includes c o m m e r c i a l activities, c o m m e r c i a l agricultural activities, 10
mining activities and the operation of p o w e r stations;
" i n d u s t r y w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t p l a n " m e a n s a plan referred to in Part 7 of
Chapter 4;
"inert w a s t e " m e a n s waste t h a t —
(a) does not undergo any significant physical, c h e m i c a l or biological t r a n s l b r m a - 15
lion after disposal;
(b) does not burn, react physically or chemically b i o d e g r a d e or o t h e r w i s e
adversely affect any olher matter or environment with which it may c o m e into
contact; and
(c) does not impact negatively on the e n v i r o n m e n t , because of its pollutant 20
content and because the toxicity of its leachate is insignilicant;
" i n t e g r a t e d w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t p l a n " m e a n s a plan prepared in terms of section
12;
"investigation a r e a " m e a n s an area identified as such in terms of section 3 7 ;
"licensing a u t h o r i t y " m e a n s an authority referred to in section 4 3 and that is 25
responsible for i m p l e m e n t i n g the licensing system provided for in C h a p t e r 5;
"life cycle a s s e s s m e n t " m e a n s a process where the potential e n v i r o n m e n t a l effects
or impacts of a product or service throughout the life of that product or service is
being evaluated;
" M E C " m e a n s the M e m b e r of the Executive Council of a p r o v i n c e w h o is 30
responsible for waste m a n a g e m e n t in the province;
" m i n i m i s a t i o n " , when used in relation to waste, m e a n s the a v o i d a n c e of the
amount and toxicity of waste that is generated and. in the event w h e r e waste is
generated, the reduction of the amount and toxicity of waste that is disposed of;
" M i n i s t e r " m e a n s the Minister of E n v i r o n m e n t a l Affairs and T o u r i s m ; 35
" m u n i c i p a l i t y " m e a n s a municipality established in terms of the Local G o v e r n
ment: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act N o . 117 of 1998):
" M u n i c i p a l S y s t e m s A c t " m e a n s the Local G o v e r n m e n t : M u n i c i p a l S y s t e m s Act,
2 0 0 0 (Act N o . .32 of 2000);
" N a t i o n a l E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t A c t " m e a n s the National E n v i r o n m e n - 40
tal M a n a g e m e n t Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998);
" n o n - s u b s t a n t i v e " , in relation to the a m e n d m e n t or substitution of a regulation,
notice, strategy, licence, approval, or provision thereof, i n c l u d e s —
(a) any clerical mistake, unintentional error or omission;
(b) the correction of any miscalculated figure; and 45
(c) the correction of any incorrect description of any person, thing, property or
waste m a n a g e m e n t activity;
" o r g a n of s t a t e " has the m e a n i n g assigned to it in section 2 3 9 of the C o n s t i t u t i o n ;
" p e r s o n " has the m e a n i n g assigned to it in the Interpretation Act, 1957 (Act N o .
33 of 1957), and includes an organ of state; 50
" p o l l u t i o n " has the m e a n i n g assigned to it in section I of the National
Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act;
" p r e s c r i b e " m e a n s prescribe by regulation u n d e r this Act;
"priority w a s t e " m e a n s a waste declared to be a priority waste in terms of
section 14; 55
" r e c o v e r y " m e a n s the controlled extraction of a material or the retrieval of energy
from waste to produce a product:
Acl No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT, 2008
" r e c y c l e " m e a n s a process where waste is reclaimed for further use, which process
involves the separation of waste from a waste stream for further use and the
processing of that separated material as a product or raw material;
" r e - u s e " m e a n s to utilise articles from the waste stream again for a similar or
diflereni purpose without c h a n g i n g the form or properties of the articles; 5
"specific e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t A c t " has the m e a n i n g assigned to it in
section I of the National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act;
" s t o r a g e " m e a n s the a c c u m u l a t i o n of waste in a m a n n e r that does not constitute
treatment or disposal of that waste;
" s u s t a i n a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t " has the m e a n i n g assigned to it in section I of ihe 10
National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act;
"this A c t " i n c l u d e s —
(a) any regulations m a d e in terms of this Act;
(b) any notice or other subordinate legislation issued or m a d e in t e r m s of this Act:
and " 15
(c) any regulation or direction that remains in force in terms of section 8 1 ;
" t r a n s i t " m e a n s the c o n t i n u o u s passage from one border of the Republic to
another such border without storage other than temporary storage incidental to
transport;
" t r e a t m e n t " m e a n s any method, technique or process that is designed t o — 20
(a) c h a n g e the physical, biological or c h e m i c a l character or c o m p o s i t i o n of a
w a s t e ; or
(/;) r e m o v e , separate, concentrate or recover a hazardous or toxic c o m p o n e n t of a
waste; or
(c) destroy or reduce the toxicity of a waste, 25
in order to m i n i m i s e the impact of the waste on the e n v i r o n m e n t prior to further use
or disposal:
" w a s t e " m e a n s any substance, whether or not that substance can be reduced,
re-used, recycled and r e c o v e r e d —
(a) that is surplus, u n w a n t e d , rejected, discarded, a b a n d o n e d or disposed of; 30
(b) which the generator has no further use of for (he purposes of production;
(c) that must be treated or disposed of; or
(d) that is identified as a waste by the Minister by notice in the Gazette,
and includes waste generated by the mining, medical or other sector, b u t —
(i) a by-product is not considered waste; and 35
(ii) any portion of waste, once re-used, recycled and recovered, ceases to be
waste;
" w a s t e disposal facility" m e a n s any site or premise used for the a c c u m u l a t i o n of
waste with the purpose of disposing of thai waste at that site or on that p r e m i s e ;
" w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t a c t i v i t y " m e a n s any activity listed in Schedule 1 or 40
published by notice in the Gazette under section 19, and i n c l u d e s —
(a) Ihe importation and exportation of w a s t e ;
(b) the generation of waste, including the undertaking of any activity or process
that is likely to result in the generation of waste:
(c) the accumulation and storage of w a s t e ; 45
(d) the collection and handling of waste;
<e) the reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste;
(f) the trading in waste;
([>) the transportation of waste;
(Ii) the transfer of waste; 50
(i) the treatment of w a s t e ; and
(j) the disposal of waste;
" w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t control officer" m e a n s a waste m a n a g e m e n t control officer
designated under section 58(1);
" w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t l i c e n c e " m e a n s a licence issued in terms of section 4 9 ; 55
18 No. 32000 GOVKRNMKNT GAZETTE. 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
" w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t officer" m e a n s a waste m a n a g e m e n t officer designated in

t e r m s of section 10;
" w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t s e r v i c e s " m e a n s waste collection, treatment, recycling and
disposal services;
" w a s t e m i n i m i s a t i o n p r o g r a m m e " m e a n s a p r o g r a m m e that is intended to 5
p r o m o t e ihe reduced generation and disposal of waste;
" w a s t e transfer facility" m e a n s a facility that is used to a c c u m u l a t e and
temporarily store waste before it is transported to a recycling, treatment or waste
disposal facility;
" w a s t e t r e a t m e n t facility" m e a n s any site that is used to a c c u m u l a t e waste for the 10
purpose of storage, recovery, treatment, reprocessing, recycling or sorting of that
waste.
O b j e c t s of Act
2. T h e objects of (his Act a r e —

(a) to protect health, well-being and the e n v i r o n m e n t by providing reasonable 15
m e a s u r e s for—
(i) m i n i m i s i n g the c o n s u m p t i o n of natural resources;
(ii) avoiding and minimising the generation of waste;
(iii) reducing, re-using, recycling and recovering waste;
(iv) treating and safely disposing of waste as a last resort; 20
(v) preventing pollution and ecological degradation;
(vi) securing ecologically sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t while p r o m o t i n g justifi
able e c o n o m i c and social d e v e l o p m e n t ;
(vii) p r o m o t i n g and ensuring the effective delivery of waste services;
(viii) remediating land where contamination presents, or m a y present, a 25
significant risk of harm to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t : and
(ix) achieving integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t reporting and p l a n n i n g ;
(b) to ensure that people are aware of the impact of waste on their health,
well-being and the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
(c) to provide for c o m p l i a n c e with the m e a s u r e s set out in paragraph (a)\ and 30
(d) generally, to give efleet to section 24 of the Constitution in order to secure an
e n v i r o n m e n t that is not harmful to health and well-being.
G e n e r a l d u t y of State
3 . In fulfilling the rights contained in section 24 of the Constitution, the State, through
the o r g a n s of state responsible for i m p l e m e n t i n g this Act, must put in place uniform 35
measures that seek to reduce the amount of waste that is generated and, w h e r e waste is
generated, to ensure that waste is re-used, recycled and recovered in an e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y
sound m a n n e r before being safely treated and disposed of.
A p p l i c a t i o n of A c t
4. (1) T h i s Act d o e s not apply t o — 40

(a) radioactive waste that is regulated by the H a z a r d o u s S u b s t a n c e s Act. 1973
(Act N o . 15 of 1973). the National N u c l e a r Regulator Act, 1999 (Act N o . 47
of 1999), and the Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act N o . 4 6 of 1999);
(b) residue deposits and residue stockpiles that are regulated under the Mineral
and Petroleum R e s o u r c e s D e v e l o p m e n t Act, 2 0 0 2 (Act N o . 2 8 of 2 0 0 2 ) ; 45
(c) the disposal of explosives that is regulated by the E x p l o s i v e s Act, 2 0 0 3 (Act
No. 15 of 2 0 0 3 ) ; or
(d) the disposal of animal carcasses that is regulated by the A n i m a l Health Act.
2002 (Act No. 7 of 2002).

WASTE ACT, 2008
(2) T h i s Act binds all organs of state.
A p p l i c a t i o n of N a t i o n a l E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t A c t
5. (1) This Act must be read with the National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act,
unless the context of this Act indicates that the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t
Act does not apply. 5
(2) T h e interpretation and application of this Act must be guided by the national
environmental m a n a g e m e n t principles set out in section 2 of the National E n v i r o n m e n
tal M a n a g e m e n t Act.
CHAPTER 2
NATIONAL WASTE M A N A G E M E N T STRATEGY, N O R M S A N D 10

STANDARDS
Part 1
National waste management strategy
E s t a b l i s h m e n t o f national w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t strategy
6. (1) T h e Minister must, within two years of the date on which this section lakes 15
effect, by notice in the Gazette establish a national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy for
achieving the objects of this Act. which must i n c l u d e —
(a) objectives, plans, guidelines, s y s t e m s and procedures relating to the protec
tion of the e n v i r o n m e n t and the generation (including the a v o i d a n c e and
minimisation of such generation), re-use, recycling, recovery, treatment, 20
disposal, use. control and m a n a g e m e n t of waste in order to achieve the objects
of this Act;
(b) m e c h a n i s m s , systems and procedures for giving elfect to the R e p u b l i c ' s
obligations in terms of relevant international a g r e e m e n t s ;
(c) practical m e a s u r e s for achieving co-operative g o v e r n a n c e in waste m a n a g e - 25
menl matters;
(cl) guidance on raising awareness regarding the impact of waste on health and the
environment;
(e) approaches for securing c o m p l i a n c e with the requirements of this Act,
including the monitoring of c o m p l i a n c e ; and 30
(/) any other matter that the Minister considers necessary for achieving the
objects of this Act.
(2) The national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy may include targets for waste reduction.
(3) The national waste m a n a g e m e n t s t r a t e g y —
(a) binds all organs of state in all spheres of g o v e r n m e n t , and all persons if and to 35
the extent applicable: and
(b) may, subject to section 3 of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Act, 1997
(Act No. 97 of 1997). allocate and delineate responsibilities for the
implementation of this Act a m o n g s t —
(i) the dilferent spheres of g o v e r n m e n t ; and 40
(ii) different organs of state.
(4) An organ of state must give effect to the national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy w h e n
exercising a p o w e r or performing a duty in terms of this Act or any other legislation
regulating waste m a n a g e m e n t .
(5) T h e national waste m a n a g e m e n t s t r a t e g y — 45
(a) may differentiate between dilferent geographical areas;
(b) may differentiate between different classes or categories of w a s t e ;
(c) may provide for the phasing in of its provisions;
(d) may be a m e n d e d ; and
(e) must be reviewed by the Minister at intervals of not m o r e than live years. 50
(6) Before publishing the national strategy, or any a m e n d m e n t to the strategy, the
Minister must follow a consultative process in accordance with sections 72 and 7 3 .
No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT. 2008
(7) Subsection (6) need not be complied with if the strategy is a m e n d e d in a

non-substantive manner.
Part 2
National norms and standards, provincial norms and standards and waste service
standards 5
National n o r m s and s t a n d a r d s
7. (1) T h e Minister must, by notice in the Gazette, set national norms and standards
for t h e —
(a) classification of waste:
(b) planning for and provision of waste m a n a g e m e n t services: and 10
(c) storage, treatment and disposal of waste, including the p l a n n i n g and operation
of waste treatment and waste disposal facilities.
(2) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, set national n o r m s and standards for—
(a) the minimisation, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste, including the
separation of waste at the point of generation: 15
(b) extended producer responsibility;
(c) the regionalisation of waste m a n a g e m e n t services; and
(d) the remediation of contaminated land and soil quality.
(3) T h e Minister with the c o n c u r r e n c e of the Minister of F i n a n c e may, by notice in the
Gazette, set national standards in respect of tariffs for waste services provided by 20
municipalities.
(4) The n o r m s and standards contemplated in subsection (1) m a y —
(a) differentiate between different g e o g r a p h i c a l areas;
(b) differentiate between different classes or categories of waste;
(c) provide for the phasing in of its provisions; and 25
(d) be a m e n d e d .
(5) The norms or standards contemplated in subsection (\)(b) m a y —
(a) differentiate on an equitable basis b e t w e e n —
(i) different users of waste m a n a g e m e n t services; and
(ii) different types of waste m a n a g e m e n t services; 30
(b) ensure that funds obtained from waste services are used for waste m a n a g e
ment services; and
(c) provide for tariffs to be imposed to provide for waste m a n a g e m e n t
infrastructure or facilities.
(6) (a) Before publishing a notice in terms of subsection (1). (2) or (3), or any 35
a m e n d m e n t to the notice, the Minister must follow a consultative process in a c c o r d a n c e
with sections 72 and 7 3 .
(b) Paragraph (a) need not be complied with if the notice is a m e n d e d in a
Provincial n o r m s a n d s t a n d a r d s 40
8. (1) T h e relevant M E C , within his or her jurisdiction, must ensure the

implementation of the national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy and national n o r m s and
standards contemplated in sections 6 and 7, respectively.
(2) The relevant M E C , within his or her jurisdiction, m a y by notice in the Gaz.ette set
provincial n o r m s and standards that are not in conflict with national n o r m s and standards 45
contemplated in section 7.
(3) The norms and standards c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (2) must a m o n g s t other
things facilitate and a d v a n c e —
(a) planning and provision of waste m a n a g e m e n t services;
(b) regionalisation of waste m a n a g e m e n t services within the province; 50
(c) minimisation, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste, with the exception of
standards that may have national implications or that may have a significant
impact on the national e c o n o m y ; and
(d) treatment and disposal of waste, including the planning and operation of waste
treatment and waste disposal facilities, licenced by provincial authorities. 55
(4) The norms and standards contemplated in subsection (2) m a y —
(a) differentiate between different geographical areas in the p r o v i n c e ;
(b) differentiate between different classes or categories of waste:

