4.3 The role of civil society

Consumers and households play an important role in the generation of waste from the products they consume. As end users they need to reduce, re-use and recycle waste wherever feasible, and dispose of this waste responsibly. They should be aware of the environmental impact of the products that they buy, and pass on a sense of environmental responsibility to families and colleagues.

NGOs, non-profit organisations, community based organisations, cooperatives and trade unions play important roles in all phases of the waste management hierarchy, including in recycling initiatives, delivery of waste management services, compliance monitoring, and education and advocacy.

Civil society formations are encouraged to participate in the development and implementation of the NWMS and Waste Act's provisions.