Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act, 2018
This section gives the Act’s short title and says it starts when the local Government Act, 2019 comes into operation.
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- Zambia
- Instrument
- Regulation
- Citation
- Act 20 of 2018
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- en
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Statute overview
About this statute
This section gives the Act’s short title and says it starts when the local Government Act, 2019 comes into operation. This section defines many terms used in the Act, including waste types, service providers, authorities, licences, permits, and related management concepts. This Act does not apply to hazardous waste, e-waste, healthcare waste, or waste regulated under the Environmental Management Act, 2011. The Ministry must work with appropriate authorities on solid waste management, and certain listed bodies must follow regulatory standards and directions. Appropriate authorities must consult the Department in some licensing and standards decisions, and the Department may add necessary conditions after consultation. This section sets out core principles for solid waste management, including treating waste as a resource, prioritizing recovery methods, limiting disposal sites in sensitive locations, and supporting public health, consumer participation, basic service access, and financing.
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Provisions of Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act, 2018
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Part
PART I
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Short title
This section gives the Act’s short title and says it starts when the local Government Act, 2019 comes into operation.
1. This Act may be cited as the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act, 2018, and shall come into operation on the date that the local Government Act, 2019 comes into operation. - 2 Verify source ↗
3. Application
This section defines many terms used in the Act, including waste types, service providers, authorities, licences, permits, and related management concepts.
2. (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “ agricultural waste ” means waste generated from agricultural activities, including bird and animal carcasses; “ appropriate authority ” means the Minister responsible for, or public body, statutory body or person, having powers or regulatory functions under any other written law or executive instrument over, impacting on, or relating to, Short title and commencement Act No. of 2019 Interpretation 358 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management local government, socio-economic policies, solid waste, disaster management, water resources management or development, the environment, land management, agriculture, railways, markets and bus stations, public health services, ionising radiation, medicines and drugs, water supply and sanitation, construction, buildings, roads, urban and regional planning, surveys, occupational safety, factories, infrastructure development, manufacturing, commerce, trade, competition and consumer protection, standards, public- private partnerships or aviation; “ authorised officer ” means an employee or agent of the Department, a local authority, solid waste management company, an officer of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency or any other officer authorised, in writing, to enforce this Act; “ billing ” means the imposition of a tariff for solid waste management or solid waste services, and the word “bill” shall be construed accordingly; “ Board ” means a Board of directors of a solid waste management company; “ Civil Service Commission ” means the Civil Service Cap. 1 Commission established by the Constitution; Act No. 10 of 2017 “ company ” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Companies Act, 2017; “ commercial waste ” means solid waste generated from commercial or trade activities, including handling, processing, packing, packaging and retailing, but excludes hazardous waste; “ community ” means a group of at least ten urban, peri- urban or village households who receive, as a group, solid waste services from a solid waste service provider or who provide their own solid waste services or management; “ construction waste ” means waste generated from a construction or demolition site, but excludes hazardous waste from construction activities; Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 359 “ consumer ” includes a person, institution or organisation— (a) supplied or applying to be supplied with, or using or receiving, solid waste services; or (b) liable for payment of a tariff for the supply or use of solid waste services; “ Department ” means the department in the Ministry responsible for regulating solid waste under this Act; “ development ” means the area in which a gated community, housing estate or similar property is situated or located; “ Director ” means the civil servant appointed by the Civil Service Commission as the head of the Department; “ disposal ” means the final placement of solid waste in landfills or other disposal facilities, without intention of retrieval, and includes the disposal of raw or intermediary handled inert or otherwise unwanted residues, and the word “dispose” shall be construed accordingly; “ disposal facility ” means a prescribed place or facility where solid waste is disposed of; “ domestic waste ” means solid waste generated from dwellings, residential areas, municipal areas, streets or drainage, and includes agricultural waste; “ e-waste ” means various forms of electric and electronic equipment that has ceased to be of value to their users or no longer satisfies their original purpose; “ facility ” means a structure, system, appurtenance, plant or equipment that is necessary for the provision of solid waste services to a consumer; “ hazardous waste ” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Environmental Management Act, 2011; “ healthcare waste ” means waste generated from pathological and pharmaceutical activities or matter and other solid waste generated by healthcare establishments, healthcare research facilities and healthcare laboratories, including waste generated in the course of healthcare undertaken in the home, and presents hazardous characteristics as defined in the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Waste and Their Disposal; Act No. 12 of 2011 360 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act No. of 2019 “ industrial waste ” means solid waste generated from manufacturing, fabrication, including construction waste but excludes hazardous waste and waste from mining activities; “ inspector ” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Local Government Act, 2019; “ landfill ” means a prescribed area that is used for the disposal of solid waste; “ licence ” means a licence issued in accordance with this Act; “ licenced solid waste service provider ” means a solid waste service provider that holds a licence issued in accordance with section 40; “ local authority ” has the meaning assigned to the words in Cap. 1 the Constitution; “ member ” means a person appointed as a member of the Board of directors of a solid waste management company in accordance with the articles of association of that company; “ occupier ” means a person that is in actual occupation of, or responsible for managing, a property or premises; “ owner ” means the owner of a property or premise, or a person for the time being receiving the rent in respect of the property or premise; “ permit ” means a permit issued under this Act; “ permit holder ” means a person that holds a permit issued under section 46; “ premise ” includes a passage, building or segment in a tenure including land; “ private body ” means an organisation, company, partnership, proprietorship or other person or institution which is not a public body, and includes a research and training institution, non-governmental organisation or development partner; “ public body ” has the meaning assigned to the words in the Public Finance Management Act, 2018; “ recycle ” means to separate and process material from solid waste for further use as a new product or resource; “ registered operator ” means a person that holds a permit to construct, operate, manage or maintain a landfill or other disposal facility, in accordance with section 47; Act No. 1 of 2018 Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 361 “ re-use ” means to use articles from the solid waste stream for a similar or different purpose without changing the form or properties of the articles; “ self-service solid waste provider ” means a licenced solid waste service provider that provides one or more components of solid waste services; “ service level agreement ” means an agreement entered into between a local authority or solid waste management company and a licenced solid waste service provider or registered operator in accordance with section 63; “ service level guarantee ” means the minimum service level guarantee issued by a Board to a solid waste management company in accordance with section 12; “ service zone ” means the area in which a local authority or licenced solid waste service provider provides solid waste services; “ solid waste ” means garbage, domestic waste, municipal waste, household refuse, junk, agriculture waste, healthcare waste, construction waste, commercial waste or industrial waste, but does not include hazardous waste or human waste, that is not in the form of treated sludge or other form intended for final disposal as waste; “ solid waste management ” means a direction, measure, strategy, an administrative, a supervisory or an operational activity used for the management or control of solid waste; “ solid waste management area ” means the area in which a local authority or solid waste management company provides solid waste management services; “ solid waste management company ” means a company incorporated, under the Companies Act, 2017, by a local authority in accordance with section 9; Act No. 10 of 2017 “ solid waste services ” means the handling, collection, transportation, recycling, disposal or treatment of solid waste, and includes the prevention, reduction, re-use, recovery or composting of solid waste or generation of energy, in accordance with this Act or any other written law; “ solid waste service provider ” means a person that provides solid waste services, or any component of solid waste services; 362 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management “ tariff ” includes fees, charges and levies; “ waste generator ” means a person that generates solid waste or is in possession or control of solid waste; and “ Zambia Environmental Management Agency ” means the Agency established in accordance with the Environmental Management Act, 2011. Act No. 12 of 2011 Application Act No. 12 of 2011 - 3 Verify source ↗
Application
This Act does not apply to hazardous waste, e-waste, healthcare waste, or waste regulated under the Environmental Management Act, 2011.
3. This Act does not apply to hazardous waste, e-waste and healthcare waste or waste regulated under the Environmental Management Act, 2011. Relations and cooperation with appropriate authorities Key concepts and principles of solid waste management and regulation - 4 Verify source ↗
Relations and cooperation with appropriate authorities
The Ministry must work with appropriate authorities on solid waste management, and certain listed bodies must follow regulatory standards and directions. Appropriate authorities must consult the Department in some licensing and standards decisions, and the Department may add necessary conditions after consultation.
4. (1) The Ministry shall,for purposes of solid waste management and regulation, collaborate with appropriate authorities and may, for such purposes— (a) have joint programmes, plans, strategies and policies, taking into account the socio-economic policies of the Government; and (b) enter into memoranda of understanding. (2) A local authority, solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider, registered operator and self- service solid waste provider shall abide by the regulatory standards and directions relating to the environment, construction, land use, aviation, radiation control, water resources management and development, disaster management and protection of public health, as specified in this Act or any other written law. (3) An appropriate authority shall consult with the Department when setting standards, or granting a licence, permit or other authorisation for an activity that may have an impact on solid waste regulation and management. (4) The Department may, after consultations with an appropriate authority under subsection (3), attach conditions for the carrying out of an activity that are necessary for the sound management of solid waste in accordance with this Act or any other written law. - 5 Verify source ↗
Key concepts and principles of solid waste management
This section sets out core principles for solid waste management, including treating waste as a resource, prioritizing recovery methods, limiting disposal sites in sensitive locations, and supporting public health, consumer participation, basic service access, and financing.
5. The following key concepts and principles apply to the management and regulation of solid waste: (a) solid waste is a resource; (b) promotion of a solid waste hierarchy for recovery of solid waste, where prevention, reduction, re-use, recycling and composting is of primary consideration followed by other means of recovery such as energy recovery and lastly disposal; Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 363 (c) restriction of landfills and other disposal facilities near airdromes, wetlands, flood plains and ecologically sensitive areas; (d) development and promotion of public health by observing solid waste management safeguards that uphold key social and health determinants; (e) categorisation of solid waste depending on its physical or chemical characteristics; (f) protection of the interests of consumers through effective participation of consumers in the management and decision-making processes for solid waste management; (g) provision of universal access to basic solid waste services; and (h) ensuring prudential financing mechanism for solid waste management are in place. PART II MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE
Part
PART II
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Management of solid waste by local authorities
Local authorities must manage solid waste and perform related solid-waste functions; they may also work with other bodies.