WASTE ACT. 2008
(c) provide for the phasing in of its provisions: and

(d) he a m e n d e d .
(5) (a) Before publishing a notice in terms of subsection (2). or any a m e n d m e n t to the
notice, the M E C must follow a consultative process in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 72 and
73. 5
W a s t e service s t a n d a r d s
9. ( I ) A municipality must exercise its executive authority to deliver waste

m a n a g e m e n t services, including waste r e m o v a l , waste storage and waste disposal 10
services, in a m a n n e r that d o e s not conflict with section 7 or 8 of this Act.
(2) Each municipality must exercise its executive authority and perform its duty in
relation to waste services, including waste collection, waste storage and waste disposal
services, b y —
(a) adhering to all national and provincial n o r m s and standards; 15
(b) integrating its waste m a n a g e m e n t plans with its integrated d e v e l o p m e n t plans;
(c) ensuring access for all to such services;
(d) providing such services at an affordable price, in line with its tariff policy
referred to in Chapter 8 of the Municipal S y s t e m s Act;
(e) ensuring sustainable services through effective and efficient m a n a g e m e n t ; 20
( / ) keeping separate financial statements, including a balance sheet of the
services provided.
(3) In exercising its executive authority contemplated in subsection (1). a m u n i c i p a l
ity may furthermore, a m o n g s t other things, s e t —
(a) local standards for the separation, c o m p a c t i n g and storage of solid waste that 25
is collected as part of the municipal service or that is d i s p o s e d of at a
municipal waste disposal facility;
(b) local standards for the m a n a g e m e n t of solid waste that is disposed of by the
municipality or at a waste disposal facility o w n e d by the municipality,
including requirements in respect of the a v o i d a n c e and minimisation of the 30
generation of waste and the re-use. recycling and recovery of solid waste;
(c) local standards in respect of the directing of solid waste that is collected as
part of the municipal service or that is disposed of by the municipality or at a
municipal waste disposal facility to specific waste treatment and disposal
facilities; and 35
(</) local standards in respect of the control of litter.
(4) W h e n e v e r the Minister or M E C acts in terms of this Act in relation to a
municipality, the Minister or M E C must seek to support and strengthen the
municipality's ability or light to perform its functions in relation to waste m a n a g e m e n t
activities. 40
(5) (a) W h e n e v e r a municipality intends passing a by-law so as to give effect to
subsection (1), it must follow a consultative process provided for in C h a p t e r 4 of the
Municipal S y s t e m s Act.
(b) P a r a g r a p h (a) need not be complied with if the by-law is a m e n d e d in a
non-substantive manner. 45
CHAPTER 3
INSTITUTIONAL AND PLANNING MATTERS
D e s i g n a t i o n of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t officers
10. (1) T h e Minister must designate in writing an officer in the D e p a r t m e n t as the

national waste m a n a g e m e n t officer responsible for co-ordinating matters pertaining to 50
waste m a n a g e m e n t in the national g o v e r n m e n t .
(2) T h e M E C must designate in writing an officer in the provincial administration as
the provincial waste m a n a g e m e n t officer responsible for c o - o r d i n a l i n g matters
pertaining to waste m a n a g e m e n t in that province.

WASTE ACT. 2008
(3) Each municipality authorised to carry out waste m a n a g e m e n t services by the

Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act N o . 117 of 1998), must designate in writing a waste
m a n a g e m e n t officer from its administration to be responsible for c o - o r d i n a t i n g matters
pertaining to waste m a n a g e m e n t in that municipality.
(4) A p o w e r delegated or a duty assigned to a waste m a n a g e m e n t officer by virtue of 5
subsection (1), (2) or (3) m a y be subdelegated or further assigned by that officer to
another official in the service of the s a m e administration, subject to such limitations or
conditions as may be d e t e r m i n e d by the Minister, M E C or municipality, respectively.
(5) Waste m a n a g e m e n t officers must co-ordinate their activities with other waste
m a n a g e m e n t activities in the m a n n e r set out in the national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy 10
established in terms of section 6 or determined by the Minister by notice in the Gazette.
Certain o r g a n s of state to p r e p a r e integrated w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t p l a n s
11. ( I ) T h e D e p a r t m e n t and the provincial d e p a r t m e n t s responsible for waste

m a n a g e m e n t must prepare integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans.
(2) A provincial d e p a r t m e n t may incorporate its integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in 15
any relevant provincial plan.
(3) T h e Department may incorporate its integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in any
relevant national e n v i r o n m e n t a l plan.
(4) (a) E a c h municipality m u s t —
(i) submit its integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan to the M E C for a p p r o v a l : and 20
(ii) include the approved integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in its integrated
d e v e l o p m e n t plan contemplated in Chapter 5 of the Municipal S y s t e m s Act.
(b) T h e M E C may within 3 0 d a y s of receiving an integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan
or an a m e n d m e n t to an integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t p l a n —
(i) request a municipality to adjust the plan or the a m e n d m e n t in a c c o r d a n c e 25
with the M E C ' s proposal if the plan or a m e n d m e n t —
(act) d o e s not c o m p l y with a requirement of this A c t ; or
(bb) is in conflict with, or is not aligned with, or negates any relevant
integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan or the national waste m a n a g e
ment strategy; or 30
(ii) request a municipality to c o m p l y with a specific provision of this Act
relating to the process of drafting or a m e n d i n g integrated waste m a n a g e
ment plans if the municipality has failed to c o m p l y with the p r o c e s s or
provision; or
(iii) approve the plan or a m e n d m e n t . 35
(5) T h e Department and the provincial d e p a r t m e n t s c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1)
must submit their integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans to the Minister for a p p r o v a l .
(6) W h e n exercising the p o w e r to monitor and support a municipality as c o n t e m p l a t e d
in section 31 of the Municipal S y s t e m s Act, the M E C for local g o v e r n m e n t , in
consultation with the M E C , must ensure that the municipal integrated waste 40
m a n a g e m e n t plan is co-ordinated and aligned with the plans, strategies and p r o g r a m m e s
of the D e p a r t m e n t and provincial d e p a r t m e n t s .
(7) (a) Before finalising an integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan, the D e p a r t m e n t and
every provincial d e p a r t m e n t contemplated in subsection (1) must follow a consultative
process in accordance with sections 72 and 7 3 . 45
(b) A municipality must, before finalising its integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan,
follow the consultative process contemplated in section 29 of the Municipal S y s t e m s
Act, either as a separate process or as part of the consultative process relating to its
integrated d e v e l o p m e n t plan c o n t e m p l a t e d in that section.
(8) Subsection (7) need not be c o m p l i e d with if the integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan 50
is a m e n d e d in a non-substantive manner.
28 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZKTTF, 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT. 2008
C o n t e n t s of integrated w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t p l a n s
12. (1) An integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan must at least—

(a) contain a situation analysis that i n c l u d e s —
(i) a description of the population and d e v e l o p m e n t profiles of ihe area to
which the plan relates; 5
(ii) an assessment of the quantities and types of waste that are generated in
the area;
(iii) a description of the services that are provided, or that are available, for
the collection, minimisation, re-use, recycling and recovery, treatment
and disposal of waste; and 10
(iv) the n u m b e r of persons in the area w h o are not receiving wasle collection
services;
(b) within the d o m a i n of the D e p a r t m e n t , provincial department or municipality,
set oul how that Department, provincial department or municipality i n t e n d s —
(i) to give effect, in respect of waste m a n a g e m e n t , to Chapter 3 of the 15
National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act:
(ii) to give elf eel to the objects of this Act;
(iii) to identify and address the negative impact of poor waste m a n a g e m e n t
practices on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t :
(iv) to provide for the implementation of waste minimisation, re-use, 20
recycling and recovery targets and initiatives;
(v) in the case of a municipal integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan, to address
the delivery of waste m a n a g e m e n t services to residential p r e m i s e s ;
(vi) to implement the R e p u b l i c ' s obligations in respect of any relevant
international a g r e e m e n t s ; 25
(vii) to give effect to best e n v i r o n m e n t a l practice in respect of waste
management:
(c) within the d o m a i n of the Department or provincial department, set out how the
Department or provincial department intends to identify the m e a s u r e s that are
required and that are to be implemented to support municipalities to give 30
effect to the objects of this Act;
(d) set out the priorities and objectives of the Department, provincial d e p a r t m e n t
or municipality in respect of wasle m a n a g e m e n t ;
(e) establish targets for ihe collection, minimisation, re-use and recycling of
waste; 35
(/) set out the approach of the Department, provincial department or municipality
to the planning of any new facilities for disposal and d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g of
existing waste disposal facilities;
(g) indicate the financial resources that are required to give effect to the plan;
(h) describe how the D e p a r t m e n t , provincial d e p a r t m e n t or municipality intends 40
to give effect to its integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan; and
(i) c o m p l y with the requirements prescribed by the Minister.
(2) In the preparation of an inlegrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan the Department and
provincial d e p a r t m e n t s must give proper effect to the r e q u i r e m e n t s contained in C h a p t e r
5 of the Municipal S y s t e m s Act, insofar as such plan affects a municipality. 45
R e p o r t i n g on i m p l e m e n t a t i o n of integrated w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t p l a n s
13. ( I ) A n n u a l performance reports on the implementation of the inlegrated waste

m a n a g e m e n t plans must, in ihe case of—
(a) a provincial d e p a r t m e n t , be submitted to the M E C and the Minister for
approval; and 50
(b) in the case of the Department, be submitted to the Minister for approval.
(2) T h e annual performance report that the D e p a r t m e n t or provincial d e p a r t m e n t must
submit in terms of subsection (1) must contain information on the implementation of its
integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan, including information o n —
(a) the extent to which the plan has been i m p l e m e n t e d during the period; 55
(b) the waste m a n a g e m e n t initiatives that have been undertaken during ihe
reporting period;
(c) the delivery of wasle m a n a g e m e n t services and m e a s u r e s taken to secure the
efficient delivery of waste m a n a g e m e n t services, if applicable;

WASTE ACT. 2008
(d) the level of c o m p l i a n c e with the plan and any applicable waste m a n a g e m e n t
standards;
(e) the m e a s u r e s taken to secure c o m p l i a n c e with waste m a n a g e m e n t standards;
(/) the waste m a n a g e m e n t monitoring activities;
(g) the actual budget e x p e n d e d on i m p l e m e n t i n g the plan;
(Ii) the measures that have been taken to m a k e any necessary a m e n d m e n t s to ihe
plan;
(i) in the case of a province, the extent to which municipalities c o m p l y with the
plan and, in the event of any n o n - c o m p l i a n c e with the plan, the reasons for
such n o n - c o m p l i a n c e : and
(j) any other requirements as may be prescribed by the Minister.
(3) The annual performance report prepared in terms of section 4 6 of the M u n i c i p a l
S y s t e m s Act must contain information on the implementation of the m u n i c i p a l
integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan, including the information set out in paragraphs (a)
to (j) of subsection (2) insofar as it relates to the performance of the municipality.
(4) Despite subsections ( I ) and (2). the Minister may specify in writing a different
m e c h a n i s m for the reporting on integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans if necessary to
improve the co-ordination of waste m a n a g e m e n t .
CHAPTER 4
WASTE M A N A G E M E N T MEASURES
Part 1
Priority wastes
D e c l a r a t i o n of priority wastes
14. (1) T h e Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare a waste to be a priority
waste if the Minister on reasonable g r o u n d s believes that the waste p o s e s a threat to
health, well-being or the environment because of the quantity or c o m p o s i t i o n of the
waste a n d —
(a) that specific waste management measures are required to address the threat; or
(h) that the imposition of specific waste m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s in respect of the
waste may improve reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery rates or reduce
health and environmental impacts.
(2) T h e M E C may in writing request the Minister to declare a waste to be a priority
waste in the manner contemplated in subsection (1).
(3) If the declaration under subsection ( I ) or (2) of a waste as a priority waste is likely
to have a significant impact on the national e c o n o m y , such declaration may only be
m a d e after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry and the Minister of
Finance.
(4) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) must specify the waste m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s
that must be taken.
(5) The m e a s u r e s contemplated in subsection (4) m a y i n c l u d e —
(a) a requirement for identified persons falling within a category of p e r s o n s to
prepare an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in terms of section 28 in respect
of the declared priority waste;
(b) a prohibition on the generation of the priority w a s t e ;
(c) m e a s u r e s for the m a n a g e m e n t of the priority w a s t e ;
(d) m e a s u r e s for the minimisation, storage, re-use, recycling and recovering,
treatment and disposal of the priority w a s t e ;
(e) r e q u i r e m e n t s for the registration and monitoring of, and reporting on. priority
waste; and
(/) any other m e a s u r e s that the Minister believes are necessary to m a n a g e the
threat that is presented by the waste or to achieve the objects of this Act.
(6) (a) Before publishing a notice in terms of subsection (1), or any a m e n d m e n t to the
notice, the Minister must consult with a person or category of persons lhat may be
affected by the notice, and follow a consultative process in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 72
and 7 3 .

WASTE ACT, 2008
C o n s e q u e n c e s of d e c l a r a t i o n of priority w a s t e s
15. (1) N o person may import, manufacture, process, sell or export a priority waste or
a product that is likely to result in the generation of a priority waste unless that wasle or
product complies w i t h —
(a) the waste m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s contemplated in section 14(4); 5
(b) an industrial waste m a n a g e m e n t plan which has been submitted in a c c o r d a n c e
with the r e q u i r e m e n t s of a notice referred to section 28 or 29; or
(c) any other requirement in terms of this Act.
(2) N o person may recycle, recover, treat or dispose of a priority waste unless it is in
accordance with this Act and the waste m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 10
14(4).
Part 2
General duty
General duty in respect of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t
16. (1) A holder of waste must, within the h o l d e r ' s power, take all r e a s o n a b l e 15
measures t o —
(a) avoid the generation of waste and where such generation cannot be avoided,
to minimise the toxicity and a m o u n t s of waste that are generated;
(b) reduce, re-use, recycle and recover waste;
(c) where waste must be disposed of, ensure that the waste is treated and disposed 20
of in an environmentally sound manner;
(d) m a n a g e the waste in such a manner that it does not e n d a n g e r health or the
e n v i r o n m e n t or cause a nuisance through noise, o d o u r or visual impacts;
(e) prevent any e m p l o y e e or any person under his or her supervision from
contravening this Act; and 25
(/) prevent the waste from being used for an unauthorised p u r p o s e .
(2) Any person w h o sells a product that may be used by the public and that is likely
to result in the generation of hazardous waste must take reasonable steps to inform the
public of the impact of that wasle on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t .
(3) The m e a s u r e s contemplated in this section may include m e a s u r e s t o — 30
(a) investigate, assess and evaluate the impact of the wasle in question on health
or the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
(b) cease, modify or control any act or process causing the pollution, environ
mental degradation or harm to health;
(c) comply with any norm or standard or prescribed m a n a g e m e n t practice; 35
(d) eliminate any source of pollution or e n v i r o n m e n t a l d e g r a d a t i o n ; and
(e) remedy the effects of the pollution or environmental degradation.
(4) The Minister or M E C may issue regulations to provide g u i d a n c e on how to
discharge this duty or identify specilic requirements that must be given efleet to, after
following a consultative process in accordance with sections 72 and 7 3 . 40
(5) Subsection (4) need not be complied with if the regulation is a m e n d e d in a
Part 3
Reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste
R e d u c t i o n , re-use, recycling a n d recovery of waste 45

