Clock ticks for industries to register with DEA

TIME is running out for companies in the paper and packaging, electrical and electronic equipment, and lighting industries to clean up their act.

Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, last week published a final notice to the industries to prepare and submit their waste management plans to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) for approval before 12 September.

The urgent call followed Molewa’s commitment during this year’s budget vote in parliament where she promised to approve and begin the implementation of the three prioritised Industry Waste Management Plans (IWMPs).

Both the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry and South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) on Wednesday raised the alarm on the looming deadline.

‘Please note the requirement for producers, including importers of any goods wrapped in primary or secondary packaging, to register with the DEA,’ stated SACCI.

‘In addition, the same companies must register with an industry waste management plan.

‘You are urged to read the Gazette section 28 notice and consider the impact that it may have on your operations.’

Molewa said the process ties in with the department’s national waste management strategy to promote waste minimisation, recycling and recovery of waste.

‘This initiative will contribute significantly towards diverting recyclable waste from landfill sites.’

Millions in mess
The Waste Information baseline study the DEA conducted in 2011, revealed that approximately 108 million tons of waste was generated, of which 97 million tons were disposed of at landfill sites. Only 10% of generated waste in South Africa was recycled that year.

‘The waste recycling economy is an exciting approach that will not only eliminate threats to environmental quality and its integrity, but also positively contribute to the growth and development of South Africa’s economy,’ said Molewa.

‘It is through this economic ingenuity that the DEA will also contribute to sustainable development and inclusive green economic growth by facilitating employment creation, infrastructure, skills development and strengthening small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the waste management sector.

‘The waste management industry has significant potential to grow the country’s economy and create much-needed jobs and work towards the realisation of the right to an environment that is not harmful to the health and well-being of the people.’

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