WASTE MANAGEMENT
Scare for industry as levy mooted
The Department of Environmental Affairs says waste services are underpriced, discouraging waste generators and holders from reducing waste generation
The paper and packing sector is worried that the Department of Environmental Affairs is considering introducing a waste management levy on the industry. Packaging SA, a nonprofit organisation that represents the paper and packaging industry, said about 3.5-million tonnes of paper and packaging was consumed each year in SA. A total of 57% of that was voluntarily collected for recycling. Packaging SA executive director Charles Muller said: "This is significant and compares favourably with first-world countries. The other 43% which goes to landfill (or is discarded) contributes less than 2% of the overall waste of around 110-million tonnes per annum." A national pricing strategy for waste management, within which waste management charges will be set, is being implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs. The department has noted that waste services are underpriced, discouraging waste generators and holders from reducing waste generation, as well as its re-use, recycling and r...
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