17. (1) Unless otherwise p r o v i d e d for in this Act, any person w h o undertakes an
activity involving the reduction, re-use, recycling or recovery of w a s t e must, before
undertaking that activity, ensure that the reduction, re-use, recycling or recovery of the
waste—
(a) uses less natural resources than disposal of such waste: and 50
(b) to the extent that it is possible, is less harmful to the e n v i r o n m e n t than the
disposal of such waste.
(2) T h e Minister may. after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry and
by notice in the Gazette, require any person or category of persons t o —
GOVERNMENT G A / E T T E , 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
(a) provide for the reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of p r o d u c t s or

c o m p o n e n t s of a product manufactured or imported by that person; or
(b) include a d e t e r m i n e d percentage of recycled material in a producl thai is
produced, imported or manufactured by that person or category of p e r s o n s .
(3) (a) Before publishing a notice in terms of subsection (2). or any a m e n d m e n t to the 5
notice, the Minister must follow a consultative process in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 72
and 7 3 .
E x t e n d e d p r o d u c e r responsibility 10
18. (1) T h e Minister after consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry may.
in order to give effect to the objects of this Act, by notice in the Gazette—
(a) identify a product or class of products in respect of which extended p r o d u c e r
responsibility applies;
(b) specify the extended producer responsibility m e a s u r e s that must be taken in 15
respect of that product or class of p r o d u c t s ; and
(c) identify the person or category of persons w h o must i m p l e m e n t the e x t e n d e d
producer responsibilities m e a s u r e s contemplated in paragraph (b).
(2) The Minister may in a notice under subsection ( I ) specify—
(a) the requirements in respect of the implementation and operation of an 20
extended producer responsibility p r o g r a m m e , including the r e q u i r e m e n t s for
the reduction, re-use, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal of w a s t e ;
(b) the financial a r r a n g e m e n t s of a waste minimisation p r o g r a m m e , with the
concurrence of the Minister of F i n a n c e ;
(e) the institutional a r r a n g e m e n t s for the administration of a waste minimisation 25
programme;
(d) the percentage of products that must be recovered under a waste minimisation
programme;
(e) the labelling r e q u i r e m e n t s in respect of waste;
(f) thai the producer of a product or class of products identified in that notice must 30
carry out a life cycle assessment in relation to the product, in such m a n n e r or
in accordance with such standards or p r o c e d u r e s as may be prescribed; and
(g) the requirements that must be complied with in respect of the design,
composition or production of a producl or packaging, including a requirement
that— 35
(i) clean production measures be i m p l e m e n t e d :
(ii) the c o m p o s i t i o n , volume or weight of p a c k a g i n g be restricted; and
(iii) p a c k a g i n g be designed so that it can be reduced, re-used, recycled or
recovered.
(3) Before publishing a notice under subsection (1) or any a m e n d m e n t to the notice. 40
the Minister m u s t —
(a) consult affected p r o d u c e r s :
(b) follow a consultative process in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 72 and 7 3 , unless
the notice is a m e n d e d in a non-substantive m a n n e r ;
(c) take into account the R e p u b l i c ' s obligations in terms of any applicable 45
international a g r e e m e n t s ; and
(d) consider relevant scientific information.
Part 4
Waste management activities
Listed w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activities 50
19. (1) T h e Minister may by notice in the Gazette publish a list of waste m a n a g e m e n t
activities that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the e n v i r o n m e n t .
(2) The Minister may a m e n d the list b y —
(a) adding other waste m a n a g e m e n t activities to the list;
(b) r e m o v i n g waste m a n a g e m e n t activities from the list; or 55
(c) m a k i n g other c h a n g e s to the particulars on the list.

WASTE ACT, 2008
(3) A notice referred to in subsection ( 1 ) —

(a) must indicate w h e t h e r a wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence is required to conduct ihe
activity or, if a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence is not required, the r e q u i r e m e n t s or
standards that must be adhered to when c o n d u c t i n g the activity;
(b) may exclude certain quantities or categories o f waste or categories of persons 5
from I h e application of the notice if the wasle in question i s —
(i) of such a small quantity or temporary nature that it is unlikely to c a u s e
pollution to the environment or harm to h u m a n health; or
(ii) adequately controlled by other legislation;
(c) may contain transitional and other special a r r a n g e m e n t s in respect of wasle 10
m a n a g e m e n t activities that are carried out at ihe time of I h e i r listing: and
(d) must d e t e r m i n e the date on which ihe notice takes effect.
(4) Until such time as (he Minister has published a notice c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection
(1), Schedule 1 of this Act is applicable.
(5) T h e M E C . with the c o n c u r r e n c e of the Minister, may by notice in the Gazelle— 15
(a) publish a list o f waste m a n a g e m e n t activities that have, or are likely to have,
a detrimental effect on the e n v i r o n m e n t in the province c o n c e r n e d ; and
(b) when necessary, a m e n d the lisi b y —
(i) adding other waste m a n a g e m e n t activities to the list;
(ii) r e m o v i n g waste m a n a g e m e n t activities from the list; or 20
(iii) m a k i n g other c h a n g e s to the particulars on the list.
(6) A list published under subsection (5) by the M E C must include waste m a n a g e m e n t
activities listed in Schedule 1 or listed under section (1), if applicable.
(7) A list published under subsection (5) by the M E C applies lo the relevant province
only. 25
(8) A notice under subsection (1) or ( 5 ) —
(a) may contain transitional and other special a r r a n g e m e n t s in respect o f waste
m a n a g e m e n t activities that are carried out at the time o f their listing; and
(b) must d e t e r m i n e the date on which the notice takes effect.
(9) For ihe purposes of administrative efficiency, the lists published under subsection 30
(1) or (5) or Schedule 1 may divide the waste m a n a g e m e n t activities into dilferent
categories
(10) (a) Before publishing a notice under subsection (1) or (5). or any a m e n d m e n t to
such notice, the Minister or M E C , as the case may be. must follow a consultative process
in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 7 2 and 7 3 . 35
(b) Paragraph (a) need not be complied with if the list c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1)
or (5) is a m e n d e d in a non-substantive manner.
C o n s e q u e n c e s of listing w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activities
20. N o person may c o m m e n c e , undertake or conduct a waste m a n a g e m e n t activity,

except in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h — 40
(a) the requirements or standards d e t e r m i n e d in terms of section 19(3) for that
activity; or
(b) a wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence issued in respect of that activity, if a licence is
required.
38 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZETTR. 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
Part 5
Storage, collection and transportation of waste
General r e q u i r e m e n t s for s t o r a g e of w a s t e
21. A n y person w h o stores waste must at least take steps, unless otherwise provided
by this Act, to ensure t h a t — 5
(a) the containers in which any waste is stored, are intact and not c o r r o d e d or in
any other way rendered unlit for the safe storage of w a s t e ;
(b) adequate m e a s u r e s are taken to prevent accidental spillage or leaking;
(c) the waste cannot be blown away;
(d) nuisances such as odour, visual impacts and breeding of vectors d o not arise; 10
and
(e) pollution of the e n v i r o n m e n t and harm to health are prevented.
S t o r a g e of g e n e r a l w a s t e
22. (1) A n y person w h o generates general waste that is collected by a municipality
must place the waste in a container approved, designated o r provided by the 15
municipality for that p u r p o s e and in a location approved or authorised by the
municipality.
(2) Waste that is reusable, recyclable or recoverable and that is intended to be reduced,
re-used, recycled or recovered in a c c o r d a n c e with this Act or any applicable b y - l a w s
need not be placed in a container c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (I). 20
Waste collection services
2 3 . (1) Waste collection services are subject t o —

(a) the need for an equitable allocation of such services to all people in a
municipal area:
(b) the obligation of persons utilising the service to pay any applicable c h a r g e s ; 25
(c) the right of a municipality to limit the provision of general waste collection
services if there is a failure to c o m p l y with reasonable c o n d i t i o n s set for the
provision of such services, but where the municipality takes action to limit the
provision of services, the limitation must not pose a risk to health or the
e n v i r o n m e n t ; and 30
(d) the right of a municipality to differentiate between categories of users and
geographical areas when setting service standards and levels of service for the
provision of municipal services.
(2) Every municipality must, subject to this Act, and as far as is reasonably possible,
provide containers or receptacles for the collection of recyclable waste that are 35
accessible to the public.
Collection of w a s t e
24. No person may collect waste for removal from premises unless such person i s —
(a) a municipality or municipal service provider;
(b) authorised by law to collect that waste, where authorisation is required; or 40
(c) not prohibited from collecting that waste.
D u t i e s of p e r s o n s t r a n s p o r t i n g w a s t e
25. (1) T h e Minister, an M E C or a municipality may, by notice in the Gazette, require-

any person or category of persons w h o transports waste for gain t o —
(a) register with the relevant waste m a n a g e m e n t officer in the D e p a r t m e n t . 45
p r o v i n c e or municipality, as the case may be; and
Aci No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT-

WASTE ACT, 2008
(b) furnish such information as is specified in that notice or as the w a s t e

m a n a g e m e n t officer may reasonably require.
(2) A n y person e n g a g e d in ihe transportation of waste must lake all reasonable steps
to prevent any spillage of waste or littering from a vehicle used to transport waste.
(3) W h e r e waste is transported for the purposes of disposal, a person transporting the 5
waste must, before oflloading the waste from ihe vehicle, ensure that the facility or place
to which the waste is transported, is authorised to accept such w a s l e .
(4) W h e r e hazardous waste is transported for purposes other than disposal, a person
transporting the waste must, before oflloading the waste from the vehicle, e n s u r e that the
facility or place to which the waste is transported, is authorised to accept such waste and 10
must obtain written confirmation that the waste has been accepted.
(5) In the absence of evidence to the contrary which raises a reasonable d o u b t , a
person w h o is in control of a vehicle, or in a position to control the use of a vehicle, thai
is used to iransport waste for the purpose of offloading that waste, is considered to
knowingly cause thai waste to be offloaded at the location w h e r e the waste is deposited. 15
Part 6
Treatment, processing and disposal of waste
Prohibition of u n a u t h o r i s e d disposal
26.( 1) N o person m a y —
(a) dispose of waste, or knowingly or negligently c a u s e or permit wasle to be 20
disposed of, in or on any land, w a t e r b o d y or at any facility unless ihe disposal
of that waste is authorised by law. or
(b) dispose of wasle in a m a n n e r that is likely to cause pollution of the
e n v i r o n m e n t or harm to health and well-being.
(2) Subsection (1) need not be complied with if— 25
(a) the wasle w a s generated as a result of normal household activities a n d —
(i) ihe municipality does not render a waste collection service in that area;
and
(ii) ihe most e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y and economically feasible option for the
m a n a g e m e n t of the waste w a s adopted; or 30
(b) the disposal of the waste was d o n e to protect human life or as a result of an
emergency beyond that p e r s o n ' s control.
Littering
27. ( I ) An o w n e r of privately o w n e d land to which the general public has access, must
ensure— 35
(a) that sufficienl containers or places are provided to contain litter that is
discarded by the public; and
(b) that the litler is disposed of before it b e c o m e s a nuisance, a ground for a
complaint or causes a negative impact on the e n v i r o n m e n t .
(2) No person m a y — 40
(a) throw, drop, deposit, spill or in any other way discard any litter into or o n t o
any public place, land, vacant erf, stream, watercourse, street or road, or on
any place to which the general public has access, except in a container or a
place specifically provided for that p u r p o s e : or
(b) allow any person under that p e r s o n ' s control to d o any of the acts 45
contemplated in paragraph (a).

WASTE ACT. 2008
Part 7
Industry waste management plans
P r e p a r a t i o n of industry w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t plans by c e r t a i n p e r s o n s
2 8 . ( I ) W h e r e any activity results in the generation of waste that affects more than one
province or where such activity is c o n d u c t e d in more than one p r o v i n c e , the Minister 5
may by written notice require a person, or by notice in the Gazette require a category of
persons or an industry, that generates waste to prepare and submit an industry waste
m a n a g e m e n t plan to the Minister for approval.
(2) T h e M E C may. in respect of any activity within (he province c o n c e r n e d that
results in the generation of waste, by written notice require a person, or by notice in the 10
Gazette require a category of persons or an industry, that generates waste to prepare and
submit an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan to the M E C for approval.
(3) Despite subsection (2). the M E C may not require a person, category of persons or
industry w h o has submitted an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t in c o m p l i a n c e with
subsection ( I ) , to prepare and submit an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in respect of 15
the same matter.
(4) W h e n exercising a p o w e r under subsection (1) or (2), the Minister or M E C , as the
case may be, must c o n s i d e r —
(a) the impact or potential impact of the waste on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t that
is generated by the applicable person, category of persons or industry; 20
(b) the environmentally sensitive nature of a natural resource or the a m o u n t of
natural resources that is c o n s u m e d in the manufacturing or production
processes thai result in the w a s t e ; and
(c) the m a n n e r in which an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan may contribute t o —
(i) the avoidance or minimisation of the generation of waste; 25
(ii) the reduction of negative impacts on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t ; and
(iii) the conserving of natural resources.
(5) T h e Minister or M E C must, before exercising a p o w e r under subsection ( I ) or (2),
as the case may be. consult the person, category of persons or industry to be affected.
(6) T h e Minister or M E C , as the case may be, may give directions that an industry 30
waste m a n a g e m e n t plan must be prepared by an independent person for the cost of the
person, category of persons or industry contemplated in subsection (1) or (2).
(7) (a) A person, category of persons or industry c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1) or (2)
may elect to prepare an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan for approval in terms of this
Part without being required to d o so by the Minister or M E C . 35
(b) W h e n a person, category of persons or industry s u b m i t s an industry waste
m a n a g e m e n t plan in terms of paragraph (a)—
(i) subsections (4). (5) and (6) apply with the c h a n g e s required by the context;
and
(ii) the Minister or M E C to w h o m ihe plan is submitted may exercise any of their 40
respective p o w e r s set out in this Part in respect of that plan.
P r e p a r a t i o n of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans b y o r g a n s o f state
29. (1) T h e Minister may, by notice in writing, require an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t

plan to be prepared by an organ of state, excluding a municipality, within a stipulated
timeframe. 45
(2) An M E C may, by notice in writing, require an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan to
be prepared by the provincial department responsible for e n v i r o n m e n t a l affairs, within
a stipulated timeframe.
(3) W h e n exercising a p o w e r under subsection (1) or (2). the Minister or M E C must
consider w h e t h e r — 50
(a) the diversity, complexity and competitive nature of the industry c o n c e r n e d
would make it impractical for a category of persons other than an organ of

WASTE ACT. 2008
state or provincial department responsible lor e n v i r o n m e n t a l affairs to prepare

the plan;
(b) the k n o w l e d g e or experience of the persons w h o are likely lo be affected by
the plan in ihe areas of wasle reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery is
limited;
(c) ihe persons w h o are likely to be alfected by the plan c o m p r i s e of small,
m e d i u m or micro enterprises; or
(d) the person required to prepare a plan in a c c o r d a n c e with section 2 8 , or to
revise or a m e n d the plan in terms of section 32(1), has failed to d o so.
(4) T h e Minister or M E C , as the case may be, may recover the costs of preparing an
induslry wasle m a n a g e m e n t plan f r o m —
(a) the person contemplated in section 28 w h o . after written notice, failed to
prepare the plan; or
(h) ihe person w h o is required lo revise or a m e n d the plan in t e r m s of seclion
32(1). but has failed to d o so.
(5) Any organ of state or provincial d e p a r t m e n t c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1) and
(2). respectively, may. by written notice, require any person lo provide such information
as may be necessary to prepare the industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan.
(6) An organ of state or provincial department c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1) and (2),
respectively, must follow a consultative process in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 72 and 7 3 .
unless that plan is being prepared as a result of a person w h o w a s required lo prepare that
plan failing to do so, in which case section 31(2) applies.
C o n t e n t s of industry w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t plans
30. ( I ) T h e Minister, in a notice contemplated in seclion 28( 1) or 29( 1), or the M E C ,

in a notice c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 28(2) or 29(2), must specify the information that
must be included the industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan.
(2) T h e information that the Minister or M E C specifies in terms of subsection (1) may
include—
(a) the amount of waste that is generated;
(b) m e a s u r e s to prevent pollution or ecological degradation;
(c) targets for waste minimisation through waste reduction, re-use, recycling and
recovery;
(d) m e a s u r e s or p r o g r a m m e s lo minimise the generation of wasle and the final
disposal of waste:
(e) m e a s u r e s or actions to be taken to m a n a g e waste;
(/) the phasing out of the use of specified substances;
(j>) opportunities for the reduction of waste generation through c h a n g e s to
packaging, product design or production processes;
(h) m e c h a n i s m s for informing the public of the impact of the w a s t e - g e n e r a t i n g
products or p a c k a g i n g on the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
(i) the extent of any financial contribution to be made to support c o n s u m e r - b a s e d
waste reduction p r o g r a m m e s :
(j) ihe period that is required for implementation of the plan:
(k) m e t h o d s for monitoring and reporting; and
(I) any other matter that may be necessary to give effect to the objects of this Act.
Notification of i n d u s t r y w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t plans
31. (1) Any person required to produce an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in t e r m s
of section 28 must take appropriate sleps to bring the contents of a proposed industry
waste m a n a g e m e n t plan to the attention of relevant organs of slate, interested p e r s o n s
and the public and must follow any directions given by the Minister or M E C , as the cast-
may be. regarding the consultation process thai must be followed.
(2) An organ of stale required to prepare an induslry wasle m a n a g e m e n t plan in terms
of seclion 29 as a result of a person w h o w a s required to prepare that plan failing to d o