6. (1) A local authority shall, in accordance with the Constitution, the Local Government Act, 2019 and this Act, manage solid waste and may undertake solid waste management in partnership or association with another local authority, public body or private body. (2) Where a local authority undertakes solid waste management, sections 13 and 14 apply to that local authority as if for a reference to “solid waste management company” there were substituted a reference to “local authority”. (3) Where a local authority undertakes solid waste management in partnership or association with another local authority, public body or private body that local authority shall do so in accordance with sections 8 and 9. (4) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, a local authority shall,in consultation with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, construct, operate and maintain landfills and other prescribed disposal facilities. Management of solid waste by local authorities Cap. 1 Act No. of 2019 364 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (5) Despite the generality of subsections (1), (3) and (4), the functions of a local authority, with respect to solid waste, are to— (a) facilitate and manage activities that promote the key concepts and principles of solid waste management as specified in section 5; (b) determine the location of landfills and other disposal facilities in accordance with international best practice, in consultation with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency; (c) sensitise the public on solid waste disposal; (d) create an enabling environment and appropriate incentives for the delivery of reliable, sustainable and affordable solid waste services; and (e) provide for the systematic collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste in service zones falling under its jurisdiction. - 7 Verify source ↗
Solid waste services by local authorities
A local authority must provide solid waste services, and it may do so with another local authority, public body, or private body where allowed by the Constitution.
7. A local authority shall, in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2019, and this Act, provide solid waste services and may,in accordance with the Constitution, provide solid waste services in partnership or association with another local authority, public body or private body. - 8 Verify source ↗
Resolution to establish solid waste management company
A local authority may set up or join a solid waste management company, or delegate solid waste services to private bodies, but it must not operate in areas handled by that company or a licensed provider except in an emergency or if the company fails to provide services.
8. (1) A local authority may resolve to— (a) establish a solid waste management company for the management of solid waste in its area of jurisdiction; or (b) enter into an agreement with another local authority, two or more local authorities or a public or private body to establish a joint solid waste management company for the management of solid waste; and (c) delegate the provision of solid waste services to private bodies to be undertaken in accordance with this Act. (2) Where a local authority establishes a company to provide solid waste management or delegates its functions to a private body, the local authority shall not— (a) undertake solid waste management in a solid waste management area that is being managed by a solid waste management company; and (b) provide solid waste services in the service zone covered by a licensed service provider. Solid waste services by local authorities Act No. of 2019 Cap. 1 Resolution to establish solid waste management company Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 365 (3) Despite subsection (2),a local authority may provide solid waste management services during an emergency and where a solid waste management company fails or neglects to provide solid waste services. - 9 Verify source ↗
Incorporation of solid waste management company,
A solid waste management entity must be incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017, and the company’s articles must set solid waste management as its main objective.
9. (1) An entity to manage solid waste shall be incorporated under the Companies Act, 2017, as a private or public company. (2) The articles of association of a solid waste management company, incorporated in accordance with subsection (1), shall state the primary objective of the company as the management of solid waste. Incorporation of solid waste management company, shareholders and members Act No. 10 of 2017 (3) The shareholders of a solid waste management company shall be— (a) the local authority and the Minister responsible for finance, where the local authority is not in partnership with any other local authority or private or public body; (b) the local authorities incorporating the company and the Minister responsible for finance, who shall each hold the number of shares that may be stipulated in a shareholder’s agreement; or (c) the local authority, private or public body and Minister responsible for finance, who shall each hold the number of shares that may be stipulated in a shareholder’s agreement. (4) The shareholders of a solid waste management company shall appoint not more than eleven members of the Board of the company of which the majority of members shall be from the public sector and at least two members shall be from the private sector. (5) The Minister shall appoint the chairperson of the Board. (6) The members shall elect a vice-chairperson from among themselves. (7) The tenure of office and removal from office of a member shall be as stated in the articles of association of the solid waste management company. 366 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Name of solid waste management company Functions of Board - 10 Verify source ↗
Name of solid waste management company
A solid waste management company’s name must include the words “solid waste management”.
10. (1) The name of a solid waste management company shall incorporate the words “ solid waste management ”. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) prohibits the use of an abbreviation indicative of a name of a district or Province. - 11 Verify source ↗
Functions of Board
The Board is responsible for running the company’s functions and business, and must carry out specified governance tasks.
11. (1) The Board is responsible for carrying out the functions of, and managing the business and affairs of, a solid waste management company. (2) Despite the generality of subsection (1) and the articles of association of a solid waste management company, the Board shall— (a) provide strategic direction, to the solid waste management company, in the performance of its functions; (b) approve strategic plans for solid waste management and provision of solid waste services; (c) approve the budget, annual report and audited accounts of the solid waste management company; (d) ensure the efficient and economical provision of solid waste services by licenced solid waste service providers; and (e) perform functions and do other things that a body corporate may by law do in relation to the company. Board charter and minimum service level guarantees - 12 Verify source ↗
Board charter and minimum service level guarantees
The Board must develop and approve a Board Charter and issue minimum service level guarantees for the solid waste management company.
12. (1) The Board shall develop and approve a Board Charter for the solid waste management company. (2) The Board shall issue minimum service level guarantees to a solid waste management company for the performance of solid waste management services. Functions of solid waste management company - 13 Verify source ↗
Functions of solid waste management company
A solid waste management company has listed functions and must follow service level guarantees; the Department may issue written public-interest directions that the company must follow if they are consistent with the Act.
13. (1) The functions of a solid waste management company relating to solid waste or in its solid waste management area, are to— (a) advise the local authority on solid waste management; (b) ensure that solid waste management services are accessible, sufficient, affordable, safe and acceptable on a non-discriminatory basis; (c) facilitate private sector participation in the development and provision of solid waste services in a service zone; Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 367 (d) provide general oversight over the provision and standards of solid waste services; (e) assess solid waste service providers operators and self- service solid waste providers applying for licences to provide solid waste services or permits to construct, maintain, operate or manage landfills and other disposal facilities, respectively, before the Department issues the licences or permits; (f) hold public inquiries on proposed tariffs; (g) recommend, to the Director, tariffs for solid waste management services and solid waste services; (h) monitor and evaluate the performance of licensed solid waste service providers registered operators and self- service solid waste providers in relation to – (i) levels of investment; (ii) availability, quantity and standard of solid waste services; (iii) the cost of solid waste services; (iv) the efficiency and distribution of solid waste services; and (v) any other matter relevant to solid waste services; (j)in collaboration with the appropriate authority, ensure that adequate solid waste services are provided to aircrafts and that managers of, and service providers at, airports and pilots observe the requirements and regulations pertaining to handling and disposal of solid waste; (k) observe and uphold the key concepts and principles of solid waste management specified under section 5; (l) enhance cooperation with all appropriate authorities in the management of solid waste; (m) prepare, adopt and enforce rules, operating manuals, codes of practice and standards for activities associated with the provision of solid waste services; (n) in collaboration with appropriate authorities, establish solid waste control measures; (o) prepare reports and compile statistics relevant to the management of solid waste and provision of solid waste services and regularly report such matters to the board and Department; 368 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (p) in liaison with local authorities and other appropriate authorities, raise public awareness of matters concerning solid waste; (q) formulate, implement and enforce programs, initiatives and requirements for the management of solid waste; (r) in collaboration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, formulate appropriate arrangements and procedures for the management of landfills and other disposal facilities falling under its jurisdiction; and (s) perform any other functions or as directed by the Department. (2) A solid waste management company may enter into contractual arrangements, with any person or appropriate authority, for the provision of services necessary to discharge its functions and to perform its waste management activities, including activities related to— (a) the management and operation of landfills and other disposal facilities and treatment facilities falling within its mandate; (b) any aspect of its solid waste management services; and (c) other solid waste management related activities, including the dissemination of information and the raising of public awareness. (3) Subject to subsection (4), a contractor engaged by a solid waste management company, in accordance with this section, may be authorised to— (a) collect tariffs on behalf of the solid waste management company and account to the solid waste management company; (b) give direction or impose operational requirements, consistent with this Act, operating procedure or code of practice made under this Act; and (c) take any other action in accordance with the contract made with the solid waste management company. (4) Subject to subsection (5), a solid waste management company shall not in the performance of its functions under this Act or any other written law, be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 369 General powers of solid waste management company (5) The Department may, in writing, give to the solid waste management company directions as the Department considers necessary in the public interest and the solid waste management company shall give effect to those directions to the extent that they are not inconsistent with this Act. (6) A solid waste management company shall adhere to the service level guarantees, including the service indicators, rules and guidelines, issued by the board or prescribed by the Minister. - 14 Verify source ↗
General powers of solid waste management company
A solid waste management company must carry out listed management, reporting, tariff, inspection, enforcement, and service-related functions in its area.
14. Despite the generality of section 13, a solid waste management company in the solid waste management area, shall— (a) ensure the provision of technical and corporate assistance to local authorities and licenced solid waste service providers; (b) take action that may be necessary or expedient to enable the Government to comply with any international agreements relating to solid waste; (c) monitor the management of risks by licenced solid waste service providers, registered operators and self-service solid waste providers; (d) ensure that solid waste service providers, operators and self-service solid waste providers are sourced by way of public tender, on a competitive basis; (e) enter into service level agreements with licenced solid waste service providers, registered operators and self- service solid waste providers and any other person, regarding solid waste services; (f) publish in the Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation for a period of three days, the tariffs to be charged for various solid waste services and solid waste management; (g) inspect service zones so as to evaluate and monitor solid waste services provided by licenced solid waste service providers; (h) collect prescribed tariffs from licenced solid waste service providers and other persons disposing of solid waste at landfills and other disposal facilities under its jurisdiction; (i) charge and collect prescribed tariffs for inspections and other services provided by the solid waste management company; 370 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (j)develop measures and strategies to ensure the effective implementation of prescribed standards, statutory rules and guidelines; (k) enforce prescribed standards relating to— (i) solid waste services; and (ii) landfills and other disposal facilities; (l) advise licenced solid waste service providers on procedures for handling complaints from consumers; (m) in liaison with relevant appropriate authorities, educate and provide information to persons on public health aspects of solid waste management; (n) provide information to the public on rights and obligations of consumers with respect to solid waste; (o) keep custody, acquire, including through compulsory purchase, construct and operate solid waste facilities; (p) provide or cause to be provided amenities or facilities which the solid waste management company considers necessary or desirable for consumers; (q) do all things that are necessary for the provision of effective and sustainable solid waste management services and access to the services; (r) enter into solid waste agreements on terms and conditions that may be agreed, subject to the Environmental Management Act, 2011, the Water Resources Management Act, 2011, and Local Government Act, 2019; (s) enter into the property of licenced solid waste service providers or registered operators for a purpose related to the provision of solid waste services; and (t) carry out any other activities relating to the management of solid waste, in liaison with other appropriate authorities. Act No. 12 of 2011 Act No. 21 of 2011 Act No. of 2019 Management and operating plans - 15 Verify source ↗
Management and operating plans
Local authorities and solid waste management companies must prepare a three-year management and operating plan with financial projections. The Minister must send a copy of the approved plan to the Minister responsible for finance.
