In this part the main implementation themes are developed.
The strategy will make recommendations regarding the use of targets as an instrument for waste reduction, and any national standards that should be set with respect to waste treatment and disposal, the provision of waste management services, waste avoidance, waste minimisation, recovery, re-use and recycling.
The strategy will examine the Constitutional and legal framework that governs waste management, and measures to promote co-operative governance. This will include consideration of the waste planning system, including the contents of integrated waste management plans, reporting on implementation, and the linkage with monitoring and performance assessment around the achievement of the targets. The strategy will propose practical measures for achieving co-operative governance in waste management matters.
The strategy will look at the institutional arrangements for implementing the strategy, and will map out the roles and responsibilities of different government agencies and stakeholders, including the systems for appointing and coordinating waste management officers at national, provincial and local level. It will describe how the institutional arrangements and waste management measures specified in the Act will be applied in the NWMS, including national, provincial, municipal and industrial waste management plans and the Waste Information Management System.
The strategy will consider the existing intergovernmental fiscal systems and budgets for waste, and the scope for new intergovernmental fiscal interventions around waste management.
The strategy will focus particular attention on solid waste management and the role of local government, including recommendations regarding national standards in respect of tariffs for waste services provided by municipalities, any limitations that should be placed on the use of income generated by the recovery of charges, and tariffs to be used to provide for waste management infrastructure or facilities.
The strategy will develop the concept of producer responsibility, and propose ways to give effect to the principle of duty of care, and to engender a sense of responsibility within the industry for a lifecycle “cradle to cradle” approach to waste. Waste management as a key element of corporate social responsibility needs to be addressed. The strategy should explore the extent to which voluntary initiatives can be encouraged and supported in order to encourage companies to go beyond a mere compliance exercise, and it should establish recognition programmes within the industry. It should also look at the approach to industry waste management plans, including the content of plans, the instances in which plans can be prepared by organs of state, the specification of measures to be taken in plans, and provisions for review of plans.
Public awareness and communication are a crucial aspect of the implementation of the strategy, and specific recommendations will be developed regarding measures to build public awareness of waste issues and promote consumer responsibility. The strategy will provide guidance on raising awareness regarding the impacts of waste on health and the environment.
The strategy will investigate and make recommendations regarding the fiscal and market based economic measures that can be implemented in order to promote the achievement of waste management objectives. This will include specific recommendations regarding levies and taxes on waste, compulsory deposit systems, and incentives to industry for cleaner production.
This section will provide an overview of mechanisms, systems and procedures for giving effect to the Republic’s obligations in terms of international agreements.