WASTE ACT, 2008
so must bring the contents of a p r o p o s e d industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan to the

attention of relevant organs of state, interested persons and the public.
(3) Any c o m m e n t s submitted in respect of an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan must
be considered by the person responsible for preparing the plan, and a copy of all
c o m m e n t s must be submitted to the Minister or M E C , as the case m a y be, together with 5
the plan.
C o n s i d e r a t i o n of industry w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t p l a n s
32.( 1) T h e Minister, acting in terms of section 28( I) or 29( 1), or the M E C acting in
terms of section 28(2) or 29(2), may on receipt of an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t p l a n —
(a) approve the plan in writing, with any a m e n d m e n t s or conditions, and give 10
directions for the i m p l e m e n t a t i o n of the plan;
(b) require additional information to be furnished and a revised plan to be
submitted within timeframes specified by the Minister or M E C for a p p r o v a l ;
(c) require a m e n d m e n t s to be m a d e to the plan within timeframes specified by the
Minister or M E C ; or 15
(d) reject the plan with r e a s o n s if it does not c o m p l y with the r e q u i r e m e n t s of a
notice in terms of section 28( 1) or (2) or 29( 1) or (2), as the case m a y be, or
if a consultation process in a c c o r d a n c e with section 31 w a s not followed.
(2) A n y failure to c o m p l y with a requirement referred to in subsection (\)(b) or (c)
within the timeframes specified by the Minister or the M E C is regarded as constituting 20
a failure to submit an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan
(3) An industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan that has been rejected in terms of subsection
(\)(d) may be a m e n d e d and resubmitted to the Minister or M E C .
(4) On receipt of any information or a m e n d m e n t s requested in terms of subsection
(1 )(h) or (c), or any a m e n d e d industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan resubmitted in t e r m s of 25
subsection (2) for the first time, the Minister or M E C must reconsider the plan.
(5) A n approval in terms of subsection (\)(a) must at least specify the period for
which the approval is issued, which period may be extended by the Minister or M E C .
(6) Notice must be given in the relevant Gazette of any industry waste m a n a g e m e n t
plan that has been prepared in terms of section 28 and that has been a p p r o v e d by the 30
Minister or M E C , as the case may be.
(7) An industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan that has been prepared by an organ of state or
provincial d e p a r t m e n t responsible for e n v i r o n m e n t a l affairs in terms of section 29 and
that has been approved by the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must be published
in the relevant Gazette, together with an indication of when and h o w the plan must be 35
implemented, if applicable.
Specification of m e a s u r e s to be t a k e n
3 3 . (1) If the Minister or M E C rejects an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan in t e r m s of

section 32 more than o n c e , or if any person w h o is required in terms of section 28( 1) or
(2) to prepare an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan fails to d o so, or if a person fails to 40
revise or a m e n d a plan as required by the Minister or the M E C in terms of section 32( 1),
the Minister or M E C , as the case may b e , may, by notice in writing and without any
criminal p r o c e e d i n g s being affected, specify the waste m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s that must
be taken by that person to ensure that that person is not unduly a d v a n t a g e d by the failure
to submit a plan. 45
(2) W h e n specifying the waste m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e s to be taken in terms of
subsection ( I ) , the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must consider, and to the extent
possible, align the m e a s u r e s to be taken with the m e a s u r e s that are set out in any other
approved industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan and that is related to the activities of the
person whose plan has been rejected more than once or w h o failed to submit a plan. 50
Act No. 59. 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT, 2008
R e v i e w of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans
34. (1) An industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan that has been required by the Minister in
terms of section 28( 1) or 29( I), or by the M E C in t e r m s of section 28(2) or 29(2), must
be reviewed at intervals specified in the approval or at intervals specified by the M i n i s t e r
or M E C by notice in writing or in the relevant Gazette. 5
(2) W h e n specifying a review period for an induslry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan prepared
by a person, ihe Minister or M E C . as the case may be, must take c o g n i s a n c e of the
review periods that have been specified in any related waste m a n a g e m e n t licence.
PartS
Contaminated land 10
A p p l i c a t i o n of this Part
35. This part applies to the contamination of land even if the c o n t a m i n a t i o n —

(a) occurred before the c o m m e n c e m e n t of this Act;
(b) originated on land other than land referred to in section 3 8 ;
(c) arises or is likely to arise at a different lime from the actual activity that caused 15
the c o n t a m i n a t i o n ; or
(d) arises through an act or activity of a person that results in a c h a n g e lo
pre-existing c o n t a m i n a t i o n .
Identification a n d notification of investigation a r e a s
36. (1) T h e Minister, or the M E C in respect of an area which affects the relevant 20
province, may, after consultation with the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry and any
other organ of state concerned, by notice in the Gazette, identify as investigation a r e a s —
(a) land on which high-risk activities have taken place or are taking place that are
likely to result in land contamination;
(b) land that the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, on reasonable g r o u n d s 25
believes to be contaminated.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) by the Minister applies nationally, and a notice u n d e r
thai subsection by the M E C applies to the relevant province only.
(3) Before publishing a notice under subsection ( I ) , or any a m e n d m e n t to the notice,
the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must follow a consultative process in 30
a c c o r d a n c e with sections 72 and 7 3 .
(4) Subsection (3) need not be complied with if the notice is a m e n d e d in a
(5) An o w n e r of land that is significantly contaminated, or a person w h o u n d e r t a k e s
an activity that caused the land lo be significantly c o n t a m i n a t e d , must notify ihe 35
Minister and M E C of that contamination as soon as that person b e c o m e s a w a r e , of that
contamination.
(6) Despite subsection (1), the Minister or M E C may issue a written notice lo a
particular person identifying specific land as an investigation area if the Minister or
M E C on reasonable g r o u n d s believes thai the land is or is likely to be c o n t a m i n a t e d . 40
C o n s e q u e n c e s of identification a n d notification of investigation areas
37. (1) T h e Minister or M E C , as the case may be, may in respect of an investigation
area c o n t e m p l a t e d in seclion 36, after consultation with the Minister of Water Affairs
and F o r e s t r y —
(a) c a u s e a site assessment to be c o n d u c t e d in respect of the relevant investigation 45
area; or
(b) in a notice published under section 36( I) or issued under section 3 6 ( 6 ) —
(i) direct the o w n e r of the investigation area; or
(ii) direct the person w h o has undertaken or is undertaking the high risk
activity or activity that caused or may have caused the c o n t a m i n a t i o n of 50
the investigation area.
SO No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZKTTF.. 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
to cause a site assessment to be c o n d u c t e d by an independent person, at o w n

cost, and to submit a site a s s e s s m e n t report to the Minister or M E C within a
period specified in the notice.
(2) (a) A site a s s e s s m e n t report must c o m p l y with any directions that may have been
published or given by the Minister or M E C in a notice c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 36( 1) or 5
(6) and must at least include information on w h e t h e r the investigation area is
contaminated.
(b) W h e r e the findings of the site assessment report are that the investigation area is
c o n t a m i n a t e d , the site assessment report must at least contain information on w h e t h e r —
(i) the contamination has already impacted on health or the e n v i r o n m e n t ; 10
(ii) the substances present in or on the land are toxic, persistent or bio-
a c c u m u l a t i v e or are present in large quantities or high c o n c e n t r a t i o n s or occur
in c o m b i n a t i o n s ;
(iii) there are exposure p a t h w a y s available to the substances;
(iv) the use or proposed use of the land and adjoining land increases or is likely to 15
increase the risk to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t :
(v) the substances have migrated or are likely to migrate from the land;
(vi) the acceptable exposure for h u m a n and e n v i r o n m e n t a l receptors in that
e n v i r o n m e n t have been e x c e e d e d ;
(vii) any applicable standards have been e x c e e d e d ; and 20
(viii) the area should be remediated or any other m e a s u r e s should be taken to
m a n a g e or neutralise the risk.
(3) For the p u r p o s e s of this section, land may be regarded as being c o n t a m i n a t e d at
any particular time if the risk of harm to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t could eventuate only
in certain c i r c u m s t a n c e s and those c i r c u m s t a n c e s d o not exist at the lime that the site 25
assessment is undertaken, but those c i r c u m s t a n c e s are reasonably foreseeable.
C o n s i d e r a t i o n of site a s s e s s m e n t reports
38. (1) On receipt of a site assessment report c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 3 7 , the Minister

or M E C , as the case may be, may, after consultation with the Minister of Water Affairs
and Forestry and any other organ of state concerned, decide t h a t — 30
(a) the investigation area is contaminated, presents a risk to health or the
e n v i r o n m e n t , and must be remediated urgently;
(b) the investigation area is c o n t a m i n a t e d , presents a risk to health or the
e n v i r o n m e n t , and must be remediated within a specified period;
(c) the investigation area is c o n t a m i n a t e d and d o e s not present an i m m e d i a t e risk. 35
but that m e a s u r e s are required to address the m o n i t o r i n g and m a n a g e m e n t of
that risk; or
(d) the investigation area is not c o n t a m i n a t e d .
(2) If the Minister or M E C . as the case may b e , decides that an investigation area is
c o n t a m i n a t e d and requires remediation, the Minister or M E C must declare the land to be 40
a remediation site and make such remediation order as is necessary to neutralise that
risk.
(3) If the Minister or M E C . as the case may be, decides that the investigation area d o e s
not present an i m m e d i a t e risk, but that m e a s u r e s are required to address the m o n i t o r i n g
and m a n a g e m e n t of that risk, the Minister or M E C may m a k e an order specifying the 45
m e a s u r e s that must be taken.
(4) Unless o t h e r w i s e directed, a remediation order under subsection (2), an order
under subseciion (3) or a directive under section 37(1) must be c o m p l i e d with at the cost
of the person against w h o m the order or directive is issued.
(5) T h e Minister or M E C , as the ease m a y b e , m a y a m e n d a r e m e d i a t i o n order if— 50
(a) o w n e r s h i p of the land is transferred and the new o w n e r in writing a s s u m e s
responsibility for the remediation; or
(b) new information or evidence warrants an a m e n d i n g the order.
52 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZHTTE, 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT. 2008
O r d e r s to r e m e d i a t e c o n t a m i n a t e d land
39. (1) A remediation order issued under section 38(2) or an order issued u n d e r
section 38(3) must describe, to the extent that it is a p p l i c a b l e —
(a) the person w h o is responsible lor u n d e r t a k i n g the r e m e d i a t i o n ;
(b) the land to which the order applies; 5
(c) the nature of the c o n t a m i n a t i o n ;
id) the m e a s u r e s that must be taken to r e m e d i a t e the land or the standards that
must be complied with when r e m e d i a t i n g the land;
(e) the period within which the order must be complied with;
(/) whether any limitations in respect of the use of the land are i m p o s e d ; 10
(g) the m e a s u r e s that must be taken to monitor or m a n a g e the risk: and
(Ii) any other prescribed matter.
(2) Before issuing a remediation order or an a m e n d e d remediation order, the M i n i s t e r
or M E C , as ihe case may be, must consult with ihe Minister of Water Affairs and
Forestry and any other organ of state c o n c e r n e d . 15
(3) T h e Minister or M E C . as the case may be. may instruct any official within his or
her D e p a r t m e n t to ensure that the remediation order is complied with.
Transfer of r e m e d i a t i o n sites
40. (1) N o person m a y transfer c o n t a m i n a t e d land without informing the person to

w h o m that land is lo be transferred that the land is contaminated and, in the c a s e of a 20
remediation site, without notifying the Minister or M E C and c o m p l y i n g with any
conditions that are specified by the Minister or M E C , as the ease m a y be.
(2) (a) For the purposes of ensuring c o m p l i a n c e with this section, the Minister must
notify the relevant Registrar of D e e d s appointed in terms of the D e e d s Registries Act,
1937 (Act N o . 47 of 1937), of any land that has been declared as a remediation site. 25
(b) The notification c o n t e m p l a t e d in paragraph (a) must identify the land sufficiently
to enable the Registrar of D e e d s to enter the necessary information in or on registers and
d o c u m e n t s kept by his or her Office.
C o n t a m i n a t e d land register
4 1 . ( 1 ) T h e Minister must keep a national c o n t a m i n a t e d land register of investigation 30

areas that includes information o n —
(a) the o w n e r s and any users of investigation areas;
(b) the location of investigation areas;
(c) the nalure and origin of the c o n t a m i n a t i o n :
(d) w h e t h e r an investigation a r e a — 35
(i) is c o n t a m i n a t e d , presents a risk to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t , and must be
remediated urgently;
(ii) is c o n t a m i n a t e d , presents a risk to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t , and must be
remediated within a specified period;
(iii) is c o n t a m i n a t e d and d o e s not present an immediate risk, but m e a s u r e s are 40
required to address the monitoring and m a n a g e m e n t of that risk: or
(iv) is not c o n t a m i n a t e d ;
(e) the status of any remediation activities on investigation areas; and
(f) restrictions of use that have been imposed on investigation areas.
(2) T h e Minister may c h a n g e the status of an investigation area c o n t e m p l a t e d in 45
subsection (1 )(d)(\) or (ii) as provided for in subsection (1 )(d)(ui) or (iv) if a remediation
order has been c o m p l i e d with or other c i r c u m s t a n c e s eventuate that justify such a
change.
(3) An M E C w h o has identified an investigation area must furnish the relevant
information to the Minister for recording in the national c o n t a m i n a t e d land register. 50
Act No. 59. 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT, 2008
Part 9
Other measures
Recognition programmes
42. (1) A waste m a n a g e m e n t officer may establish a p r o g r a m m e for the public-

recognition of significant a c h i e v e m e n t s in the area of waste a v o i d a n c e , minimisation or 5
other forms of waste m a n a g e m e n t .
(2) T h e p r o g r a m m e c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1) may contain m e c h a n i s m s to m a k e
the public aware of sound waste m a n a g e m e n t practices.
CHAPTER 5
LICENSING OF WASTE M A N A G E M E N T ACTIVITIES 10
Licensing a u t h o r i t y
4 3 . ( I ) T h e Minister is the licensing authority w h e r e —

