DIRECTIONS REGARDING MEASURES TO ADDRESS, PREVENT AND COMBAT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN RELATION TO RECYCLING OF WASTE
Notice Title: Directions regarding measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in relation to recycling of waste
Government Gazette Notice: GN 539 in GG 43325 of 14 May 2020
Commencing date: 14 May 2020
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued Directions, in terms of regulation 4(10) of the Regulations issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 (“the Regulations”). These Directions provide for measures to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in relation to recycling of waste as contained in the Schedule in the Government Notice. For a copy of the Government Notice click here. These Directions became effective on 14 May 2020 and will apply for the period of Alert Level 4.
The purpose of the Directions is to –
(a) curtail the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to alleviate, contain and minimise the effects of the national state of disaster;
(b) ensure fair processes, and related procedures during Alert Level 4 for the recycling of glass, paper, plastic, metal and tyres and other waste streams as contemplated in Annexure 3 and 4 of the Waste Information Regulations;
(c) provide direction in respect of the protection of health, well -being and the environment when carrying out of activities by the recycling sector in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, through the provision of reasonable measures for re- using, recycling and recovering of waste in respect of services that have been permitted under Alert Level 4 as contained in the Regulations; and
(d) enable separation of waste at source by encouraging households and other establishments that generate municipal solid waste to separate recyclables from residual waste before disposal.
These Directions apply to formal recycling establishments of glass, paper, plastic, metal, tyres and other waste streams as contemplated in Annexure 3 and 4 of the Waste Information Regulations, 2012 (GN 625 of 13 August 2012), and informal recyclers and informal waste pickers.
A municipality may issue permits under Regulations 16(2)(b) and 28(4) of the Regulations relating to informal recyclers and waste pickers, and must maintain a list of persons to whom permits were issued, including their names, gender, and identification or passport number, where available.
For more information or assistance please contact Minnette Le Roux at minnette@shangoni.co.za