15. (1) A local authority and solid waste management company shall prepare a three year management and operating plan with financial projections forming the basis of each year’s annual plan and annual estimates relating to management of solid waste. (2) The Minister shall submit a copy of the approved plan to the Minister responsible for finance. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 371 - 16 Verify source ↗
Operating procedures and codes of practice
A local authority or solid waste management company may make, display, and impose operating procedures, guidelines, signs, and codes of practice for solid waste management. A person who fails or refuses to comply with them commits an offence.
16. (1) For purposes relating to solid waste management, a local authority or solid waste management company may make, display and impose operating procedures, guidelines, signs and codes of practice. Operating procedures and codes of practice (2) A person who fails or refuses to comply with any operating procedure, guideline, sign or code of practice, made or displayed in accordance with subsection (1), commits an offence. - 17 Verify source ↗
Reports on solid waste management
Local authorities and solid waste management companies must prepare and submit solid waste reports and immediately notify specified ministers and agencies about certain waste matters.
17. (1) A local authority and solid waste management company shall, in respect of their solid waste management area— Reports on solid waste management (a) prepare and submit reports relating to solid waste management to the Ministers responsible for health, environment or water; (b) ensure that the department, Ministries responsible for health, environment or water are immediately notified of any matter related to solid waste management which may adversely affect human health and the environment; and (c) ensure that the Department and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency are immediately notified of any matter related to solid waste which may adversely affect or pollute the environment. (2) In this section, “ pollute ” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Environmental Management Act, 2011. - 18 Verify source ↗
Responsibility of Ministryon solid waste management
The Ministry must handle solid waste policy, coordination, investment support, public-private partnerships, technical support for disposal facilities, and directions to local authorities or waste companies at the national level.
18. (1) The Ministry shall, at the national level — (a) formulate a national policy and strategy on solid waste, solid waste management and solid waste services that also safeguards the interests of waste generators, other consumers, vulnerable persons and the environment; (b) coordinate cross-sectoral interactions; (c) support private investment and involvement in the provision of solid waste services; (d) promote public-private partnerships in infrastructure development and other facilities for solid waste; (e) provide technical and other support for the construction of landfills and other disposal facilities; and (f) give directions to a local authority or solid waste management company in accordance with this Act and the Environmental Management Act, 2011. Act No. 12 of 2011 Responsibility of Ministry on solid waste management Act No. 12 of 2011 372 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Community solid waste management services Environmental and public health standards Act No. 3 of 2017 Act No. 4 of 2017 - 19 Verify source ↗
Community solid waste management services
Local authorities and solid waste management companies must involve communities and consult local and traditional representatives on solid waste management matters.
19. (1) A local authority or a solid waste management company in a solid waste management area shall involve communities in solid waste management and consult with village and community representatives and traditional leaders, in matters relating to the management of solid waste and enforcement of the requirements of this Act. (2) Alocal authority may, in consultation with other appropriate authorities and a solid waste management company in the solid waste management area, devise, approve, implement or participate in programs relating to the management of solid waste in communities. (3) For the purposes of this section, a local authority may collaborate with any other person or body, whether incorporated or not, for any purpose associated with the management of solid waste in communities. PART III REGULATION OF SOLID WASTE
Part
PART III
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Environmental and public health standards
The Minister must prescribe environmental and public health standards for solid waste matters, and designated public bodies must monitor and enforce them.
20. (1) Subject to the Compulsory Standards Act, 2017, and the Standards Act, 2017,the Minister shall, in consultation with the— (a) Minister responsible for environment, prescribe environmental standards relating to solid waste, landfills, disposal facilities and other facilities and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency and Department shall be responsible for the monitoring and enforcing the prescribed standards; and (b) Minister responsible for health shall prescribe public health standards relating to solid waste management, solid waste services and disposal of solid waste and the Ministry responsible for health, the Department and a solid waste management company shall be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the prescribed standards. (2) A person who fails or refuses to comply with a standard prescribed in accordance with this section commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years, or to both. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 373 Director and other staff of Department (3) In addition to the penalties specified in subsection (2), the failure to observe or comply with a prescribed standard is a ground for— (a) suspending or revoking a licence or permit issued in accordance with this Act; (b) refusing any subsequent application for a licence or permit by the person; and (c) terminating any contract for a provision of solid waste services. - 21 Verify source ↗
Director and other staff of Department
The Civil Service Commission must appoint a Director for solid waste regulation, and the Director must ensure the Act is complied with.
21. (1) The Civil Service Commission shall appoint a civil servant as Director responsible for the regulation of solid waste, solid waste management and solid waste services, and who shall ensure the requirements of this Act are complied with, subject to the general or special directions of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry. (2) The Director shall be the head of the Department responsible for solid waste in the Ministry. (3) The Director may, subject to the other provisions of this Act and to the general or special directions of the Permanent Secretary, delegate any of the Director’s functions to an officer of the Department. (4) The Civil Service Commission shall appoint other officers for the Department that may be necessary for the efficacious regulation of solid waste, solid waste management, and solid waste services, in accordance with this Act. (5) The Director may, in order to ensure effective and efficient regulation of solid waste— (a) consider and grant licences and permits under this Act; (b) exercise any of the powers conferred on the Director or Department by this Act or any other written law, relating to the regulation of solid waste, with other appropriate authorities; (c) ensure that a local authority, solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider, self- service solid waste provider and registered operator undertake activities in accordance with this Act and any other written law relating to the protection of the 374 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management environment, water resources management and development, urban and regional planning, aviation control, prevention of diseases and protection of public health, in liaison with the appropriate authorities; and (d) impose requirements for, and ensure that a local authority or solid waste management company make arrangements for the proper restoration and management of areas after decommissioning of a landfill or disposal facility, in consultation with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency. Designation of solid waste, service zones and solid waste management areas - 22 Verify source ↗
Designation of solid waste, service zones and solid waste
The Minister may designate things as solid waste, and must designate and publish service zones and solid waste management areas and state which jurisdiction each area falls under.
22. (1) The Minister may, by statutory instrument designate an object, substance, matter, or thing, as solid waste for the purposes of this Act. (2) A designation made under subsection (1) may apply to a class or type of object, substance or thing. (3) The Minister shall, by statutory instrument— (a) designate service zones and solid waste management areas for purposes of this Act; (b) publish, in a newspaper of general circulation, the names of the service zones and solid waste management areas; and (c) specify under whose jurisdiction a particular service zone or solid waste management area falls. Solid waste categorisation and handling - 23 Verify source ↗
Solid waste categorisation and handling
The Minister must use a statutory instrument to classify solid waste into categories and set the required handling method.
23. (1) The Minister shall, by statutory instrument, divide or sub-divide solid waste into various categories having regard to its physical or chemical characteristics and provide for the necessary manner of handling of that solid waste. (2) The categories of solid waste to be prescribed, under subsection (1), shall include— (a) domestic waste; (b) healthcare waste; (c) construction waste; (d) commercial waste; (e) industrial waste; and (f) agricultural waste. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 375 Responsibilities of owner or occupier regarding solid waste - 24 Verify source ↗
Responsibilities of owner or occupier regarding solid
Owners, occupiers, waste generators, and persons handling solid waste must follow cleanup, disposal, registration, and dumping rules.
24. (1) An occupier or owner shall clean or cause to be cleaned the area around the owner’s or occupier’s property or other premise within the owner’s or occupier’s control. (2) A person shall not place or dump, cause or permit to be placed or dumped on, at the frontage of a property or any other premises, solid waste, other than for purposes of enabling the convenient collection of the solid waste by a local authority and a solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider or self-service solid waste provider. (3) Where solid waste is abandoned on private property or premise, an authorised officer shall notify the owner or occupier of the legal consequences of keeping the solid waste at the property or premise and the owner or occupier shall cause the solid waste to be disposed of, within seven days from the date of the notice, in a manner that may be directed by the authorised officer. (4) Where solid waste is found abandoned in a public place, an authorised officer shall take immediate steps to remove the solid waste and dispose of it in an appropriate manner. (5) A waste generator shall register with a licenced solid waste service provider, in the service zone nearest to the property or premise of the waste generator, for purposes of accessing a solid waste service as prescribed. (6) Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence. - 25 Verify source ↗
Public and communitycleaning
Public and private bodies, associations of persons, and persons must carry out or join prescribed cleaning activities; private bodies may also provide cleaning containers, tools, and chemicals.
25. (1) A public and private body and association of persons shall dedicate a specified number of operating hours, every month, to cleaning their premises, as prescribed. Public and community cleaning (2) A person shall participate in community cleaning of public areas, as prescribed. (3) A private body may, as part of its corporate governance responsibilities, participate in community cleaning and provide prescribed containers, cleaning tools and chemicals for cleaning of public areas and community areas. - 26 Verify source ↗
Prescribed containers
Local authorities or licensed solid waste providers must provide prescribed solid waste containers, and people must not dispose of waste using non-compliant containers or contrary to the rule; doing so is an offence.