(a) unless otherwise indicated by the Minister by notice in the Gazette, the waste
m a n a g e m e n t activity involves the establishment, operation, cessation or
d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g of a facility at which hazardous waste has been or is to be 15
stored, treated or disposed of:
(b) the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity involves obligations in terms of an interna
tional obligation, including the importation or exportation of h a z a r d o u s w a s t e ;
(c) the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity is to be undertaken b y —
(i) a national department; 20
(ii) a provincial d e p a r t m e n t responsible for e n v i r o n m e n t a l affairs; or
(iii) a statutory body, excluding any municipality, performing an e x c l u s i v e
c o m p e t e n c e of the national sphere of g o v e r n m e n t ;
(d) the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity will affect m o r e than o n e province or traverse
international boundaries; or 25
(e) t w o or more waste m a n a g e m e n t activities are to be undertaken at the s a m e
facility and the Minister is the licensing authority for any one of those
activities.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), the M E C of the province in which the waste
m a n a g e m e n t activity is being or is to be carried out is the licensing authority. 30
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), the Minister and an M E C may agree that an
application or applications for waste m a n a g e m e n t licences r e g a r d i n g any waste
management activity—
(a) referred to in subsection (1). may be dealt with by the M E C ; or
(b) in respect of which the M E C has been identified as the licensing authority. 35
may be dealt with by the Minister.
C o - o p e r a t i v e g o v e r n a n c e in w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licence a p p l i c a t i o n s
4 4 . (1) For the purposes of issuing a licence for a waste m a n a g e m e n t activity, the
licensing authority must as far as practicable in the c i r c u m s t a n c e s c o - o r d i n a t e or
consolidate the application and d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g processes c o n t e m p l a t e d in this C h a p t e r 40
with the d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g process in Chapter 5 of the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l
M a n a g e m e n t Act and other legislation administered by other organs of state, without
whose authorisation or approval or consent the activity may not c o m m e n c e , or be
undertaken or c o n d u c t e d .
(2) If the licensing authority decides to issue a licence it may, for the p u r p o s e s of 45
achieving c o o r d i n a t i o n —
(a) issue an integrated licence jointly with the other o r g a n s of state c o n t e m p l a t e d
in subsection (1). which licence grants approval in t e r m s of this Act and any
other legislation specified in the licence; or
(b) issue the licence as part of a consolidated authorisation consisting of different 50
authorisations issued under different legislation by the persons c o m p e t e n t to
d o so, thai have been consolidated into a single d o c u m e n t in order to ensure

WASTE ACT, 2008
that the conditions that are imposed by each competent authority are
c o m p r e h e n s i v e and mutually consistent.
(3) If an integrated licence contemplated in subsection (2)(a) is to be regarded as a
valid authorisation or approval for the purposes of other legislation specified in the
integrated licence, then the d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g process for issuing thai integrated licence 5
must c o m p l y with both the requirements of this Act and of that other legislation.
(4) An integrated licence m u s t —
(a) specify the statutory provisions in terms of which it has been issued;
(b) identify the authority or authorities that have issued it;
(c) indicate to w h o m applications for any a m e n d m e n t or cancellation of the 10
integrated licence must be m a d e ; and
(d) indicate the appeal procedure to be followed.
(5) An integrated licence may be enforced in terms of this Act and any other Act in
terms of which it has been issued: Provided that a condition of an integrated licence may
only be enforced in terms of the legislation that authorises the imposition of such a 15
condition.
(6) W h e r e an integrated licence procedure or a consolidated authorisation p r o c e d u r e
is established in terms of this section, the provisions of this C h a p t e r must be read with
the necessary c h a n g e s as the context may require to enable a single application
procedure or c o m b i n e d application procedure to be followed. 20
(7) An integrated licence must be regarded as an integrated e n v i r o n m e n t a l
authorisation c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 2 4 L of the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t
Act.
A p p l i c a t i o n for w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
4 5 . (1) A person w h o requires a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must apply for the licence 25
by lodging an application with the licensing authority.
(2) An application for a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must be a c c o m p a n i e d b y —
(a) the prescribed processing fee; and
(b) such d o c u m e n t a t i o n and information as may be reasonably required by the
licensing authority. 30
(3) A person w h o requires a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence for a waste m a n a g e m e n t
activity which involves the treatment of waste by incineration must submit, together
with any d o c u m e n t a t i o n or information contemplated in subsection (2). information
on—
(a) the types of waste lhat will be incinerated; 35
(b) the existence of any incinerators in the jurisdiction of the licensing authority
which are authorised to incinerate waste which is substantially similar to that
w a s t e ; and
(c) alternative environmentally sound m e t h o d s , if any, thai could be used to treat
that waste. 40
A p p o i n t m e n t of p e r s o n s to m a n a g e w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licence a p p l i c a t i o n s
4 6 . (1) T h e licensing authority may by written notice to an applicant require that

applicant, or by notice in the Gazette require applicants, at o w n cost, to appoint an
independent and suitably qualified person to m a n a g e an application.
(2) If an applicant is required to appoint an independent person, the applicant m u s t — 45
(a) take all reasonable steps to verify that the person to be a p p o i n t e d is
independent and has expertise in the m a n a g i n g of waste m a n a g e m e n t licence
applications; and
(b) provide the appointed person with access to all information at the disposal of
the applicant reasonably required for the application, w h e t h e r or not lhat 50
information is favourable to the applicant.

WASTE ACT. 2008
P r o c e d u r e for w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licence a p p l i c a t i o n s
47. (1) T h e licensing a u t h o r i t y —

(a) may, by written notice, require the applicant, at the applicant's cost, to obtain
and provide it within a specified period with any other information in addition
to the information contained in or submitted in connection with the 5
application;
(b) m a y conduct its o w n investigation on the likely effect of the wasle
m a n a g e m e n t activity on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t ;
(c) must invite written c o m m e n t s from any organ of stale that has an interest in
the matter; and 10
(d) must afford the applicant an opportunity to m a k e representations on any
adverse statements or objections to the application.
(2) An applicant must lake appropriate steps to bring the application lo ihe aitention
of relevant organs of stale, interested persons and the public.
(3) T h e sieps c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (2) must include the publication of a notice 15
in at least two n e w s p a p e r s circulating in the area in which the waste m a n a g e m e n t
activity applied for is to be carried out.
(4) T h e notice c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (3) m u s t —
(a) describe the nature and purpose of the waste m a n a g e m e n t licence applied for;
(b) give particulars of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity, including the place w h e r e 20
ii is or is to be carried out;
(c) stale where further information on the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity can be
obtained;
(d) stating a reasonable period within which written representations on, or
objections to. the application m a y be submitted, and the address or place 25
where representations or objections must be submitted; and
(c) contain such other particulars as the licensing authority may require.
F a c t o r s to be t a k e n into a c c o u n t by licensing authority
48. W h e n c o n s i d e r i n g an application for a wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence, the licensing

authority must take into account all relevant matters, i n c l u d i n g — 30
(a) the need for, and desirability of, the wasle m a n a g e m e n t activity and
alternatives considered, including similar waste m a n a g e m e n t activities, if any.
that have already been licensed;
(b) the pollulion caused or likely to be caused by the activity that is the subject of
the application, w h e t h e r alone or together with existing operations or 35
pollution and the effect or likely effect of that pollution on the e n v i r o n m e n t ,
including health, social conditions, e c o n o m i c conditions and cultural heritage;
(c) the best practicable e n v i r o n m e n t a l o p t i o n s available and alternatives that
could be t a k e n —
(i) lo prevent, control, abate or mitigate pollution; and 40
(ii) to protect the e n v i r o n m e n t , including health, social conditions, e c o n o m i c
conditions and cultural heritage from harm as a result of the u n d e r t a k i n g
of the wasle m a n a g e m e n t activity;
(d) any increased health and e n v i r o n m e n t a l risks that may arise as a result of the
location where the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity will be undertaken; 45
(e) any reasons for a decision m a d e in terms of regulations issued under section
2 4 of the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act;
(f) w h e t h e r the applicant is a fit and proper person as c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 5 9 ;
(g) the applicant's s u b m i s s i o n s ;
(h) any s u b m i s s i o n s received from organs of state, interested persons and the 50
public; and
(i) any guidelines the licensing authority may wish to issue relevant to the
application.

WASTE ACT. 2008
D e c i s i o n of licensing authorities o n w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licence a p p l i c a t i o n s
49. (1) T h e licensing authority may in respect of an application for a w a s t e

management licence—
(a) grant the application;
(bj refuse the application; or
(c) reject the application where it does not comply with the requirements of this Act.
(2) A decision to grant a application for a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence in respect of a
waste disposal facility is subject to the c o n c u r r e n c e of the Minister of Water Affairs and
Forestry.
(3) Any decision by a licensing authority to grant an application for a waste
m a n a g e m e n t licence must be consistent w i t h —
(a) this Act. including any integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plans prepared in t e r m s
of this Act;
(b) any applicable national e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t policies and, w h e r e the
M E C is the licensing authority, any applicable provincial e n v i r o n m e n t a l
m a n a g e m e n t policies;
(c) the national e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t principles set out in section 2 of the
National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act;
(d) any applicable industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan;
(e) the objectives of any applicable waste m a n a g e m e n t plan; and
(/) any standards or r e q u i r e m e n t s lhat have been set in terms of this Act or the
waste m a n a g e m e n t licence.
(4) After a licensing authority has reached a decision in respect of an application for
a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence, it must within 20 d a y s —
(a) notify the applicant of the decision and give written reasons for the d e c i s i o n :
(/;) if the decision is to grant the application, issue a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence;
and
(c) in a m a n n e r d e t e r m i n e d by the licensing authority, instruct the applicant to
notify any persons w h o have objected to the application of the decision and
the reasons for the decision.
(5) An application which is substantially similar to a p r e v i o u s application that has
been refused in terms of subsection (\)(b) may only be resubmitted if—
(a) the new application contains new and material information not previously
submitted to the licensing authority; or
(b) a period of three years has elapsed since the application w a s lodged.
(6) An application which is rejected in terms of subsection (1 )(c) may be a m e n d e d and
resubmitted to the licensing authority for reconsideration.
Issuing of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
5 0 . (1)
A waste m a n a g e m e n t licence is subject to such conditions and r e q u i r e m e n t s —
(a)
as specified in terms of section 5 1 ;
(b)
as the licensing authority may determine and specify in the licence; and
(c)
as the Minister or M E C has prescribed for the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity in
question.
(2) The licensing authority may issue a single waste m a n a g e m e n t licence w h e r e the
applicant has applied to undertake more than one waste m a n a g e m e n t activity at the s a m e
location.
(3) The issuing of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence for a waste disposal facility is subject
to the inclusion in the licence of any conditions contained in a Record of Decision issued
by the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry regarding any m e a s u r e s that the Minister
of Water Affairs and Forestry considers necessary to protect a water resource as defined
in the National Water Act, 1998 (Act N o . 36 of 1998).
C o n t e n t s of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
5 1 . (1) A waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must s p e c i f y —

(a) the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity in respect of which it is issued;
(b) the p r e m i s e s or area of operation w h e r e the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity may
take place;
(c) the person to w h o m it is issued;
(d) the period from which the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity may c o m m e n c e :

WASTE ACT, 2008
(e) ihe period for which the licence is issued and period within which any renewal
of the licence must be applied for;
(f) the n a m e of Ihe licensing authority;
(g) the periods at which the licence may be r e v i e w e d , if applicable;
(Ii) the a m o u n t and type of waste that may be generated, handled, p r o c e s s e d , 5
stored, reduced, re-used, recycled, recovered or d i s p o s e d of;
(i) if applicable, the conditions in terms of which salvaging of waste may be
undertaken;
(j) any other operating r e q u i r e m e n t s relating to ihe m a n a g e m e n t o f l h e w a s t e ; and
(k) monitoring, auditing and reporting requirements. 10
(2) A waste m a n a g e m e n t licence m a y —
(a) specify conditions in respect of the reduction, re-use. recycling and recovery
of wasle:
(b) specify conditions for the d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g of a waste disposal facility or
cessation of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity; 15
(c) require the holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence to establish c o m m i t t e e s for
the participation of interested and affected parlies;
(d) provide that the licence is subject lo ihe holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence
providing an e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t plan, c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 11 of
the National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act, to the satisfaction of the 20
licensing authority;
(e) require the holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence to u n d e r t a k e remediation
work;
(/) specify the financial a r r a n g e m e n t s that the holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t
licence must m a k e for the undertaking of remediation work during the 25
operation of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity or on d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g of the
waste m a n a g e m e n t activity;
(g) require the holder of the wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence to c o m p l y with all lawful
requirements of an e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t inspector carrying out his or
her duties in terms o f l h e National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act, including 30
a requirement that the licence holder must, on request, submit to the inspector
a certified statement indicating—
(i) the extent to which the conditions and r e q u i r e m e n t s of the licence have
or have not been complied with;
(ii) particulars of any failure to c o m p l y with any of those conditions or 35
requirements;
(iii) (he reasons for any failure to c o m p l y with any of those conditions or
r e q u i r e m e n t s ; and
(iv) any action taken, or to be taken, to prevent any recurrence of that failure
or to mitigate the effects of that failure; and 40
(//) include any other mailers which are necessary for the protection of the
environment.
Transfer of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
5 2 . ( I ) If o w n e r s h i p of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t activity for which a waste m a n a g e m e n t

licence was issued is transferred, the holder may. with the p e r m i s s i o n of a licensing 45
authority, transfer the licence to the new o w n e r of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity.
(2) A person applying for permission to transfer a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must
lodge the application with the licensing authority.
(3) The application must be in the form required by the licensing authority.
(4) An application for the transfer of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must be 50
accompanied b y —
(a) the prescribed processing fee: and
(b) such d o c u m e n t a t i o n and information as may be reasonably required by the
licensing authority.
(5) If the e n v i r o n m e n t or the rights or interests of other parties are likely to be 55
adversely affected, the Minister or M E C must, before d e c i d i n g the application for
transfer, request the applicant to conduct a consultation process that m a y be appropriate
in the c i r c u m s t a n c e s lo bring the application for the transfer of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t
licence lo the attention of relevant o r g a n s of state, interested persons and the public.
(6) W h e n considering an application for the transfer of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence, 60
the licensing authority may request any additional information, and must take into

WASTE ACT. 2008
account all relevant matters, including whether the person to w h o m the licence is to be
transferred is a lit and proper person as c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 59.
(7) If the licensing authority's decision is to grant permission for the transfer of the
waste m a n a g e m e n t licence, the licensing a u t h o r i t y —
(a) must issue an a m e n d e d licence w h i c h reflects the details of the person to
w h o m the licence is being transferred; and
(b) may make such a m e n d m e n t s to the licence as are necessary to ensure that the
purpose of any financial a r r a n g e m e n t s lhat are required in lhat licence are
given effect lo.
(8) T h e transfer of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence d o e s not relieve the holder of the
licence from w h o m the licence was transferred of any liability that the licence holder
may have incurred whilst he or she was the holder of that licence.
R e v i e w of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
5 3 . (1) A licensing authority must review a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence at intervals

specified in the licence, or when c i r c u m s t a n c e s d e m a n d that a review is necessary.
(2) T h e licensing authority must inform the holder of the waste m a n a g e m e n t licence,
in writing, of any proposed review and the reason for such review if the r e v i e w is
undertaken at another interval lhan is provided for in a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence.
(3) For p u r p o s e s of the review, a waste m a n a g e m e n t officer may require the holder of
the waste m a n a g e m e n t licence to c o m p i l e and submit a waste impact report
contemplated in section 66.
Variation of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
5 4 . (1) A licensing authority may, by written notice to ihe holder of a waste

m a n a g e m e n t licence, vary the l i c e n c e —
(a) if it is necessary or desirable to prevent pollution;
(bj if it is necessary or desirable for the purposes of achieving waste m a n a g e m e n t
standards or m i n i m u m r e q u i r e m e n t s ;
(c) if it is necessary or desirable lo a c c o m m o d a t e d e m a n d s brought about by
impacts on s o c i o - e c o n o m i c c i r c u m s t a n c e s and it is in the public interest to
meet those d e m a n d s ;
(d) to m a k e a non-substanlive a m e n d m e n t ;
(e) at the written request of the holder of the waste m a n a g e m e n t licence: or
(/) if it is reviewed in terms of section 5 3 .
(2) The variation of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence includes —
(a) the attaching of an additional condition or requirement to the waste
m a n a g e m e n t licence;
(b) the substitution of a condition or r e q u i r e m e n t ;
(c) the removal of a condition or requirement; or
(d) the a m e n d m e n t of a condition or r e q u i r e m e n t .
(3) If a licensing authority receives a request from the holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t
licence in terms of subsection (\)(e), the licensing authority must require the licence
holder to lake appropriate steps to bring the request to the attention of relevant o r g a n s of
state, interested persons and the public if the variation of the licence is lo authorise an
increase in the e n v i r o n m e n t a l impact regulated by the waste m a n a g e m e n t licence.
(4) Steps in terms of subsection (3) must include the publication of a notice in at least
two n e w s p a p e r s circulating in the area in which the w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activity
authorised by the waste m a n a g e m e n t licence is or is to be carried out.
(5) T h e notice contemplated in subsection (4) m u s t —
(a) describe the nature and p u r p o s e of the request;
(bj give particulars of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity, including the place w h e r e
it is. or is to be. carried out;
(c) state a reasonable period within which written representations on, or
objections lo. the requesl may be submitted, and the address or place w h e r e
representations or objections must be submitted; and
(d) contain such other particulars as the licensing authority may require.
(6) Sections 4 7 . 4 8 and 4 9 apply with the c h a n g e s required by the context to the
variation of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence.

