Consultation on the intention to implement at extended producer responsibility for specified waste sectors
Consultation on the intention to implement at extended producer responsibility for specified waste sectors
19 April 2022
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has initiated a consultation process linked to the requirement of specified sectors to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures.
The Notice related to three sectors, including pesticides, batteries and lubricant oils was published in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act in the Government Gazette on 30 March 2022.
The Notices were publishes as follows:
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the lubricant oil sector which includes technical and medicinal white oils, vegetable oils, greases, waxes, chainsaw cutter bar lubricants, pesticidal and fungicidal agricultural spray base oils, marine engine oils and petroleum jelly.
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the producers of pesticides, pesticide co-formula and related containers. This applies to products that result in waste arising from their used by consumers and an end user of pesticides, pesticide co-formulant and its related containers.
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the portable battery sector which includes alkaline/zinc carbon batteries, primary (single use) Lithium batteries, Nickel metal hybrid batteries, silver oxide batteries and zinc air batteries/air depolarised batteries.
All producers of the identified products must set up procedures, processes and resources to implement the measures at the post-consumer stage. These are linked to collection, storage and transportation of products, recycling, recovery and treatment.
The EPRs and target for each of the products or class of products listed will be reviewed every five years.
EPR Regulations give effect to Sections 18 of the Waste Act and are required in terms of the new approach to waste management in South Africa. These contribute significantly to the diversion of waste from landfill. This will make a significant contribution in the diversion of waste from landfilling, thereby increasing the recycling rate to achieve the objectives of the National Waste Management Strategy.
Extended Producer Responsibility is a means through which the manufacturers and importers of products are required to bear a significant degree of responsibility for the impact their products have on the environment, from manufacture to the day they are discarded. This ensures that products that can be recycled, or up-cycled, are and that waste products diverted to landfill is kept at a minimum, fulfilling the Waste Management Strategy 2020’s goal of creating a Circular Economy.
Members of the public are invited to submit written representations or objections to the proposed amendments by 30 April 2022 to the following addresses:
By post to: The Director -General: Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
Attention: Mr Jeremia Sibande
Director: Waste and Chemicals Policy and Information Management
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Ground Floor (Reception), Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, 0083
By email: jsibande@dffe.gov.za
Please note that anyone entering the Department's building will be subjected to COVID 19 procedures. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic delivering comments by hand at the Department is being discouraged
Any enquiries in connection with the draft Notice can be directed to Ms Funani Ditinti at fditinti@dffe.gov.za or 066 081 2577 or Mr Jeremia Sibane at jsibande@dffe.gov.za or Tel: 012 399 9832, alternatively through Cell: 067 417 3844.
Comments received after the closing date may not be considered
To link to the notices click on:
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the lubricant oil sector published in Government Gazette 46134 (Notice No. 1943)
g46134gon1944.pdf
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the producers of pesticides, pesticide co-formula and related containers published in Gazette Number 46136 (Notice No. 1944)
g46136gon1944.pdf
Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for the portable battery sector published in Government Gazette 46137 (Notice No. 1945)
g46137gon1945.pdf
For media inquiries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871