26. (1) A local authority or a licenced solid waste provider shall, in the service zone under the local authority’s or a licensed solid waste provider’s jurisdiction, provide appropriate solid waste containers, for the disposal of solid waste, of a size and pattern, and clearly colour coded or marked, for different categories or sub-divisions of solid waste, as may be prescribed by the Minister. Prescribed containers 376 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Placement of solid waste containers and prevention of leakage, scatter or litter (2) A person who disposes, or causes or permits to be disposed, any solid waste contrary to subsection (1) commits an offence. (3) A person who places or allows usage of a container for disposal of solid waste which is not of a design, size, shape and quality, or colour coded or marked, as prescribed under this Act, commits an offence. (4) A local authority or a licenced solid waste service provider may hire out, to an owner or occupier, a prescribed solid waste container at a prescribed charge and in accordance with conditions that the local authority or licenced service provider may impose. (5) The provision of prescribed containers for disposal of solid waste shall be a condition of a licence granted to a solid waste service provider. - 27 Verify source ↗
Placement of solid waste containers and prevention of
Owners or occupiers must place, cover, maintain, and keep clean prescribed solid-waste containers, and must dispose of waste safely and sanitarily.
27. (1) An owner or occupier shall place a prescribed container for disposal of solid waste on or at an owner’s or occupier’s property or premise, as directed by a local authority or licenced solid waste service provider. (2) An owner or occupier shall keep covered, or cause to be continuously covered, and in good state of repair, all containers for disposal of solid waste. (3) An owner or occupier shall keep or cause to be kept prescribed containers for disposal of solid waste reasonably clean and maintained in good condition. (4) An owner or occupier shall ensure safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste in prescribed containers, failure to which the owner or occupier commits an offence. (5) A person who places, causes or permits to be placed in a solid waste container, solid waste, which in the opinion of an authorised officer is infectious or has been exposed to infection or contamination, commits an offence. (6) An owner or occupier shall show evidence of safe disposal of solid waste in prescribed containers, if required to do so by an authorised officer. Sorting of solid waste - 28 Verify source ↗
Sorting of solid waste
Waste generators must sort solid waste into separate groups or clusters.
28. A waste generator shall sort, or cause to be sorted, various categories of solid waste into different groups or clusters, such as— (a) organic waste; (b) plastic waste; (c) paper waste; Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 377 (d) glass waste; (e) metal waste; or (f) any other group or cluster that may be specified in regulations issued by the Minister. - 29 Verify source ↗
Collection of solid waste
Local authorities or licensed solid waste service providers must collect solid waste from their district or service zone, and they must do so under a service plan.
29. (1) A local authority or a licenced solid waste service provider shall collect solid waste from its district or service zone, in accordance with a service plan. Collection of solid waste (2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act,nothing in this Act shall prevent or prohibit a local authority from, directly or indirectly, collecting solid waste from a street, main road or other public area. (3) A service plan shall be a condition for a licence issued to a solid waste service provider. (4) In this section, “service plan” means a document showing the arrangement, structure, diagram and time-line for the collection of solid waste in, or from, a service zone and disposal of solid waste by a local authority or licensed solid waste service provider. - 30 Verify source ↗
Transportation of solid waste
Vehicles or other conveyances used to transport solid waste must meet prescribed specifications and be labeled as prescribed. A person transporting solid waste must follow requirements and conditions the Minister may prescribe, and contravention is an offence.
30. (1) A vehicle or other means of conveyance used for transportation of solid waste shall be of a prescribed specification and labeled in a prescribed manner. Transportation of solid waste (2) A person who provides transportation for solid waste shall comply with requirements and conditions for the transportation of solid waste that the Minister may prescribe. (3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence. - 31 Verify source ↗
Disposal of solid waste in landfill orother disposal facility
Local authorities or licensed solid waste service providers must dispose of solid waste using approved disposal methods, and people may not enter or use landfills or start fires there without the required written permission or guidelines.
31. (1) A local authority or licenced solid waste service provider shall dispose of solid waste in a landfill or other disposal facility, or recycle, treat, or compost or incinerate the solid waste or use any other prescribed disposal method, depending on the type, quality and quantity of the solid waste. Disposal of solid waste in landfill or other disposal facility (2) A person shall not enter, use, cause or allow the use or entry into a landfill or other disposal facility without written permission from a local authority or a solid waste management company, under whose jurisdiction the landfill or other disposal facility falls. (3) A person shall not light a fire, or cause a fire to be lit, in a landfill or other disposal facility, except in accordance with guidelines issued by a local authority, solid waste management company or an appropriate authority. (4) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence. 378 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Control of animals in landfill or other disposal facility Burning of solid waste Burying of non-organic waste Site restoration orders - 32 Verify source ↗
Control of animals in landfill or other disposal facility
The responsible landfill actors must keep animals out and remove any animal found inside.
32. A local authority, solid waste management company or a person in control of a landfill or other disposal facility shall restrict the entry of animals in the landfill or other disposal facility, and remove an animal found in that landfill or facility in a manner determined by the local authority or solid waste management company. - 33 Verify source ↗
Burning of solid waste
A person must not intentionally burn solid waste unless it is done as prescribed.
33. (1) A person commits an offence if that person intentionally burns solid waste otherwise than as prescribed. (2) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (1) is liable to a fine not exceeding — (a) five hundred thousand penalty units, for an individual; or (b) one million penalty units, for a corporation, or an individual who has committed a subsequent or further offence. - 34 Verify source ↗
Burying of non-organic waste
A person must not intentionally bury non-organic waste.
34. (1) A person shall not intentionally bury non-organic waste. (2) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence. - 35 Verify source ↗
Site restoration orders
The Director may order removal of illegally disposed solid waste and restoration of the site, and a served person must comply immediately.
35. (1) The Director may, where solid waste is disposed of in any place in contravention of this Act or any condition of a licence or permit, issue an order for the removal of the solid waste and restoration of the site to a condition satisfactory to the Director and the Zambia Environmental Management Agency. (2) An order to remove solid waste and restore a site, made under subsection (1), may be served on— (a) a person whom the Director has reason to believe disposed of the solid waste; (b) a person whom the Director has reason to believe ordered or permitted the solid waste to be disposed of in that place; or (c) an owner or occupier of the place. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 379 (3) A person, on whom an order to remove solid waste or restore a site is served on, shall immediately take reasonable measures to comply with the order. (4) A person who contravenes subsection (3) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both. (5) A person, on whom an order to remove solid waste or restore a site is served, may apply to the Minister for the review of the decision stated in the order or against any requirement or condition in the order. (6) The Minister may revoke an order to remove solid waste or restore a site if, after considering the representations made by an aggrieved person, a person who is not the owner, occupier or person having the charge, management or control of the place or premise or a person who did not deposit the solid waste, order or permit the solid waste to be disposed of by an authorised officer. PART IV LICENCES, PERMITS AND REGISTRATION
Part
PART IV
- 36 Verify source ↗
Prohibition from providing solid waste services without
A person must not provide solid waste services, or any part of them, unless licensed or permitted under this Part; local authorities are excepted.
36. (1) Except for a local authority, a person shall not provide a solid waste service, or any component of that service, unless that person holds a licence or permit granted under this Part, as prescribed by the Minister. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both. Prohibition from providing solid waste services without licence or permit - 37 Verify source ↗
Application for solid waste service provider’s licence
A solid waste service provider may apply to the Department for a licence, but the application must be made in the prescribed way and fee. The Director must decide it within 60 days, and if not, the licence is treated as granted and must be issued immediately.
37. (1) A solid waste service provider may apply for a licence with the Department, for the provision of solid waste services, or any component of that service in a service zone, across service zones or nationally in a prescribed manner and form on payment of Application for solid waste service provider’s licence a prescribed fee. 380 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (2) The Director shall consider and determine the application within sixty days of receipt of the application, which period shall include the assessment period specified in section 53. (3) Where an application lodged in accordance with subsection (1) is not considered and determined within sixty days of lodging of that application, the solid waste service provider’s licence is deemed to have been granted, and the Director shall, immediately, issue the licence. Submission for assessment of solid waste service provider Refusal to issue solid waste service provider licence - 38 Verify source ↗
Submission forassessment ofsolid wasteservice provider
The Director must send the application and accompanying information to the local authority or appropriate solid waste management company within three days after receiving an application under section 37.
38. (1) The Director shall, within three days of receipt of an application lodged under section 37, submit electronically or by other media, the application and the accompanying information to the local authority or appropriate solid waste management company for an assessment to be undertaken in accordance with section 53. - 39 Verify source ↗
Refusal to issue solid waste service provider licence
The Director must refuse a licence application if any listed condition is met, and must tell the applicant in writing within 7 days with reasons.
39. (1) The Director shall refuse to issue a licence if— (a) an application for the licence is not made in accordance with this Part and in a form or manner prescribed by the Minister; (b) the solid waste service provider fails to provide and show technical and financial capability to the satisfaction of a local authority or solid waste management company doing an assessment as specified in section 53; (c) the activity or business to be carried out contravenes or is likely to contravene any other written law; or (d) the applicant submits materially fraudulent information in relation to the application. (2) The Director shall, where the Director refuses to grant a licence, as specified in subsection (1), notify the applicant,within seven days of the date of the decision, in writing, giving reasons for the refusal. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 381 - 40 Verify source ↗
Grant of service provider’s licence, validityand renewal
The Director must grant a solid waste service provider’s licence to the applicant on recommendation and within 30 days of receiving the required report.
40. (1) The Director shall, on the recommendation of a local authority or solid waste management company within thirty days of receipt of a report submitted in accordance with section 53, grant a solid waste service provider’s licence to the applicant. (2) A solid waste service provider’s licence is valid for a period of five years and may be renewed for a further five years in the prescribed manner and form on payment of the prescribed fee. Grant of service provider’s licence, validity and renewal of licence (3) Subject to the Business Regulatory Act, 2014, a licence granted under this section may provide for the payment of annual or other periodic fees that may be prescribed. Act No. 3 of 2014 Failure to commence operations Transfer of solid waste service provider’s licence - 41 Verify source ↗
Failure to commence operations
A licensed solid waste service provider must notify the Department if it does not start operations within three months of the licence, give reasons, and may have to surrender the licence if it still cannot operate.