WASTE ACT. 2008
R e n e w a l of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
55. (1) A waste m a n a g e m e n t licence may. on application by the holder of the licence,
be renewed by a licensing authority.
(2) The holder of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence must, before the expiry date of the
licence and within the period specified in the licence, apply for the renewal of the licence
to the licensing authority o f l h e area in which the activity is carried out by lodging an
application with the licensing authority in the form required by the licensing authority.
(3) An application for the renewal of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must be
accompanied by—
(a) (he prescribed processing fee; and
(b) such d o c u m e n t a t i o n and information as may reasonably be required by the
licensing authority.
(4) If the e n v i r o n m e n t or the rights or interests of other parlies are likely lo be
adversely affected, the licensing authority must, before deciding the application, request
the applicant to conduct a consultation process that may be a p p r o p r i a t e in the
circumstances to bring the application for the renewal of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence to
the attention of relevant organs of state, interested persons and the public.
(5) Sections 4 7 , 4 8 , 4 9 and 51 apply wilh the c h a n g e s required by the context to an
application for the renewal of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence.
(6) If the holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence d o e s not apply for r e n e w a l of that
licence, the licence holder r e m a i n s liable for taking all m e a s u r e s thai are necessary to
ensure that the cessation o f l h e activity that was authorised by the licence is d o n e in a
manner that does not result in harm to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t .
R e v o c a t i o n and s u s p e n s i o n of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
56. ( I ) T h e licensing authority may, by written notice to the holder of a waste

m a n a g e m e n t licence, r e v o k e or suspend that licence if the licensing authority is of the
opinion that the licence holder has contravened a provision of ihis Act or a condition of
the licence and such contravention may have, or is having, a significant effect on health
or the e n v i r o n m e n t .
(2) T h e licensing authority may not revoke or suspend a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence
before it h a s —
(a) consulted relevant organs of state;
(b) afforded the holder of the wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence an opportunity to m a k e
a submission in respect of the intended revocation or s u s p e n s i o n ; and
(c) in the event that the holder has m a d e a submission c o n t e m p l a t e d in p a r a g r a p h
(b), the licensing authority has considered that s u b m i s s i o n .
(3) Despite subsection (2). if urgent action is necessary for the prolection of the
environment, the licensing authority may immediately issue a notice of revocation or
suspension and. as soon thereafter as is possible, consult with relevant organs of slate and
give the holder of the wasle m a n a g e m e n t licence an opportunity to m a k e a s u b m i s s i o n .
S u r r e n d e r of w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licences
57. (1) A holder of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence may surrender that licence with the
permission of the licensing authority.
(2) In considering a request lo surrender a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence, the licensing
authority m a y —
(a) requesl such information as il requires to consider the request; and
(b) require the licence holder to take such steps as it considers necessary for the
prolection of the e n v i r o n m e n t before accepting that surrender of the licence.
(3) The surrender of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence does not relieve the holder of the
licence of any liabilily lhal the licence holder may have incurred whilst he or she w a s the
holder of lhat licence.
W a s t e m a n a g e m e n t control officers
5 8 . (1) A wasle m a n a g e m e n t officer may require the holder of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t

licence to designate a waste m a n a g e m e n t control officer, having regard to the si/.e and
nature of Ihe waste m a n a g e m e n t activity for which the licence was granted.
(2) A waste m a n a g e m e n t control officer m u s t —
68 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 10 MARCfl 2009
Act No. 59, 200N NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT. 2008
(a) work t o w a r d s the d e v e l o p m e n t and introduction of clean production

t e c h n o l o g i e s and practices lo achieve waste m i n i m i s a t i o n ;
(b) identify and submit potential m e a s u r e s in respect of waste m i n i m i s a t i o n ,
including the reduction, recovery, re-use and recycling of wasle lo the wasle
m a n a g e m e n t licence holder and the licensing authority;
(c) take all reasonable steps lo ensure c o m p l i a n c e by the holder of the w a s l e
m a n a g e m e n t licence wilh ihe licence conditions and r e q u i r e m e n t s and the
provisions of this Act; and
(d) p r o m p t l y report any n o n - c o m p l i a n c e wilh any licence conditions or require
m e n t s or provisions of this Act to the licensing authority through the most
effective m e a n s reasonably available.
(3) This section does not affect the liability of the holder of a wasle m a n a g e m e n t
licence or ihe liabilily of thai licence holder lo c o m p l y wilh the c o n d i t i o n s and
r e q u i r e m e n t s of the licence.
Criteria for fit a n d p r o p e r p e r s o n s
5 9 . In order to d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r a person is a tit and proper person for the p u r p o s e s

of an application in terms of this Chapter, a licensing authority must take into account all
relevant facts, including w h e t h e r —
(a) thai person has contravened or failed to c o m p l y with this Act. the
E n v i r o n m e n t Conservation Act, the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act
or any other legislation applicable to waste m a n a g e m e n t ;
(b) thai person has held a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence or other authorisalion that
has been s u s p e n d e d or revoked or that person has not complied wilh a material
condition of such waste m a n a g e m e n t licence or authorisation:
(c) that person is or has been a director or senior m a n a g e r of a c o m p a n y , firm or
entity to w h o m paragraph (a) or (b) applies;
(d) that person has ihe ability to comply with this Act and any conditions subject
to which the application may be granted: and
(e) the m a n a g e m e n t of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity that is the subject of the
application will be in the hands of a technically c o m p e t e n t person.
CHAPTER 6
WASTE INFORMATION
E s t a b l i s h m e n t of national w a s t e i n f o r m a t i o n s y s t e m s
6 0 . (1) T h e Minister must establish a national waste information system for the
recording, collection, m a n a g e m e n t and analysis of data and information that must
include—
(a) data on the quantity and type or classification of waste g e n e r a t e d , stored,
transported, treated, transformed, reduced, re-used, recycled, recovered and
d i s p o s e d of; and
(b) a register of—
(i) waste m a n a g e m e n t activities thai have been licensed;
(ii) the holders of waste m a n a g e m e n t licences authorised to c o m m e n c e the
waste m a n a g e m e n t activities recorded in terms of s u b p a r a g r a p h (i); and
(iii) the locations where the licensed waste m a n a g e m e n t activities are or may
be c o n d u c t e d .
(2) The waste information system may include information o n —
(a) the levels and extent of wasle m a n a g e m e n t services provided by municipali
ties:
(b) information on c o m p l i a n c e with this Act: and
fc) any other information that is necessary for the p u r p o s e s of effective
administration of this Act.
(3) T h e national waste information system may be i m p l e m e n t e d incrementally.

WASTE ACT. 2008
O b j e c t i v e s of national w a s t e i n f o r m a t i o n s y s t e m
6 1 . The objective of the national waste information system is to —

(a) store, verify, analyse, evaluate and p r o v i d e data and information for the
protection of the e n v i r o n m e n t and m a n a g e m e n t of waste;
(b) provide information for the d e v e l o p m e n t and implementation of any 5
integrated waste m a n a g e m e n t plan required in terms of this Act; and
(c) provide information to organs of state and the public —
(i) for education, a w a r e n e s s raising, research and d e v e l o p m e n t p u r p o s e s ;
(ii) for planning, including the prioritisation of regulatory, w a s t e
minimisation and other initiatives; 10
(iii) for obligations to report in terms of any legislation;
(iv) for public safety m a n a g e m e n t ;
(v) on the status of the generation, collection, reduction, re-use, recycling
and recovery, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste; and
(vi) the impact of waste on health and the e n v i r o n m e n t . 15
E s t a b l i s h m e n t of provincial w a s t e i n f o r m a t i o n s y s t e m
6 2 . (1) T h e M E C may establish a provincial waste information system.

(2) A provincial wasle information system must at least include the information
required by the national information system.
(3) T h e Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, and for the p u r p o s e s of ensuring 20
efficient administration, e x e m p t a category of persons w h o must furnish information lo
the provincial waste information system established in terms of subsection (1) from
furnishing that information to the national waste information system established in
terms of section 6 0 .
(4) If the Minister exercises a p o w e r u n d e r subsection (3), the M E C is responsible for 25
furnishing lhat information to the Minister, unless otherwise directed by the Minister by
notice in the Gazette.
Provision o f i n f o r m a t i o n
6 3 . (1) T h e Minister may. by notice in the Gazette or in writing, require any p e r s o n to

provide, within a reasonable lime or on a regular basis, any dala, information, 30
d o c u m e n t s , s a m p l e s or materials to the Minister that are reasonably required for the
purposes of the national waste information system established in t e r m s of section 6 0 or
the m a n a g e m e n t of waste.
(2) The M E C may, by notice in the Gazette or in writing, require any person or organ
of state lo provide, within a reasonable time or on a regular basis, any data, information. 35
d o c u m e n t s , samples or materials to the M E C that are reasonably required for the
purposes of a provincial waste information system established in terms of section 6 2 or
the m a n a g e m e n t of waste in the province.
(3) A notice under subsection ( I ) or (2) m a y also indicate the m a n n e r in which the
information must be furnished and, if required, how the information must be verified. 40
(4) W h e r e the Minister or M E C requires a municipality to furnish data, information,
d o c u m e n t s , s a m p l e s or materials in t e r m s of subsection (1) or (2), the municipality
concerned may, by notice in the Gazette or in writing, require any person or organ of
stale to provide, within a reasonable time or on a regular basis, such data, information,
d o c u m e n t s , samples or materials, and the verification of such information, to the 45
municipality that are reasonably required to discharge its obligations in terms of
subsection (1) or (2).
A c c e s s to i n f o r m a t i o n
6 4 . Information contained in the national waste information system or a provincial

wasle information system established in terms of section 6 0 or 6 2 . as the case may be, 50
must be m a d e available by (he Minister or M E C , subject to the P r o m o t i o n of A c c e s s to
Information Act. 2 0 0 0 (Act N o . 2 of 2 0 0 0 ) .

WASTE ACT, 2008
CHAPTER 7
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
C o m p l i a n c e p o w e r s of M i n i s t e r of W a t e r Affairs a n d Forestry
6 5 . ( I ) Despite the p o w e r s conferred on the Minister or M E C by or under this Act. the

Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry may exercise any p o w e r s conferred on him or her 5
by section 19, 5 3 and 155 or the National Water Act, 1998 (Act N o . 3 6 of 1998). in
respect of a person w h o contravenes or fails to c o m p l y with any condition of a w a s t e
m a n a g e m e n t licence, a remediation order or m e a s u r e s specified in terms of section 3 8 ( 3 )
that may lead to an impact on a water resource.
(2) The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry must exercise the p o w e r s c o n t e m p l a t e d 10
in subsection (1) after consultation with the Minister or M E C .
Waste i m p a c t reports
66. ( I ) An environmental m a n a g e m e n t inspector appointed in terms of the National

Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act may, in writing, require any person to submit a w a s t e
impact report in a specified form and within a specified period to the e n v i r o n m e n t a l 15
m a n a g e m e n t inspector if the environmental m a n a g e m e n t inspector on r e a s o n a b l e
g r o u n d s suspects that such person has on one or more o c c a s i o n s c o n t r a v e n e d or failed lo
c o m p l y with this Act or any conditions of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence or e x e m p t i o n and
lhat the contravention or failure has had or is likely to have a detrimental effect on health
or the e n v i r o n m e n t , including social conditions, e c o n o m i c c o n d i t i o n s , ecological 20
conditions or cultural heritage, or has contributed to the degradation of the e n v i r o n m e n t .
(2) A waste m a n a g e m e n t officer may, in writing, require any person to submit a waste
impact report in a specified form and within a specified period to the wasle m a n a g e m e n t
officer if a review of a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence is undertaken in terms of section 5 3 .
(3) An e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t inspector or waste m a n a g e m e n t officer must 25
stipulate the d o c u m e n t a t i o n and information that should be included in a report
submitted in terms of subsection (1) or (2).
(4) Before m a k i n g a request in terms of subsection (1) an e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t
inspector must afford the person to w h o m the request is to be m a d e an opportunity to
show cause why a waste impact report should not be required. 30
(5) A waste m a n a g e m e n t officer may indicate that a waste impact report lo be
submitted in terms of subsection (1) or (2) must be c o m p i l e d by an independent person.
(6) T h e costs incurred in c o m p i l i n g a waste impact report, including any costs of an
independent person, are the liability of the person required to submit the report.
(7) If the person w h o is required lo submit a wasle impact report in t e r m s of 35
subsection (1) or (2) fails to submit the report within the specified period, ihe w a s t e
m a n a g e m e n t officer m a y —
(a) appoint an independent person to compile the report; and
(b) recover the cost of c o m p i l i n g the report from the person required to submit the
report. 40
Offences
67. (1) A person c o m m i t s an offence if that p e r s o n —

(a) contravenes or fails to comply with a provision of section 15. \6(\)(c).(d),(e)
or (/), 20. 26(1). or any order under section 38(2) or (3) or a notice u n d e r
section 17(2) or 18(1); 45
(b) contravenes or fails to c o m p l y with a provision of section 2 1 . 22( 1), 24, 2 7 ( 2 ) ,
36(5) o r 4 0 ( 1);

WASTE ACT. 2008
(c) fails lo submit or to prepare an industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plan when

required to d o so in terms of section 2 8 :
(d) contravenes or fails to comply with an industry w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t plan;
(e) c o n t r a v e n e s or fails to comply with a wasle m a n a g e m e n t m e a s u r e specified in
terms of seclion 14(4) or 33( 1); 5
(f) contravenes or fails to comply with a norm or standard established in terms of
this Act;
(g) fails to c o n d u c t a site assessment or to submit a site assessment report in terms
of section 37(1):
(Ii) c o n t r a v e n e s or fails to c o m p l y with a condition or r e q u i r e m e n t of a waste 10
m a n a g e m e n t licence or an integrated licence c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 4 4 ;
(i) fails to submit a waste impact report required in terms of section 66( 1) or (2);
(j) contravenes or fails to comply with a condition subject to which e x e m p t i o n
from a provision of this Act w a s granted in terms of section 7(•>(?)(c);
(k) k n o w i n g l y supplies false or misleading information in any application m a d e 15
in terms of this Act:
(I) k n o w i n g l y supplies false or misleading information to a waste m a n a g e m e n t
officer or e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t inspector for the p u r p o s e of this Act;
(/;;) fails to provide the information c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 2 9 ( 5 ) or 63(4).
(2) A person w h o is in control of a vehicle, or in a position to control the use of a 20
vehicle, that is used to transport waste for the purpose of offloading that waste, is guilty
of an offence if that p e r s o n —
(a) fails to take all reasonable steps lo prevent spillage of w a s t e or littering from
the vehicle;
(b) intentionally or negligently cause spillage or litlering from the vehicle: 25
(c) dispose of waste at a facility which is not authorised to accept such w a s t e ;
(d) fails to ensure that wasle is disposed of at a facility (hat is authorised to accept
such waste; or
(e) fails to c o m p l y with any duty set out in section 2 5 ( 4 ) .
Penalties 30
6 8 . ( I ) A person convicted of an offence referred to in seclion 67( I )(a), (g) or (Ii) is

liable to a fine not e x c e e d i n g R 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 or to i m p r i s o n m e n t for a period not e x c e e d i n g
10 years, or to boih such fine and such i m p r i s o n m e n t , in addition to any other penalty or
award that may be imposed or m a d e in terms of the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l
M a n a g e m e n t Act. 35
(2) A person convicted of an offence referred to in section 67(1 )(b), (c), (d), (e). (/),(/).
(j), (k) or (I) or section 67(2)(a). (b), (c), (d) or (e) is liable to a fine not e x c e e d i n g
R5 0 0 0 0 0 0 or to imprisonment for a period not e x c e e d i n g five y e a r s , or to both a fine
and such i m p r i s o n m e n t , in addition to any other penalty or award that m a y be i m p o s e d
or m a d e in terms of the National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act. 40
(3) Any person convicted of an offence referred to in section 67( 1 )(m) is liable lo a
fine or to i m p r i s o n m e n t for a period not e x c e e d i n g six m o n t h s or to both a fine and such
imprisonment.
(4) A person w h o is convicted of an offence in terms of this Act and w h o persists afler
conviction in the act or omission that constituted the offence c o m m i t s a c o n t i n u i n g 45
offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not e x c e e d i n g R1 0 0 0 or to i m p r i s o n m e n t for
a period not e x c e e d i n g 20 d a y s , or lo both such fine and such i m p r i s o n m e n t , in respect
of each day that person persists with thai act or omission.
(5) A fine c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) must be d e t e r m i n e d with due
consideration of— 50
(a) the severily of the offence in terms of its impact or potential impact on health,
well-being, safety and the e n v i r o n m e n t ; and
(b) the m o n e t a r y or other benefits that accrued to the convicted person through the
c o m m i s s i o n of the offence.
76 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT GAZKTTK. 10 MARCH 2009
WASTE ACT, 2008
CHAPTER 8
GENERAL MATTERS
Part 1
Regulations
Regulations by M i n i s t e r 5
6 9 . (1) T h e Minister may m a k e regulations r e g a r d i n g —

