Public hearing on the National Public hearing on the National Waste Management Strategy, Waste Management Strategy,

2011 2011

Venue: Good Hope ChamberVenue: Good Hope Chamber

Aneliswa Cele –Aneliswa Cele – Director: Environmental HealthDirector: Environmental Health

Date: 29 May 2012Date: 29 May 2012

PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY

To give effect to the objects of the Waste Act , which are to protect health, well- being and the environment through sound waste management.

National Waste Management Act is a tool that the Department of Health is able to use to manage waste especially Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW).

DANGERS OF POORLY MANAGED WASTE

•Waste can cause ill health•Increase mortality in humans, fauna and flora•Adversely affect the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed off.

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RIGHT

THE CONSTITUTION

Section 24 of the Constitution states that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and the strategy takes cognisance of this right.

HOW WILL THE STRATEGY HOW WILL THE STRATEGY BENEFIT THE HEALTH BENEFIT THE HEALTH SYSTEMSYSTEMDOH is the major generator of health

care risk waste at various levels of the health care system in both public and private sector:

including hospitals, clinics, community health centers, private practitioners, nursing homes, old age homes, private clinics etc.

Will contribute to harmonization of waste management practices across all spheres of government including private sector

HOW WILL THE STRATERGY BENEFIT THE HEALTH SYSTEM continued

Improves waste management by:•promoting waste minimization, re-use, recycling and recovery.•putting more emphasis on segregation of waste.

Promotes establishment of a Committee for Environmental Coordination in order to create interdepartmental links.

Clarifies institutional arrangements to enhance improved communication between National , Provincial Department and Municipalities.

ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRSENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

Developing broad national norms and standards for waste minimization, re-use, recycle, recovery and tariffs.◦Can declare priority waste◦Identify products for extended producer

responsibility programmes, ◦List waste management activities, ◦Request industry waste management plans, ◦Register transporters of waste.

AT A NATIONAL LEVELSet norms and standards on waste management. Advice on appropriate standards relating to the health sector to the Department of Environmental Affairs.Monitor implementation of these standards at Provincial and Municipal level.

ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

- ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE;- ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE;

- DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION, HEALTH EDUCATION AND - DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION, HEALTH EDUCATION AND

AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS /PROGRAMMES;AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS /PROGRAMMES;

- ENSURE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION;- ENSURE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION;

- CAPACITY BUILDING, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT- CAPACITY BUILDING, TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH continued

At a Municipal level – Environmental Health Practitioners appointed as Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs)

ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE AT MUNICIPALITIES ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS AS EMIsTo ensure the proper storage, treatment ,collection, transportation, handling and disposal of medical waste and hazardous waste.Investigating and inspecting any activity relating to the waste stream or any product resulting there from.Sampling and analyzing any waste;Controlling the handling and disposal of diseased animal tissue;Ensuring waste management including auditing of waste management systems and adherence to the “cradle-to-grave’ approach.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of the strategy will contribute to improved quality of life of all South Africans.

AND All stakeholders are key to addressing the problems that may arise from time to time, relating to waste management.

THANK YOU!