41. (1) Where a licenced solid waste service provider fails to commence operations within three months from the date of the grant of a licence, the licenced solid waste service provider shall notify the Department of the failure, giving reasons for that failure, and the Director shall, if satisfied with the reasons, specify the period within which the licenced solid waste service provider shall commence under the licence. (2) Where a licenced solid waste service provider fails to commence operations within the period specified in subsection (1), or is unable for whatever reason to provide solid waste services, under the licence and this Act, the licenced solid waste service provider shall notify the Department, in writing, and surrender the licence to the Department. (3) Where a licenced solid waste service provider fails to notify the Department, as specified in subsection (1), the licence shall lapse and the Director shall cancel the licence and publish the information in a newspaper of general circulation. - 42 Verify source ↗
Transfer of solid waste service provider’s licence
A solid waste service provider’s licence cannot be transferred to a third party without the Director’s prior approval.
42. (1) A solid waste service provider’s licence shall not be transferred to a third party without the prior approval of the Director. (2) An application to transfer a licensed solid waste service provider’s licence shall be made to the Department, and the Director may, within thirty days of the application, approve the application, subject to conditions that the Director may impose and that may be prescribed by the Minister. (3) A licensed solid waste service provider who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or to both. 382 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Variation of solid waste service provider’s licence - 43 Verify source ↗
Variation of solid waste service provider’s licence
The Director may vary a solid waste service provider’s licence in specified situations.
43. The Director may vary a solid waste service provider’s licence, on the Director’s own motion or on an application by the licensed solid waste service provider, where— (a) there has been a change in the shareholding or other beneficial interest in the licenced solid waste service provider; (b) the name of the licenced solid waste service provider has changed; (c) there has been a change in the service zone; or (d) the licenced solid waste service provider gives to the Director reasons evidencing the need to improve solid waste services, and the Director is satisfied with those reasons. Cancellation of licence - 44 Verify source ↗
Cancellation of licence
The Director may cancel a solid waste service provider’s licence on listed grounds, but must first give 30 days’ written notice and the provider an opportunity to respond or fix the problem.
44. (1) Subject to this Act, the Director may cancel a solid waste service provider’s licence if the licensed solid waste service provider— (a) obtained the licence through fraud, misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact; (b) has been convicted of an offence relating to corrupt practice or fraud in undertaking solid waste services or any other offence; (c) transfers or otherwise assigns the solid waste service provider’s licence without the prior approval of the Director; (d) contravenes this Act, or any condition of the licence; or (e) fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with an enforcement notice issued under this Act. (2) The Director shall, before cancelling a solid waste service provider’s licence, under subsection (1), give the licenced solid waste service provider thirty days written notice of the Director’s intention to cancel the licence and require the licenced solid waste service provider to— (a) put in place measures, within a period of not more than thirty days, that will ensure compliance with this Act, the solid waste service provider’s licence or any enforcement notice served on the licenced solid waste service provider; or (b) give reasons why the solid waste service provider’s licence should not be cancelled. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 383 (3) The Director shall not cancel a licence, if remedial measures are taken, to the satisfaction of the Director, that ensure compliance with this Act, within the period of thirty days referred to in subsection (2). (4) The Director may, after giving the licensee an opportunity to be heard, in person or in writing, cancel the solid waste service provider’s license, if the licensee — (a) fails to give reasons, to the satisfaction of the Director, why the licence should not be cancelled; or (b) does not take remedial measures, to the satisfaction of the Director, within the time specified in subsection (2). (5) If the Director cancels a solid waste service provider’s licence, the Director shall publish the cancellation in a Gazette and a newspaper of general circulation. (6) In this section, “licensee” means a holder of a licence. - 45 Verify source ↗
Self-service solid waste providers
A person who wants to provide self-service solid waste services to a gated community or housing estate must apply to the Department for a licence and pay the prescribed fee.
45. (1) A person who intends to provide a self-service to a gated community or housing estate shall apply to the Department for a licence in a prescribed manner and form on payment of a prescribed fee. Self-service solid waste providers (2) A person shall not provide solid waste services as a self- service provider to a gated community or housing estate without a licence. (3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence. (4) Sections 38 to 44 apply to a self-service solid waste provider’s licence as if for a reference to “service providers licence” there were substituted a reference to self-service solid waste provider’s licence”. - 46 Verify source ↗
Permits to construct, operate or maintain landfills and other
You cannot construct, operate, manage, or maintain a landfill or other disposal facility without a permit.
46. (1) A person shall not construct, operate, manage or maintain a landfill or other disposal facility without a permit issued under this Act. (2) A person may apply, to the Department, for a permit to construct, operate, manage or maintain a landfill or other disposal facility. Permits to construct, operate or maintain landfills and other disposal facilities (3) An application for a permit shall comply with the Environmental Management Act, 2011, and be made in the prescribed manner and form on payment of a prescribed fee. Act No. 12 of 2011 384 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Registration of solid waste management company and small scale enterprises or proprietors (4) A permit holder shall comply with all written laws governing urban and regional planning, environment management and the health and safety of workers in the landfill, other disposal facility and workplace. (5) A person who operates a landfill or other disposal facility without a permit or in breach of any condition of a permit commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both. (6) This section and section 38 apply to permits to construct, operate, manage or maintain a landfill and other disposal facility, with the necessary modifications. - 47 Verify source ↗
Registration of solid waste management company and
The Director must register solid waste management companies and issue registration certificates, and must also register qualifying small scale enterprises or proprietors on application without requiring certain assessments or section 53 requirements.
47. (1) The Director shall register a solid waste management company and issue a certificate of registration to the company. (2) Despite any other provision of this Act, the Director shall, on an application by a small scale enterprise or a proprietor, intending to provide a component of solid waste services, including, cleaning, handling, collection and disposal of solid waste, register the small scale enterprise or proprietor without requiring the enterprise or proprietor to undergo an assessment by a local authority or solid waste management company and meeting the requirements specified in section 53. (3) The Director shall issue a certificate of registration to a small scale enterprise or proprietor, referred to in subsection (1), if the small scale enterprise or proprietor meets the requirements prescribed by the Minister. (4) The Minister may issue regulations providing for the provision of solid waste services by small scale enterprises or proprietors, including specifying the value levels of small scale enterprises. Register of solid waste management companies, licence holders, permit holders and certificate holders - 48 Verify source ↗
Register of solid waste management companies, licence
The Department must keep a register of solid waste management companies and licence, permit, and certificate holders, and make it publicly accessible.
48. (1) The Department shall establish and maintain a Register of all solid waste management companies, licence holders, permit holders and certificate holders in the prescribed manner and form. (2) The Register, referred to under subsection (1), shall be available for public inspection during business hours. (3) The Department shall ensure that, the register referred to in subsection (1), is accessible to the public electronically. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 385 Appointment of statutory manager - 49 Verify source ↗
Appointment of statutory manager
If a solid waste service provider’s licence is cancelled, the Minister may direct continued operation under a statutory manager, and the Minister must appoint that manager.
49. (1) Despite the other provisions this Act, where a licence has been cancelled, the Minister may, in the national interest, direct a solid waste service provider to continue to operate under the management and control of a statutory manager appointed in accordance with this section and as prescribed. (2) The Minister shall appoint a statutory manager for a period and on terms and conditions that the Minister considers necessary to ensure the continued provision of solid waste services or until a time that— (a) a local authority is in a position to provide solid waste services to the affected service zone; (b) the solid waste service provider is ready to comply with this Act and is licenced by the Director; or (c) another solid waste service provider is authorised to provide solid waste services in the affected service zone. (3) A statutory manager shall, during the statutory manager’s term of appointment, keep the Department and the relevant solid waste management company informed on all matters relating to the provision of solid waste services in the affected service zone. (4) All expenses, connected with the appointment of a statutory manager’s provision of solid waste services in the affected service zone, shall be a charge on the revenues of the solid waste service provider whose licence was cancelled. (5) Despite subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4), the cancellation of a solid waste service provider’s licence and the appointment of a statutory manager, under this section, shall not prejudice or affect the security of any debenture holder, mortgage or right of enforcement of such security. PART V SOLID WASTE SERVICES PROVISION
Part
PART V
- 50 Verify source ↗
Solid waste services
Local authorities and solid waste management companies must help provide solid waste services and protect consumers, while waste generators must keep a choice of at least two licensed providers.
50. (1) A local authority or solid waste management company shall facilitate provision of solid waste services under this Act, and shall ensure, in liaison with other appropriate authorities, that— Solid waste services (a) the interest of consumers are protected and investment in solid waste and solid waste services are optimally provided; (b) solid waste services are efficient, economical and profitable; 386 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (c) proposed tariffs for solid waste services by licenced solid waste service providers and required operators are competitive; (d) licenced solid waste service providers and registered operators develop a diverse and competitive industry within the general and specific national policies established by the Government; and (e) consumers get their money’s worth from the use of solid waste services. (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) and section 53, the number of licenced solid waste service providers, registered operators or self-service solid waste providers shall not be limited for any component of solid waste services. (3) The number of licenced solid waste service providers may be limited for each service zone, but waste generators shall not be prevented from having the choice between at least two licenced solid waste service providers with respect to any component of solid waste service, subject to restrictions or conditions specified in this Act. - 51 Verify source ↗
Provision of solid waste services
Licensed solid waste service providers, registered operators, and self-service solid waste providers must provide competitive services and notify specified authorities in an imminent emergency or disaster event; local authorities may impose conditions with an appropriate authority.