(a) the identification and categorisation of w a s t e ;
(b) the m a n n e r in which particular waste types must be dealt with and m a n a g e d ;
(c) the manner in which priority waste must be dealt with and m a n a g e d ;
(d) requirements for monitoring of c o m p l i a n c e with this Act or any licence issued 10
in terms of this Act;
(e) waste m a n a g e m e n t planning;
(j) the exercise of the duty of care;
(g) m e a s u r e s lhat are required for the e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y sound m a n a g e m e n t of
wasle; 15
(Ii) requirements in respect of waste m a n a g e m e n t activities;
(i) m e a s u r e s that must be taken in respect of the implementation of wasle
minimisation, including the separalion of waste at the point of generation and
setting of targets or percentage of p r o d u c t s that must be r e c o v e r e d under a
re-use, recycling, refundable deposit or take-back p r o g r a m m e ; 20
(j) the control of the import or export of w a s t e ;
(k) ihe obligation of producers of a specified product or class of producl lo carry
out a life cycle assessment in relation to the product, in such m a n n e r or in
a c c o r d a n c e with such standards or p r o c e d u r e s as may be specified;
(I) the requirements that must be c o m p l i e d with in respect of the design, 25
composition or production of a product or p a c k a g i n g , including r e q u i r e m e n t s
in respect of—
(i) the restriction of the c o m p o s i t i o n , v o l u m e or weighl of p a c k a g i n g ;
(ii) the reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of p a c k a g i n g ; and
(iii) the use of alternate materials that are less harmful to the e n v i r o n m e n t ; 30
(m) the utilisation of waste by way of recovery, re-use and recycling;
(n) the reduction of wasle b y —
(i) the adoption of certain manufacturing processes; and
(ii) the use of alternative materials or products;
(o) the financial a r r a n g e m e n t s of waste minimisation p r o g r a m m e s ; 35
(p) the institutional a r r a n g e m e n t s for the administration of waste minimisation
programmes:
(q) the control over waste m a n a g e m e n t facilities:
(r) labelling requirements in respect of waste m a n a g e m e n t ;
(s) the location, planning and design of waste m a n a g e m e n t activities; 40
(t) the registration of persons transporting w a s t e ;
(II) the m a n n e r in which a site a s s e s s m e n t in t e r m s of section 37 must be
conducted and the person w h o may c o n d u c t such a s s e s s m e n t s ;
(v) the contents of a site assessment report c o n t e m p l a t e d in section 37, including
persons w h o may undertake such site a s s e s s m e n t s ; 45
(w) the m a n n e r in which an application for a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence must be
m a d e , including the persons w h o may m a n a g e such applications;
(x) requirements in respect of the funding or insuring of a waste m a n a g e m e n t
activity;
(y) the nature, type, time period and format of data and information to be 50
submitted in terms of a waste information system established in t e r m s of this
Act:
(z) the procedure for the institution of a p p e a l s against decisions of officials in the
performance of their functions in terms of this Act;
(aa) the dissemination of information to the public; 55

WASTE ACT, 2008
(bb) incentives and disincentives to e n c o u r a g e a change in b e h a v i o u r t o w a r d s the

generation of waste and waste m a n a g e m e n t by ail sectors of society;
(cc) matters that must be regulated by a contract between a municipality and any
waste m a n a g e m e n t service provider;
(dd) any matter that m a y or must be prescribed in terms of this A c t ; and 5
(ee) any other administrative o r procedural matter that it is necessary for the p r o p e r
administration and implementation of this Act.
(2) A regulation under subsection (1 (j), (k),(l), ( « ) a n d (r) m a y only be m a d e after
consultation with the Minister of Trade and Industry.
(3) A regulation under subsection (\)(o) and (.x), and a regulation in respect of 10
financial incentives and disincentives m a d e under subsection (\)(bb), may only be m a d e
wilh the c o n c u r r e n c e of the Minister of F i n a n c e .
(4) A regulation under subsection (I )(cc) m a y only be m a d e after consultation with
the Minister for Provincial and Local G o v e r n m e n t .
(5) A regulation under subsection (\)(u), (v) and (w) may only be m a d e after 15
consultation wilh the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry.
(6) Any regulation which pertains to the treatment of waste by m e a n s of incineration
must be submitted to the National A s s e m b l y 3 0 days prior to publication.
R e g u l a t i o n s by M E C s
7 0 . (1) T h e M E C with the c o n c u r r e n c e of the Minister may m a k e regulations for the 20

province c o n c e r n e d in respect of any matter for which the M E C may or must m a k e
regulations in terms of this Act. including any matter referred to in section 69(])(b) to
(h), inclusive, (in), (/>), (q), (s) to (w), inclusive, and (y) to (dd), inclusive.
(2) A regulation in respect to a matter referred to in seclion 69(\)(cc) may only be
m a d e after consultation with the Minister for Provincial and Local G o v e r n m e n t . 25
(3) A regulation in respect of a matter referred to in terms of seclion 69( 1) (u), (v) and
(w) may only be m a d e after consultation with the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry.
General regulatory p o w e r s
7 1 . (1) Regulations m a d e under this Act m a y —

(a) restrict or prohibit any act. either absolutely or conditionally; 30
(b) a p p l y —
(i) generally to the Republic or a province, or only in a specified areas or
category of areas; or
(ii) generally to all persons or only to a specified category of persons;
(c) differentiate between different— 35
(i) areas or category of areas:
(ii) persons or categories of p e r s o n s ; or
(iii) types, classes or categories of waste;
(d) incorporate by reference any guideline, m i n i m u m r e q u i r e m e n t s , c o d e of
practice or any national or international standard relating lo waste m a n a g e - 40
ment.
(2) Regulations m a d e u n d e r this Act may provide that any person w h o c o n t r a v e n e s or
fails to c o m p l y with a provision thereof c o m m i t s an offence and is liable on conviction
to—
(a) i m p r i s o n m e n t for a period not exceeding 15 years: 45
(/;) an appropriate line; or
(c) both a line and i m p r i s o n m e n t .

WASTE ACT. 2008
(3) (a) Before publishing any regulation under this Act, or any a m e n d m e n t to the
regulations, the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must follow a consultative process
in a c c o r d a n c e with sections 7 2 and 7 3 .
(b) Paragraph (a) need not be complied with if the regulations are a m e n d e d in a
non-substantive manner. 5
Part 2
Consultative process
Consultation
7 2 . (1) Before exercising a p o w e r which, in terms of this Act, must be exercised in

a c c o r d a n c e with this section and section 7 3 , the Minister or M E C must follow such 10
consultative process as may be appropriate in the c i r c u m s t a n c e s .
(2) W h e n c o n d u c t i n g the consultations c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1), the Minisler
must—
(a) consult all Cabinel m e m b e r s w h o s e areas of responsibility will be affected by
the exercise of the p o w e r s ; 15
(b) in a c c o r d a n c e with the principles of co-operative g o v e r n a n c e as set out in
C h a p t e r 3 of the Constitution and subject to the I n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l Relations
F r a m e w o r k Act, 2 0 0 5 (Act N o . 13 of 2 0 0 5 ) , consult the M E C responsible for
waste m a n a g e m e n t in each province that will be affected by the exercise of the
p o w e r ; and 20
(c) c o n d u c t a public participation process in a c c o r d a n c e with section 7 3 .
(3) W h e n c o n d u c t i n g the consultations c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (1), the M E C
must—
(a) consult all m e m b e r s of the Executive Council w h o s e areas of responsibility
will be affected by the exercise of the p o w e r s ; 25
(/;) in a c c o r d a n c e with the principles of co-operative g o v e r n a n c e as set out in
C h a p t e r 3 of the Constitution and subject lo the I n t e r g o v e r n m e n t a l Relations
F r a m e w o r k Act, 2 0 0 5 (Act No. 13 of 2 0 0 5 ) . consult the Minister and all other
national organs of slate that will be affected by the exercise of the p o w e r ; and
(c) c o n d u c t a public participation process in a c c o r d a n c e with section 7 3 . 30
Public participation
7 3 . (1) Before exercising a p o w e r lhat. in terms of this Act. must be exercised in

a c c o r d a n c e which this section, the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must give
notice of the proposed exercise of the relevant p o w e r —
(a) in the Gazette; and 35
(b) in at least one n e w s p a p e r distributed nationally or, if the exercise of p o w e r
will only affect a specific area, in at least one n e w s p a p e r dislributed in that
area.
(2) The notice m u s t —
(a) invite m e m b e r s of the public to submit to the M i n i s t e r or M E C , as the case 40
may be, within no less lhan 30 days of publication of (he notice in the Gazette,
written representations on or objections to the p r o p o s e d exercise of p o w e r ;
and
(b) contain sufficient information to enable m e m b e r s of the public to submit
representations or objections. 45
(3) T h e Minister or M E C . as the case m a y he, may, in appropriate c i r c u m s t a n c e s ,
allow any interested person or c o m m u n i t y to present oral representations or objections
to the Minisler or M E C , or a person designated by the Minister or M E C .
(4) T h e Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must g i v e due consideration lo all
representations or objections received or presented before exercising the relevant power. 50

WASTE ACT, 2008
Part 3
Exemptions and appeals
A p p l i c a t i o n s for e x e m p t i o n
7 4 . (1) Any person may apply in writing for e x e m p t i o n from the application of a
provision of this Act to the Minister or, w h e r e the M E C is responsible for administering 5
the provision of the Act from which the person or organ of state requires e x e m p t i o n , to
the M E C .
(2) An application in terms of subsection (1) must be a c c o m p a n i e d b y —
(a) an explanation of the reasons for the application; and
(b) any applicable supporting d o c u m e n t s . 10
C o n s i d e r a t i o n of a p p l i c a t i o n s for e x e m p t i o n
7 5 . (1) The Minister or M E C , as the c a s e m a y be, may request an applicant
contemplated in section 74 to furnish additional information w h e r e such information is
necessary for the purposes of informing the Minister or M E C ' s decision.
(2) If the rights or interests of other parties are likely to be adversely affected by the 15
proposed e x e m p t i o n , the Minister or M E C , as the case may be, must, before d e c i d i n g the
application, request the applicant t o —
(a) bring the application to the attention of relevant organs of state, interested
persons and the public by c o n d u c t i n g a public participation p r o c e s s indicated
by the Minister or M E C : and 20
(b) to submit any c o m m e n t s received from the public following such p r o c e s s to
the Minister or M E C .
D e c i s i o n s o n a p p l i c a t i o n s for e x e m p t i o n
76. (1) T h e Minister or the M E C . as the case may be, m a y —

(a) grant an e x e m p t i o n from the application of a provision of this Act: or 25
(b) refuse to grant such e x e m p t i o n .
(2) Sections 48 and 49(2) to (6), inclusive, apply with the c h a n g e s required by Ihe
context to Ihe consideration of applications for e x e m p t i o n s .
(3) If an application is granted, the Minister or M E C must issue a written e x e m p t i o n
notice to the applicant s t a t i n g — 30
(a) the n a m e , address and telephone n u m b e r o f l h e person to w h o m the e x e m p t i o n
is granted;
(b) the provision of this Act from which e x e m p t i o n is granted;
(c) the conditions subject to which the e x e m p t i o n is granted, if (he e x e m p t i o n is
granted subject to conditions; and 35
(d) the period for which e x e m p t i o n is granted, if the e x e m p t i o n is granted for a
period.
(4) T h e Minister or the M E C , as the case may be, may by notice in the Gazette e x e m p t
an organ of state from a provision of this Act if—
(a) the provision, but for the definition of " p e r s o n " contained in section (1). 40
clearly should not apply lo an organ of slate;
(b) the e x e m p t i o n would not defeat the objects of this Act; and
(c) it is in the public interest to grant the e x e m p t i o n .
R e v i e w and transfer of e x e m p t i o n s
77. ( I ) The Minister or M E C m a y — 45

(a) from time lo time review any e x e m p t i o n granted in terms of section 7 6 ; and
(b) on good g r o u n d s suspend or w i t h d r a w such e x e m p t i o n or a m e n d the
e x e m p t i o n , or any part thereof.
(2) Before s u s p e n d i n g , w i t h d r a w i n g or a m e n d i n g an e x e m p t i o n , the Minister or M E C
must give the person to w h o m the e x e m p t i o n was granted an opportunity to c o m m e n t . 50
in writing, on the reasons for the suspension, withdrawal or a m e n d m e n t .
(3) If an e x e m p t i o n has been granted in respect of a waste m a n a g e m e n t activity, or
pari thereof, and o w n e r s h i p of thai wasle m a n a g e m e n t activity is transferred, the
e x e m p t i o n may, with the permission of the Minister or M E C . be transferred by the
holder of the e x e m p t i o n to the new o w n e r of the waste m a n a g e m e n t activity. 55
84 No. 32000 GOVERNMENT G A / E T T E . 10 MARCH 2009

WASTE ACT, 2008
(4) Section 52 applies with the c h a n g e s required by the context to the transfer of
exemptions.
Appeals
78. (1) An appeal under section 4 3 of the National E n v i r o n m e n t a l M a n a g e m e n t Act in

respect of a decision m a d e under a p o w e r delegated by the Minister or M E C in t e r m s of 5
this Act or another specific e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t Act where the Minister or M E C
is responsible for c o n s i d e r i n g the appeal, may be considered jointly with any other
appeal involving a related matter.
(2) W h e r e the Minister or M E C exercises his or her discretion to c o n s i d e r a p p e a l s
jointly under subsection ( I ) . the Minister or M E C may indicate the process that must be 10
followed to give effect to that decision.
CHAPTER 9
MISCELLANEOUS
D e l e g a t i o n and a s s i g n m e n t
7 9 . (1) T h e Minister or M E C , respectively, may delegate or assign to an official in 15

their respective d e p a r t m e n t s any p o w e r or duty conferred on the Minister or M E C . by or
under this Act, e x c e p t —
(a) the p o w e r conferred on the Minister or M E C , respectively, by section 7(2) or
(3), 8(1), 14, 18, 19, 2 8 , 69 or 7 0 ; or
(b) the duty imposed on the Minister by section 6 or 7(1). 20
(2) T h e Minister or M E C must regularly review and, if necessary, a m e n d or w i t h d r a w
a delegation or assignment under subsection (1).
(3) A delegation or assignment to an official under subsection ( I ) —
(a) is subject to such limitations and conditions as the Minister or M E C may
impose; 25
(bj may either be to a specific official or to the holder of a specific post in the
relevant d e p a r t m e n t ;
(cj may authorise that official lo subdelegate or further assign, in writing, the
p o w e r or duty to another official in the D e p a r t m e n t , or lo the holder of a
specific post in the D e p a r t m e n t ; 30
(d) does not prevent the exercise of that p o w e r or the p e r f o r m a n c e of that duty by
the Minister or M E C ; and
(e) does not divest the Minister or M E C of the responsibility c o n c e r n i n g the
exercise of the delegated p o w e r or the performance of (he a s s i g n e d duty.
(4) T h e Minister or M E C may confirm, vary or revoke any decision taken by an 35
official as a result of a delegation or subdelegalion under this section, subject to any
rights that may have b e c o m e vested as a c o n s e q u e n c e of that decision.
Repeal and a m e n d m e n t of l a w s , and s a v i n g s
80. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) and section 8 1 , the laws set out in S c h e d u l e
2 are hereby repealed or a m e n d e d to (he extent set out in the third c o l u m n thereof. 40
(2) Any regulation or direction m a d e in terms of a provision of the E n v i r o n m e n t
Conservation Act repealed by section (1) and in force immediately before the date of the
c o m i n g into effect of this Act, r e m a i n s in force and is considered to have been m a d e
under this Act until anything done under this Act overrides it.
(3) A n y t h i n g lawfully d o n e under a provision repealed by subsection (1) r e m a i n s 45
valid until anything done under this Act overrides it.
(4) A person operating a waste disposal facility that w a s established before the c o m i n g
into effect of the E n v i r o n m e n t Conservation Act and that is operational on the date of the
c o m i n g into effect of this Act may continue to operate the facility until such lime as the
Minister, by notice in the Gazette, calls upon that person to apply for a waste 50
m a n a g e m e n t licence.

