WASTE MANIFEST SYSTEM
APPLICABLE LEGISLATION:
Chapter 5 of GNR 634 in GG 36784 of 23 August 2013 (the Waste Information Regulations)
LEGAL OBLIGATIONS:
Record keeping, disclosure.
DISCUSSION
What responsibilities are imposed on a waste generator in terms of chapter 5 of the Waste Information Regulations?
Waste generators must keep accurate and up to date records of the management of the waste they generate, which records must reflect the following:
i. the classification of the wastes;
ii. the quantity of each waste generated, expressed in tons or cubic metres per month;
iii. the quantities of each waste that has either been re-used, recycled, recovered, treated or disposed of; and
iv. by whom the waste was managed.
Does the above mentioned record keeping requirement apply to generators of all types of waste?
No. Take note that the above mentioned record keeping requirement does not apply to generators of general waste, specifically the following:
• Domestic waste;
• Business waste not containing hazardous waste or hazardous chemicals;
• Non-infectious animal carcasses;
• Garden waste;
• Waste packaging
• Waste tyres;
• Building and demolition waste not containing hazardous waste or hazardous chemicals; and
• Excavated earth material not containing hazardous waste or hazardous chemicals.
To what types of waste does the waste manifest system apply?
Waste that has been classified as hazardous in terms of Regulation 4(2) or a waste that is listed in item (2)(b) of Annexure 1 to these Regulations.
What does the waste manifest system require?
- Every holder of such waste must be in possession of a waste manifest document containing the relevant information specified in Annexure 2 to these Regulations.
- Generators of such waste must complete a waste manifest document containing the information specified in item (2)(a) of Annexure 2 to these Regulations for each consignment of waste transported to a waste manager.
(Take note that the two above mentioned requirements do not apply to waste generators who are also the waste manager and manage the waste at the same premises where it was generated.) - Waste transporters must not accept such waste for transport, unless the waste manifest document accompanies the waste.
- All transporters of such waste must-
- Complete a waste manifest document containing the information specified in item (2)(b) of Annexure 2 to these Regulations for each consignment of waste transported
- Provide the information to the generator before the waste is transported from the premises of the generator; an
- Provide the information to the waste manager at the time of delivery of the waste to the facility for a waste management activity.
- Waste managers must not accept such waste unless the waste manifest document accompanies the waste.
- All managers of such waste must complete the waste manifest document with the information specified in item (2)(c) of Annexure 2 to these Regulations, confirming that the waste load has been accepted and that the waste has been managed.
For how long must these records be retained for?
All above mentioned records must be retained for five years.