51. (1) Subject to this Act, a licenced solid waste service provider, registered operator and self-service solid waste provider shall offer competitive solid waste services in accordance with the Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2010. (2) A local authority may, in liaison with an appropriate authority, impose on a licenced solid waste service provider, registered operator or self-service solid waste provider operating under its jurisdiction, conditions that it considers desirable in the interest of the environment, public health, consumer protection, safety, security and landfill operations or to prevent uneconomic competition. (3) A licenced solid waste service provider, registered operator or self-service solid waste providers shall, where there is an imminent emergency or disaster event, notify the local authority, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit and the solid waste management company in whose jurisdiction the licensed solid waste service provider, registered operator or self-service solid waste provider operates. Provision of solid waste services Act No. 24 of 2010 Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 387 Limiting number of licenced solid waste service providers and registered operators for certain services Assessment of solid waste service providers and operators - 52 Verify source ↗
Limiting number of licenced solid waste service providers
A local authority or solid waste management company may limit how many licensed solid waste service providers, registered operators, or self-service solid waste providers can provide certain services in a service zone or solid waste management area.
52. A local authority or solid waste management company may limit the number of licenced solid waste service providers, registered operators or self-service solid waste providers to provide the following components of solid waste services in a service zone or solid waste management area: (a) construction, operation or maintenance of landfills and other disposal facilities; (b) energy recovery and generation; and (c) other solid waste services that the Director may determine. - 53 Verify source ↗
Assessment of solid waste service providers and operators
Local authorities or solid waste management companies must assess certain solid waste providers and report the result to the Director within 10 days of receiving a submission.
53. (1) A local authority or solid waste management company shall, within ten days of receipt of a submission made in accordance with section 38, consider the application for a licence or permit, make an assessment of the solid waste service provider, operator or self-service solid waste provider in accordance with the requirements specified in this section, and submit a report to the Director, indicating the solid waste service provider’s, operator’s or self-service solid waste provider’s capacity to provide solid waste services and making a recommendation on whether a licence or permit, as the case may be, should or should not be granted to the solid waste service provider, operator or self-service solid waste provider. (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), a local authority or solid waste management company shall establish and implement procedures and requirements for assessing solid waste service providers, operators and self-service solid waste providers. (3) Assessment procedures and requirements established under subsection (2), shall be relevant, objective, transparent and non-discriminatory and comply with— (a) appropriate prescribed standards, conditions and technical specifications specified in any other written law; and (b) prescribed standards, conditions and technical specifications relating to solid waste and solid waste services prescribed by the Minister or established by the Director, in liaison with an appropriate authority. (4) A local authority or solid waste management company, when assessing a solid waste service provider or operator, shall request, and take into account— (a) evidence of the incorporation or registration of a company, firm or proprietorship for purposes of providing solid waste services; 388 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (b) the financial capacity of the solid waste service provider or operator to provide solid waste services; (c) the availability of equipment appropriate to the provision of the solid waste services in question; (d) a statement on the intended service levels to be offered to waste generators in the service zone; (e) the technical competence of the solid waste service provider or operator; and (f) whether there is evidence of sufficient insurance cover for the security and safety of vehicles, installations, plant, equipment and persons. Feasibility study and business plan - 54 Verify source ↗
Feasibility study and business plan
Solid waste service providers, operators, and self-service solid waste providers must satisfy an assessment and submit a feasibility study and business plan.
54. (1) A solid waste service provider, operator or self-service solid waste provider shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of a local authority or solid waste management company making an assessment, that the solid waste service provider or operator shall meet its— (a) actual and potential obligations, established under realistic assumptions, for a period of three years from the start of operations; and (b) fixed and operational costs incurred from the operations, according to its business plan, established under realistic assumptions, for a period of six months from the start of operations without taking into account any income from its operations. (2) For the purpose of subsection (1), a solid waste service provider, operator or self-service solid waste provider shall submit a feasibility study showing the viability of the project for provision of solid waste services and a business plan for the first three years of operation which shall include the solid waste service provider’s, operator’s or self-service solid waste provider’s financial links with other commercial activities in which the solid waste service provider, operator or self-service solid waste provider is engaged, either directly or through related undertakings. - 55 Verify source ↗
Monitoring performance of licenced solid waste service
A local authority or solid waste management company must monitor certain solid waste providers for compliance.
55. A local authority or solid waste management company shall monitor the performance of solid waste service providers, registered operators and self-service solid waste providers to ensure compliance with this Act, the terms and conditions of a licence or permit and any other written law. Monitoring performance of licenced solid waste service providers, registered operators and self- service solid waste providers Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 389 - 56 Verify source ↗
Power to obtain information and expert advice
A local authority or solid waste management company may obtain information and expert advice to help carry out its functions under the Act.
56. (1) A local authority or solid waste management company shall have power to obtain information from a person or an appropriate authority that may assist the local authority or solid waste management company perform its functions under this Act. Power to obtain information and expert advice Requirement to provide information, data and make returns to Director (2) Despite subsection (1), a local authority or solid waste management company may obtain expert advice from any person that may assist the solid waste management company in the performance of its functions, as specified in this Act. - 57 Verify source ↗
Requirement to provide information, data and make returns
Specified solid waste actors must provide requested information and returns to the Director, keep some information confidential when appropriate, and comply with confidentiality limits and disclosure restrictions.
57. (1) A local authority, solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider, registered operator, self- service solid waste provider and any person undertaking a solid waste related operation, business or activity, shall— (a) provide information, statistics and copies of records, relating to any solid waste operation to the Director, as requested; and (b)file any return required by the Director giving accurate information concerning any solid waste related matter. (2) A person providing information or filing a return under subsection (1) shall indicate that certain information is of a confidential nature, if it is information that should not be available to commercial competitors. (3) If the Director is satisfied that the nature of the information submitted under subsection (2) justifies it being confidential, the information may only be provided to a public officer or an appropriate authority performing official duties under this Act or any written law relating to solid waste. (4) A person, to whom information or a return has been provided under subsection (3), shall not disclose that information or return to any person who is not authorised by the Director to receive the information or return and the information or return shall not be used for any commercial purpose, except with the written consent of the person providing the information or return. (5) If the Director is not satisfied that the nature of the information justifies it being confidential, the— (a) person providing the information or return shall be advised of the Director’s decision and the reasons for the decision shall be provided on request by the person providing the information or return or a person authorised by that person; 390 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Power to hold hearing (b) Director shall consult with the person if so requested; and (c) Minister may review the decision and make a decision that is just or appropriate in the circumstances of each case. (6) The Director may request a person, in writing, to provide relevant information or data if any international agreement requires that any report be made or that any information or data be collected and provided. (7) A person to whom a written request is made under this section who, without reasonable justification, refuses or fails to comply with that request, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand penalty units. - 58 Verify source ↗
Power to hold hearing
A local authority or board may hold a hearing for solid waste functions, but must hold a hearing before recommending a tariff or making a code of conduct. A local authority and a solid waste management company may also hold a joint hearing.
58. (1) Despite subsection (2), a local authority or a board may conduct a hearing where it considers it necessary or desirable for the purpose of carrying out its functions related to solid waste services as provided in this Act. (2) A local authority and a board shall conduct a hearing before exercising a power to— (a) recommend a tariff; or (b) establish a code of conduct for licenced solid waste providers, registered operators and self-service solid waste providers operating within their jurisdiction. (3) A notice to hold a hearing shall be published in the Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation in Zambia specifying the— (a) purpose of the hearing; (b) time within which submissions may be made to the local authority or solid waste management company; and (c) form in which submissions may be made. (4) A local authority and a solid waste management company may hold a joint hearing for purposes of this Act. Register of licenced solid waste service providers, registered operators and self-service solid waste providers - 59 Verify source ↗
Register of licenced solid waste service providers,
Local authorities and solid waste management companies must keep a register of licensed solid waste service providers, publish a yearly Gazette list, and make the register available for public inspection and, where possible, electronic access.
59. (1) A local authority and solid waste management company shall keep a Register of licenced solid waste service providers’,registered operators and self-service solid waste providers operating in its solid waste management area, and shall at least once in every year, publish in the Gazette a list of the licenced solid waste service providers’, registered operators and self-service solid waste providers for each service zone. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 391 (2) The Register referred to under subsection (1), shall be available for public inspection during business hours on payment of a prescribed fee. (3) A local authority and solid waste management company shall ensure that, where possible, the Register, under subsection (1), is accessible to the public electronically. - 60 Verify source ↗
Access to landfills and other disposal facilities
Licensed solid waste service providers and self-service solid waste providers may access landfills and other disposal facilities for disposal work, subject to any prescribed fee and applicable site rules.
60. (1) A licenced solid waste service provider and self-service solid waste provider shall have access to landfills and other disposal facilities, including appurtenant infrastructure and installations for purposes of disposal of solid waste and to the extent necessary for them to carry out their activities, on payment of a prescribed fee, where applicable. (2) A local authority or solid waste management company under whose jurisdiction a landfill or disposal facility falls, shall issue guidelines and directions for entry into a landfill and other disposal facility, the manner of disposing solid waste, times of entry into and movement in a landfill or other disposal facility and other matters relating to safety and security in a landfill or other disposal facility that the local authority or solid waste management company considers necessary for such operations. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the issuance of joint guidelines and directions by a local authority and solid waste management company. - 61 Verify source ↗
Constraint of available space or capacity at landfill or other
If a landfill or disposal facility is short of space or capacity, a local authority or solid waste management company may control access and disposal arrangements, and it must give public newspaper notice of any measure and how long it will last.
61. (1) If a landfill or other solid waste disposal facility has specific constraints relating to available space or capacity arising, in particular, from congestion in areas used for storage of solid waste, a local authority or solid waste management company may, by instrument in writing— (a) control the number of licensed solid waste service providers, from each service zone, that are allowed to access the landfill or other disposal facility, to particular days or times; (b) restrict disposal by self-service solid waste providers to certain working days or weekends; (c) divert licenced solid waste service providers or self-service solid waste providers wishing to dispose of solid waste to another solid waste management area, after agreement with the relevant local authority or solid waste management company; or (d) take other appropriate action that is necessary in the circumstances. Access to landfills and other disposal facilities Constraint of available space or capacity at landfill or other disposal facility 392 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Functions and responsibilities of licenced service providers, self-service solid waste providers and registered operators (2) A local authority or solid waste management company shall, when undertaking any measure under subsection (1) do so by notice in a newspaper of general circulation, specifying the period for which that measure shall be in place. - 62 Verify source ↗
Functions and responsibilities of licenced service providers,
Licensed solid waste service providers must provide efficient and effective services, some providers may serve gated communities or housing estates, annual reports must be submitted within six months after each financial year, and subcontracting needs written permission.