WASTE ACT. 2008
(5) A n y criminal proceedings instituted under section 19, I9A or 20(1) of the
E n v i r o n m e n t Conservation Act that have not been finalised on the date of c o m i n g into
effect of this Act, must be finalised as if those sections had not been repealed.
Transitional p r o v i s i o n s in respect of p e r m i t s issued in t e r m s o f Environment

Conservation Act 5
8 1 . (1) Despite the repeal of section 2 0 of the E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Act by this

Act, a permit issued in terms of that section remains valid subject to s u b s e c t i o n s (2) and
(3).
(2) T h e holder of a permit issued in terms of section 20 of the E n v i r o n m e n t
Conservation Act must apply for a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence in terms of this Act, when 10
required lo d o so by the licensing authority, in writing, and within the period stipulated
by the licensing authority.
(3) A permit issued in terms of section 2 0 of the E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Act
lapses—
(a) if a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence is issued in t e r m s of this Act to the s a m e person 15
in respect of the s a m e waste m a n a g e m e n t activity;
(b) if the holder of the permit did not apply, within the stipulated period, for a
waste m a n a g e m e n t licence within the period c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (2);
or
(<•) if the licensing authority refuses an application c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection 20
(2).
(4) If a permit issued in terms of section 2 0 of the E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Act
lapses as c o n t e m p l a t e d in subsection (3)(b) or (c), the permit holder r e m a i n s liable for
taking all m e a s u r e s that are necessary to ensure that the cessation of the activity is d o n e
in a m a n n e r that does not result in harm to health or the e n v i r o n m e n t . 25
(5) During the period for which a permit issued in terms of section 20 of the
E n v i r o n m e n t Conservation Act continues to be valid, the provisions of this Act apply in
respect of the holder of such a permit, as if that person were the holder of a waste
m a n a g e m e n t licence issued in terms of this Act.
(6) Despite the repeal of section 20 of the E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n Act by this Act. 30
an application for a permit m a d e in terms of section 2 0 of the E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r v a t i o n
Act that w a s not decided when section 81 of this Act look effect, must be proceeded with
in terms of (his Act as if that application were an application for a waste m a n a g e m e n t
licence in terms of this Act.
Transitional p r o v i s i o n r e g a r d i n g listed w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activities 35
8 2 . A person w h o c o n d u c t s a waste m a n a g e m e n t activity listed in S c h e d u l e 1 on the

date of c o m i n g into effect of this Act, and w h o immediately before that date lawfully
conducted that waste m a n a g e m e n t activity under G o v e r n m e n t Notice N o . 91 of I
February 2 0 0 2 . may continue with the activity until such time lhat the Minister by notice
in the Gazette directs that person to apply for a w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licence under this 40
Act.
A c t r e g a r d e d as specific e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t A c t
8 3 . This Act must be regarded as a specific environmental m a n a g e m e n t Act for the

purposes of the definition of "specific e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t A c t " contained in
section I of the National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t Act. 45
S h o r t title and c o m m e n c e m e n t
8 4 . (1) This Act is called the National Environmental M a n a g e m e n t : Waste Act, 2 0 0 8 ,

and takes effect on a date d e t e r m i n e d by the Minisler by p r o c l a m a t i o n in the Gazette.
(2) Different dales may be so determined fordilferent provisions of this Act.
WASTE ACT. 2008
SCHEDULE 1
(Section 19)
W a s t e m a n a g e m e n t activities in respect of w h i c h a w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t licence is

required
CATEGORY A 5
The activities listed under Category A are equivalent to those that require a basic
assessment process as stipulated in the environmental impact assessment regulations
made under section 24(5) of the National Environmental Management Act. 1998 (Act
No. 107 of 1998)
S t o r a g e a n d transfer of w a s t e 10
1. T h e temporary storage of general waste at a facility, including a wasle transfer

facility and container yard, that has the capacity to receive in excess of 30 t o n n e s of
3
general wasle per day or that has a throughput capacity in excess of 2 0 m per day,
including the construction of a facility and associated structures and infrastructure for
such storage. 15
2 . T h e temporary storage of h a z a r d o u s waste at a facility, including a waste transfer
facility and container yard, that has the capacity to receive in excess of three tonnes of
h a z a r d o u s waste per day. including the construction of a facility and associated
structures and infrastructure for such storage.
R e c y c l i n g and recovery 20
3. T h e sorting and shredding of general w a s l e at a facility that has the capacity to

receive in excess of one ton of general waste per day, including the construction of a
facility and associated structures and infrastructure for such sorting or shredding.
4. T h e recovery of waste, excluding recovery thai lakes place as an integral part of an
internal manufacturing process, at a facility that has the capacity to receive in e x c e s s of 25
three tonnes of general waste or 100 kilograms of h a z a r d o u s waste per day. including the
construction of a facility and associated structures and infrastructure for such recovery.
T r e a t m e n t of w a s t e
5. The biological, physical or p h y s i c o c h e m i c a l treatment of general wasle or the

autoclaving, drying or m i c r o w a v i n g of general waste at a facility that has the capacity lo 30
receive in excess of 10 tonnes of general waste per day. including the construction of a
facility and associated structures and infrastructure for such treatment.
6. T h e biological or p h y s i c o c h e m i c a l treatment of h a z a r d o u s waste or the
autoclaving, drying or m i c r o w a v i n g of h a z a r d o u s waste, including the construction of a
facility and associated structures and infrastructure for such treatment. 35
7. T h e treatment of wasle in sludge lagoons.
Disposal of w a s t e o n land
8. The disposal of inert waste, excluding the disposal of less than 2 5 tonnes of inert
waste for the p u r p o s e s of levelling and building that has been authorised by or under
legislation, including the construction of a facility and associated structures and 40
infrastructure for such disposal.
2
9. T h e disposal of general waste to land c o v e r i n g an area of less than 100 m or
3
2 0 0 m air space, including the construction of a facility and associated structures and
infrastructure for such disposal.

WASTE ACT. 2008
S t o r a g e , t r e a t m e n t a n d p r o c e s s i n g of a n i m a l w a s t e
10. The storage, treatment or p r o c e s s i n g of animal m a n u r e , including the c o m p o s t i n g

of animal m a n u r e , at a facility that has a throughput capacity in excess of 10 t o n n e s per
month, including the construction of a facility and associated structures and infrastruc
ture for such storage, treatment or processing. 5
11. T h e processing of waste at hiogas installations with a capacity for receiving live
tonnes or more per day of animal waste, animal m a n u r e , abattoir waste or vegetable
waste, including the construction of a facility and associated structures and infrastruc
ture for such processing animal m a n u r e and abattoir wasle.
E x p a n s i o n or d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g of facilities a n d associated s t r u c t u r e s a n d infra- 10

structure
12. The expansion or d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g of facilities and associated structures and

infrastructure for activities listed in this Schedule.
CATEGORY B
The activities listed under Category B are equivalent to those that require an 15
environmental impact assessment process stipulated in the environmental impact
assessment regulations made under section 24(5) of the National Environmental
Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998)
T r e a t m e n t of w a s t e
1. T h e treatment of general waste by a method other than biological, physical or 20

p h y s i c o c h e m i c a l treatment at a facility with the capacity to receive in e x c e s s of 10
tonnes of general waste per day, including the construction of a facility and associated
structures and infrastructure for such treatment.
2. The treatment of h a z a r d o u s waste by a m e t h o d other than biological or
p h y s i c o c h e m i c a l treatment, including the construction of a facility and associated 25
structures and infrastructure for such treatment.
3. T h e incineration of waste, including the construction of a facility and associated
structures and infrastructure for the incineration of waste.
Disposal of w a s t e on land
4. T h e disposal of h a z a r d o u s waste to land, including the construction of a facility and 30

associated structures and infrastructure for such disposal.
5. The disposal of general waste to land c o v e r i n g an area of more than 100 n r or
200 i n ' of air space, including the construction of a facility and associated structures and
infraslructure for such disposal.

WASTE ACT, 2008
SCHEDULE 2
(Section 80)
L a w s repealed or a m e n d e d
N o . a n d y e a r of S h o r t title Extent of repeal or a m e n d m e n t

Law
Act N o . 7,3 of 1989 Environment Conser 1. T h e a m e n d m e n t of seclion 1 by the d e l e

vation Act, 1989 tion of the definitions of " d i s p o s a l s i t e " and
"waste". 10
2. T h e repeal of s e c t i o n s 19, 19A. 20, 2 4 .
2 4 A , 2 4 B and 2 4 C .
.3. T h e a m e n d m e n t of section 2 9 —
(a) by the substitution for s u b s e c t i o n (.3) of the
following s u b s e c t i o n :
"(3) Any person w h o [contravenes a
p r o v i s i o n of s e c t i o n 1 9 o r 1 9 A o r fails
to c o m p l y t h e r e w i t h , o r ] fails to c o m
ply wilh a direction in t e r m s of section
31 A( 1) or (2), or p r e v e n t s a n y p e r s o n
a u t h o r i z e d in t e r m s of section 4 1 A to
e n t e r u p o n such land o r h i n d e r s him or
her in the e x e c u t i o n of his or her p o w
e r s , shall be guilty of an offence and
liable on c o n v i c t i o n lo a line, or to i m
p r i s o n m e n t for a p e r i o d not e x c e e d i n g
three m o n t h s . " : and
(b) by the substitution for s u b s e c t i o n (4) of the
following subsection:
"(4) Any person w h o contravenes a
p r o v i s i o n of section | 2 0 ( 1 ) , 2 0 ( 9 ) , | 22( 1)
or 2 3 ( 2 ) [ o r a d i r e c t i o n i s s u e d u n d e r
r
s e c t i o n 20(8)1 ° fails t o c o m p l y with [a
c o n d i t i o n of a p e r m i t , p e r m i s s i o n o r |
an a u t h o r i z a t i o n [or d i r e c t i o n ] i s s u e d
[or g r a n t e d ) u n d e r the said p r o v i s i o n s
shall be guilty of an offence and liable
on c o n v i c t i o n to a fine not e x c e e d i n g
R 1 0 0 0 0 0 or to i m p r i s o n m e n t for a p e
riod not e x c e e d i n g 10 y e a r s or lo b o t h
such line a n d s u c h i m p r i s o n m e n t , a n d to
a line not e x c e e d i n g three t i m e s the
c o m m e r c i a l v a l u e of a n y t h i n g in respect
of w h i c h ihe offence w a s c o m m i t t e d . " .
Act N o . 7 9 of 1992 E n v i r o n m e n t C o n s e r T h e repeal of s e c t i o n s 8 and 9.

vation A m e n d m e n t
Act. 1992
Government Notice T h e repeal of the w h o l e .

No. 1986, 1 A u g u s t
1990
Government Notice T h e repeal of the w h o l e .

No. 292, 28 Febru
ary 200.3

Government Gazette: Republic of South Africa

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Government Gazette: Republic of South Africa

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Government Gazette

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Vol. 525 Cape Town 10 March 2009 No. 32000

No. 59 of 2008: National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008.

AIDS HELPLINE: 0800-123-22 Prevention is the cure

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

(English text signed by the President.)

W H E R E A S e v e r y o n e has the constitutional right to have an e n v i r o n m e n t that is not

A N D W H E R E A S waste m a n a g e m e n t practices in m a n y areas of the Republic are not

A N D W H E R E A S p o o r waste m a n a g e m e n t practices can have an adverse impact both

A N D W H E R E A S sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t requires that ihe generation of w a s t e is

A N D W H E R E A S the m i n i m i s a t i o n of pollution and the use of natural resources

A N D W H E R E A S waste under certain c i r c u m s t a n c e s is a resource and offers e c o n o m i c

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

A N D W H E R E A S wasie and m a n a g e m e n t practices relating to waste are matters t h a t —

B E IT T H E R E F O R E E N A C T E D by the Parliament of the R e p u b l i c of South

INTERPRETATION AND PRINCIPLES 5

NATIONAL WASTE M A N A G E M E N T STRATEGY, NORMS AND

National waste management strategy 15

6. Establishment of national waste m a n a g e m e n t strategy

9. Waste service standards

INSTITUTIONAL AND PLANNING MATTERS

10. Designation of waste m a n a g e m e n t officers 25

A d No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

WASTE ACT. 2008

WASTE MANAGEMENT MEASURES

14. Declaration of priority wastes

16. General duty in respect of waste m a n a g e m e n t

17. Reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery of waste

19. Listed waste m a n a g e m e n t activities

21. General requirements for storage of waste 20

26. Prohibition of unauthorised disposal

28 Preparation of industry waste m a n a g e m e n t plans by certain persons

35. Application of this Part 40

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

40. Transfer of remediation sites

LICENSING OF WASTE M A N A G E M E N T ACTIVITIES

43. Licensing authority

59. Criteria for fit and proper persons

60. Establishment of national waste information system

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

65. C o m p l i a n c e powers of Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry

69. Regulations by Minister

Ac( No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

74. Applications for e x e m p t i o n

79. Delegation and assignment

1. Waste m a n a g e m e n t activities in respect of which a waste m a n a g e m e n t licence

INTERPRETATION AND PRINCIPLES

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

characteristics of that waste, have a detrimental impact on health and the

Acl No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

" w a s t e m a n a g e m e n t officer" m e a n s a waste m a n a g e m e n t officer designated in

2. T h e objects of (his Act a r e —

4. (1) T h i s Act d o e s not apply t o — 40

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

(2) T h i s Act binds all organs of state.

NATIONAL WASTE M A N A G E M E N T STRATEGY, N O R M S A N D 10

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:

(7) Subsection (6) need not be complied with if the strategy is a m e n d e d in a

8. (1) T h e relevant M E C , within his or her jurisdiction, must ensure the

Act No. 59, 2008 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: