Public hearing on the National Waste Management Strategy, 2011 Venue: Good Hope Chamber Aneliswa Cele – Director: Environmental Health Director: Environmental Health Date: 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 BENEFIT THE HEALTH SYSTEM  DOH 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 ENVIRONMENTAL 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 LEVEL  Set 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; - DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION, HEALTH EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS /PROGRAMMES; - ENSURE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION; - 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 EMIs To 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!