62. (1) Despite any other law and subject to this Act, a licenced solid waste service provider shall do all things necessary to provide efficient and effective solid waste services in its service zone. (2) Subject to subsection (1), a licenced self-service solid waste provider may provide solid waste services to a gated community or housing estate under terms and conditions that may be agreed to with the developer or residents of that gated community or housing estate. (3) A licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider and registered operator shall submit to a local authority or solid waste management company, who has jurisdiction in the solid waste management area, within six months after the end of the financial year, an annual report concerning the activities and operations of the licenced solid waste service provider or registered operator during that year. (4) The report, specified in subsection (3), shall be accompanied with— (a) a statement of all directives given by the local authority or solid waste management company to the licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator during the year in question and how these have been effected; and (b) other information that the local authority or solid waste management company may direct. (5) A licenced solid waste service provider or registered operator shall not sub-contract its solid waste services, except with the written permission of the relevant local authority or solid waste management company. (6) In this section, “developer” means a person who develops a gated community, housing estate or similar property. Service level agreements to supply solid waste services - 63 Verify source ↗
Service level agreements to supply solid waste services
Certain solid waste service providers may enter service level agreements with local authorities or solid waste management companies, and the agreement must specify the functions to be performed.
63. (1) A licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator may enter into a service level agreement with a local authority or a solid waste management company for the provision of solid waste services within a solid waste management area. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 393 (2) Subject to subsection (1), a service level agreement shall specify the functions which shall be performed by the licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator during the term of the agreement and may make provision for, or with respect to— (a) the concurrent performance, by the local authority and the licenced solid waste service provider, of the same functions in different parts of the solid waste management area; (b) the indemnity by the licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator of any liability of the local authority arising from the performance or non-performance of its functions; and (c) the use, maintenance, rehabilitation and development by the licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator of the local authority’s solid waste management infrastructure and facilities. (3) A licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator may enter into service level agreements with more than one local authority or solid waste management company for purposes specified in subsections (1) and (2). (4) A power or function which, in terms of an agreement, may be exercised or performed by a licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator shall be considered, when exercised or performed by the licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator, to have been exercised or performed under the authority of the local authority or solid waste management company. - 64 Verify source ↗
Specific functions relating to licenced solid waste service
Licensed solid waste service providers, self-service solid waste providers, and registered operators must carry out listed solid waste functions.
64. The functions of a licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator are to— (a) provide commercial, industrial and residential solid waste collection services; (b) carry out the sound management or operation of landfill areas and other disposal facilities that incorporate comprehensive environmental management systems, including leachate containment and management measures in accordance with the Environmental Management Act, 2011; Specific functions relating to licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider and registered operator Act No. 12 of 2011 394 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Powers of licenced solid waste service provider and registered operator Performance of community obligations (c) provide appropriate waste treatment and storage facilities; (d) provide solid waste services to an aircraft, in collaboration with the appropriate authority; (e) recycle solid waste; (f) cooperate with public health and environment officers in the discharge of their responsibilities; and (g) implement solid waste control measures as prescribed. - 65 Verify source ↗
Powers of licenced solid waste service provider and
A licensed solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider, and registered operator may exercise powers needed to carry out their functions under the Act.
65. A licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider and a registered operator may exercise any power necessary or incidental to the discharge of their functions under this Act. - 66 Verify source ↗
Performance of community obligations
A local authority and a licensed solid waste service provider must carry out community obligations as directed by the Minister.
66. A local authority and licenced solid waste service provider shall undertake community obligations at the direction of the Minister, which may involve any activity aimed at keeping public areas clean and free of solid waste, including— (a) street cleaning and other activities to maintain the cleanliness of public areas; and (b) providing waste receptacles or prescribed containers and other appropriate facilities in public areas in order to minimise and deal with solid waste on public roads and reserves and other areas accessible to the public. PART VI SOLID WASTE TARIFFS Criteria for setting and approval of tariffs
Part
PART VI
- 67 Verify source ↗
Criteria for setting and approval of tariffs
A local authority may set solid waste management tariffs, and when it does so it must consider specified cost, financial, market, collection, standards, and sustainability factors.
67. (1) The local authority may prescribe tariffs for solid waste management. (2) A local authority shall, in determining the tariff take into account the — (a) costs of providing solid waste management services or solid waste services; (b) need for a return on the capital invested for providing solid waste management services or solid waste services; (c) financial implications of the tariffs on waste generators and other consumers; (d) stakeholder and investor interests; Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 395 Compulsory, generalised and additional tariffs for solid waste for certain purposes (e) desire to promote competitive tariffs; (f)promotion of solid waste collection and achieving a sound solid waste management system; (g) cost of meeting prescribed national solid waste standards; (h) financial sustainability of solid waste services; and (i) recovery of costs reasonably associated with providing solid waste management services and solid waste services. - 68 Verify source ↗
Compulsory, generalised and additional tariffs for solid
The Director may set and apply certain solid waste tariffs, and affected payers can request a written review, but the tariff must still be paid during review.
68. (1) The Director may apply a compulsory garbage collection tariff to all residential premises in a district or waste management service area, and to all other premises to which the commercial and industrial waste collection tariff does not apply, as specified in subsection (2). (2) The Director may apply a commercial and industrial waste collection tariff to all commercial and industrial premises in a district or solid waste management area. (3) The compulsory garbage or commercial and industrial waste collection tariff, imposed in accordance with this section— (a) may be set— (i) as an annual tariff; or (ii) at different levels for various service zones, taking into account matters such as, the ability of persons to pay the waste collection tariff; and (b) shall be payable at intervals determined by the Minister. (4) The Director may apply additional or increased tariffs to premises or classes of premises which generate particular types of solid waste or greater quantities of solid waste, or which are located in areas which necessitate particular solid waste collection measures to be applied. (5) Tariffs may be set and imposed for — (a) disposing solid waste at landfills and other disposal facilities; and (b) any other solid waste service approved by the Director. (6) A person obliged to pay a tariff imposed as a result of the exercise of a power, as specified in this section, by a local authority or solid waste management company, may, by written notice, request a review of the decision by the Department and, in determining such a request, the Director may — 396 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Administrative penalty for late payment of tariffs Billing system and collection of tariffs (a) affirm the decision of the local authority or solid waste management company; or (b) amend the decision of the local authority or solid waste management company in any appropriate manner and authorise payment or a refund. (7) A request for a review, made under subsection (6), shall not postpone the obligation to pay the tariff and the Director may decline to consider a request if the person making it has not paid the tariff. - 69 Verify source ↗
Administrative penalty for late payment of tariffs
A local authority or the Director-General may settle an offence under this Act by collecting an amount of money, and a person who pays cannot later be prosecuted for that same offence.
69. (1) Where a local authority is satisfied after investigation, or where any person admits that the person has committed an offence under this Act, the local authority may compound the offence by collecting from that person where the Authority is satisfied, after an investigation, or where any person admits that the person has committed an offence under this Act, the Director-General may compound the offence by collecting from that person such sum of money as the Director-General considers appropriate, but not exceeding fifty percent of the maximum amount of the fine to which that person would have been liable, on conviction, and no person having made such payment shall be thereafter prosecuted in relation to the offence so compounded. (2) An administrative penalty imposed in accordance with subsection (1) may be enforced as a civil debt. - 70 Verify source ↗
Billing system and collection of tariffs
Certain solid waste service actors may set up a billing system and make arrangements with collection agents; tariffs payable under this Part are recoverable as a civil debt.
70. (1) A local authority, solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator may establish a billing system, specifying billing periods, for purposes of solid waste services or solid waste management. (2) All tariffs payable under this Part are recoverable as a civil debt. (3) A local authority, solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator may enter into arrangements with collection agents for the collection of charges and fees. (4) In this section, “billing period” means the period for which a tariff is imposed for solid waste management or solid waste services. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 397 Special solid waste tariffs - 71 Verify source ↗
Special solid waste tariffs
The Minister may make regulations setting additional or other special solid waste tariffs.
71. (1) The Minister may make regulations imposing— (a) additional tariffs on premises in commercial and industrial areas, where solid waste services are provided by a licenced solid waste service provider, for the maintenance and cleanliness of streets, footpaths, drains and public areas; and (b) any other type of special tariff relating to solid waste services, or for the purpose of raising revenue for provision of effective solid waste services and facilities. PART VII GENERAL PROVISIONS
Part
PART VII
- 72 Verify source ↗
Notices relating to solid waste
Specified solid-waste authorities may serve written notices requiring how waste is handled, and a person who does not comply commits an offence.
72. (1) A local authority, solid waste management company, a licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator, may serve a written notice on any person requiring that solid waste owned, possessed or under the control of that person— (a) be stored, transported or disposed of in any required Notices relating to solid waste manner; (b) not be stored, transported or disposed of in any particular manner; (c) be removed from a particular place and properly disposed of; or (d) be made available for recycling in a manner stated in the notice. (2) A person who fails to comply with a notice, specified in subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine— (a) not exceeding twenty thousand penalty units, in the case of an individual; or (b) not exceeding fifty thousand penalty units, in the case of a body corporate or unincorporate body or an individual who commits a subsequent or further offence. - 73 Verify source ↗
Powers of inspector
An inspector may inspect relevant premises and records, require production of documents, and arrest without warrant in specified circumstances; the inspector must also ensure adequate service arrangements and must hand over arrested persons promptly.
