Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation and Regulation

An overarching act that governs all things waste management in South Africa. The Act regulates waste collection, transport, and disposal. It sets national standards for protecting the environment and human health, as underpinned by Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. It also outlines licensing requirements for recyclers. View the NEM: WA Act here.

This policy provides national guidelines for managing e-waste in South Africa. It emphasises extended producer responsibility (EPR) and using e-waste recycling as a catalyst for economic growth. View the Policy for WEEE Management here.

These regulations provide actionable measures for section 18 of the NEM: WA. They mandate EPR in South Africa and outline specific producer obligations in different industries. They also stipulate financing and reporting requirements for EPR schemes. EPR Regulations.

This government Notice outlines EPR obligations for producers of electrical and electronic equipment in South Africa. It identifies different classes of EEE and provides annual e-waste collection and recycling targets. View the EPR Regulations pertaining to the EEE sector.

This government Notice outlines EPR obligations for producers of lighting equipment in South Africa. It provides annual collection and recycling targets for eight different types of lighting waste. Download or read the Regulations for the Lighting sector.

This government Notice outlines EPR obligations for producers of paper and packaging in South Africa. It identifies different packaging classes that are eligible for EPR, including glass, metal, paper, and plastic, with collection and recycling targets for each. Paper and Packaging Products regulations.

This government Notice outlines EPR obligations for producers of portable batteries in South Africa. It identifies five types of portable batteries and provides industry-wide targets for collection and recycling. Portable Batteries sector regulations.

This government Notice outlines EPR obligations for producers of lubricant oils in South Africa. It provides collection targets and allows for two recycling outputs: industrial fuel and base oil. It also lists oil types that are exempt from EPR. Read the Lubricant Oils sector regulations.

This Notice outlines how to calculate extended producer responsibility fees under the NEM: WA. It suggests different approaches for producers and PROs and emphasizes the “polluter-pays” principle. View the Guideline and Toolkit for EPR fees here

Producers, recyclers, and the PROs that represent them must report on the quantities of waste generated versus collected to the South African Waste Information System (SAWIS). Read more about the reporting requirements for Producers, PROs and Recyclers under the EPR regulations.

The EPR Regulation (R.1184) requires that existing Producers register with DFFE within six months of the amended regulations published on 5 May 21. New businesses must register as producers within three months of establishment. Upon acceptance of your application, the Department will issue you a producer registration number. Find out how to register for EPR with the DFFE.

The South African Waste Information System (SAWIS) tracks the volume of waste being processed in South Africa. It also categorises waste into different classes and tracks these individually. Recyclers, treatment plants, landfill owners, and hazardous waste generators must report their activities to SAWIS every quarter. View the WIS Regulations here.

This Act regulates the second-hand goods market in South Africa to prevent the trade of stolen goods. It includes registration requirements for second-hand goods dealers and outlines their record-keeping obligations. Read the Second Hand Goods Act here.

These regulations outline national norms and standards for waste storage under the NEM: WA. They include requirements for design, construction, location, access control, and site inspections. Read more about the Waste Storage regulation here.

An addendum to the NEM: WA that outlines the types of waste management activities that require a license in South Africa. It includes guidelines for waste storage, disposal, and treatment facilities. The addendum is available here.

This flowchart provides a step-by-step guide for registering as a certified second hand goods dealer in South Africa. It helps you apply for your certification under the Second Hand Goods Act. Read or download the flowchart here.

This Notice provides guidelines for classifying waste under the NEM: WA. It includes detailed descriptions of different waste types and how to classify them. The Regulations also outline landfill restrictions and duties for waste transporters. See the Landfill restrictions in the linked document.

These Regulations place strict prohibitions on importing and exporting waste. They mandate the need for permits and special permissions when moving waste over international borders to prevent environmental pollution. Link to the import and export control regulation.