73. (1) An inspector may inspect the premises and records of a solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator to ensure compliance with this Act. Powers of inspector (2) An inspector may order a person to produce for inspection, or for the purposes of obtaining copies or extracts, any book, document or record relevant to the cause of the inspection. 398 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (3) An inspector shall ensure that adequate arrangements for the provision of solid waste services are being provided, in accordance with this Act. (4) A person who obstructs an inspector, in the exercise of that inspector’s powers, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both. (5) An inspector may arrest a person, without warrant, where the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that the person— (a) is committing or has committed an offence under this Act; (b) is about to commit an offence under this Act and there is no other way to prevent the commission of the offence; (c) unless arrested, will— (i) escape or cause unreasonable delay, trouble or expense in being made answerable to justice (ii) interfere with the witness; or (iii) tamper with or destroy relevant evidence or material; or (d) is wilfully obstructing the inspector in the execution of the inspectors’s duties. (6) An inspector shall, where the inspector arrests a person under subsection (5) , hand over the person to a police officer, or surrender that person to a police post or station within twenty-four hours. (7) An inspector who makes an arrest under subsection (5) shall, without undue delay, have the person so arrested brought before a court of competent jurisdiction to be dealt with accordingly. - 74 Verify source ↗
Offences cognisable
Offences under this Act are cognizable for purposes of the Criminal Procedure Code.
74. An offence under this Act is a cognizable offence for the purposes of the Criminal Procedure Code. - 75 Verify source ↗
Immunity of inspectors
An inspector is protected when acting in good faith while carrying out powers or duties under this Act.
75. An action or other legal proceeding shall not lie or be instituted for, or in respect of an act or thing done, or omitted to be done, in good faith by an inspector in the exercise of a power or duty conferred on the inspector under this Act. - 76 Verify source ↗
Furnishing of reports
An inspector must provide inspection reports and related information to the listed bodies in the prescribed manner and form.
76. An inspector shall furnish a local authority, solid waste management company, solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator with such reports and other information relating to an inspection, in a prescribed manner and form. Offences cognizable Cap. 88 Immunity of inspectors Furnishing of reports Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 399 Enforcement notices - 77 Verify source ↗
Enforcement notices
A local authority or solid waste management company must issue an enforcement notice when it believes a licensed solid waste service provider or registered operator is, or may be, breaching relevant legal requirements or licence conditions.
77. (1) Where a local authority or solid waste management company is satisfied that a licenced solid waste service provider or registered operator is contravening or is likely to contravene a provision of this Act, guideline, standard, directive or other instrument issued by a local authority or solid waste management company, or any condition of a licence or permit, the local authority or solid waste management company shall serve an enforcement notice on that licenced service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator. (2) An enforcement notice issued in accordance with subsection (1), shall clearly state— (a) who it is addressed to; (b) the issues to report on, in writing, including statistics and other financial information; (c) the documentation to be submitted to substantiate any information provided in the report; (d) the provisions of this Act, guideline, standard, directive, instrument or applicable legislation that has not been complied with; (e) the details of the nature and extent of non-compliance; (f)the enforcement measures that the local authority or solid waste management company intends to impose in the event of non-compliance with the enforcement notice; (g) the form and time frames for submission of the report; and (h) the address where the report shall be submitted. (3) An enforcement notice, issued under subsection (1), shall require a licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator to comply with, or take or put in place, remedial measures that may be stated in the notice and the period within which the remedial measures are to be complied with, taken or put in place, or be subject to prosecution. If a licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator consistently, willfully and unlawfully fails to comply with an enforcement notice, issued in accordance with this section, the licenced solid waste service provider or registered operator commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units. (4) - 78 Verify source ↗
Enforcement powers
Inspectors, police officers, and authorised officers may enforce enforcement notices and exercise listed entry, sampling, document-request, and containment-order powers.
78. (1) The following persons may enforce an enforcement notice, in accordance with the powers specified in subsection (2): Enforcement powers (a) an inspector; (b) a police officer; and (c) an authorised officer. 400 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (2) For the purposes of implementing and enforcing this Act, monitoring and containing the effects of solid waste on human health and the environment, a person referred to in subsection (1) may— (a) enter on any land; (b) with a warrant or with the consent of the owner or occupier, enter a private property or premise, after notifying the owner or occupier of the intention to do so; (c) take samples of solid waste, soil and water for testing and analysis; (d) require the production of records and information relevant to the management, storage, movement and disposal of solid waste; and (e) order that certain solid waste or materials apparently infected or affected by solid waste be contained, removed or otherwise dealt with. (3) A person who refuses or fails to comply with an order given in accordance subsection (2)(e) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both. General offences related to solid waste - 79 Verify source ↗
General offences related to solid waste
This section makes several solid-waste handling acts offences, including dumping outside approved disposal sites, illegal disposal in public places or waterways, using non-prescribed containers, interfering with landfill property or entry, obstructing officials, and giving false or withheld information.
79. (1) A person who disposes of, or dumps, solid waste at a place, other than a prescribed landfill or other disposal facility, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding— (a) fifty thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both; or (b) one hundred thousand penalty units, for a body corporate or unincorporate body or an individual who commits a subsequent and further offence. (2) A person commits an offence if that person— (a) throws or disposes of solid waste; (b) discharges or permits the discharge of solid waste; or (c) causes the disposal or discharge of solid waste on or in the vicinity of a roadway, street, vacant land or river front, or into a river, stream, creek, pool, well, lake, swamp or in a forest. (3) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (2) is liable to a fine not exceeding— (i) fifty thousand penalty units; or (ii) one hundred thousand penalty units, in the case of a body corporate or unincorporated body or an individual who commits a subsequent and further offence. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 401 (4) A person who disposes of solid waste from a residential, commercial or industrial premise in a receptacle that is not a prescribed container for disposal of solid waste, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding— (a) ten thousand penalty units; or (b) forty thousand penalty units, for a body corporate or unincorporated body or an individual who commits a subsequent and further offence. (5) A person commits an offence if that person— (a) damages, interferes with, or removes any property or sign at, a landfill or other disposal facility; or (b) enters a landfill or other disposal facility without authority. (6) A person who is convicted of an offence under subsection (5), is liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand penalty units. (7) A person commits an offence if that person impedes, hinders, obstructs or assaults— (a) an authorised officer in the exercise of a function or power under this Act; or (b) a contractor or employee engaged by a local authority, solid waste management company, licenced solid waste service provider or registered operator. (8) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (6) is liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units. (9) A person commits an offence if that person— (a) refuses to give the Director, an authorised officer or an appropriate authority reasonable assistance that the Director, the authorised officer or the appropriate authority may require for the purpose of exercising a power specified in this Act; (b) unreasonably delays or withholds information; (c) knowingly provides materially fraudulent information; (d) conceals or falsifies records; (e) wilfully destroys records without lawful authority; or (f) gives the Director, an authorised officer, an inspector, police officer or an officer of an appropriate authority false or misleading information in answer to an investigation or inquiry. (10) A person convicted of an offence, specified in subsection (9), is liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units. 402 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management Offences by principal officer of body corporate or un- incorporate body General penalty Power of local authority to compound certain offences Administrative penalties (11) A licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator that commits a second or subsequent offence relating to non-compliance with rules, guidelines or standards, under this Act commits an offence. - 80 Verify source ↗
Offences by principal officer of body corporate or un
If a corporate or unincorporated body commits an offence in the Act with a director’s, manager’s, or shareholder’s knowledge, consent, or connivance, that person is liable on conviction to the same penalty or prison term for that offence.
80. Where an offence specified in this Act is committed by a body corporate or an unincorporate body, with the knowledge, consent or connivance of the director, manager or shareholder, that director, manager or shareholder is liable, on conviction, to the penalty or term of imprisonment specified for that offence. - 81 Verify source ↗
General penalty
If an offence in the Act has no specific penalty, a convicted person faces a default penalty that increases for repeat offences and continuing offences.
81. A person convicted of an offence, specified in this Act for which no penalty is specifically provided, is liable— (a) in the case of a first offence, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both; (b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both; and (c) where an offence is of a continuing nature, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units for each day or part of a day during which the offence continues. - 82 Verify source ↗
Power of local authority to compound certain offences
A local authority may compound an offence only with written consent of the Director of Public Prosecution and if it is satisfied after investigation, or if the person admits the offence. The payment cannot exceed 50% of the maximum fine, and payment stops later prosecution for that offence.
82. Subject to written consent of the Director of Public Prosecution and where a local authority is satisfied after an investigation, or where a person admits that the person has committed an offence under this Act, a local authority may compound the offence by collecting from that person such sum of money as the Town clerk or Council Secretary considers appropriate, but not exceeding fifty percent of the maximum amount of the fine to which that person would have been liable on conviction, and a person having made such payment shall not be thereafter prosecuted in relation to the offence so compounded. - 83 Verify source ↗
Administrative penalties
Certain solid waste actors may impose administrative or monetary penalties in specified cases.
83. (1) A solid waste management company may impose an administrative penalty, in form of a monetary payment, for a contravention of this Act, any guideline, standard, directive or other instrument, or any condition of a licence, which is not an offence. (2) Subject to the approval of a local authority or solid waste management company, a licenced solid waste service provider, self- service solid waste provider or registered operator may impose monetary penalties for late payment or non-payment of a tariff for solid waste services. Solid Waste Regulation and Management [No. 20 of 2018 403 (3) A licenced solid waste service provider, self-service solid waste provider or registered operator who contravenes any rules, guidelines or standards made under this Act, shall be liable to an administrative penalty imposed in accordance with this section. - 84 Verify source ↗
Appeals
A person aggrieved may appeal a decision to the Minister, and then a decision of the Minister may be appealed to the High Court.
84. (1) A person aggrieved with a decision of the Director, local authority, solid waste management company, solid waste provider or registered operator may appeal to the Minister within forty-five days after receipt of the decision. Appeals (2) A person aggrieved with a decision of the Minister may appeal to the High Court. - 85 Verify source ↗
Regulations
The Minister may make regulations for solid waste regulation and management, and those regulations may include offences and penalties.
85. (1) The Minister may, in consultation with other appropriate authorities, make regulations for the proper regulation and management of solid waste, solid waste services and solid waste and for the effective implementation of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Minister may, in consultation with a local authority or solid waste management company or where necessary, an appropriate authority, make regulations for— Regulations (a) anything required to be prescribed under this Act; (b) minimum service level indicators or guarantees; (c) content of service levels agreements; (d) complaint handling processes and procedures related to billing systems and poor quality of solid waste services; (e) publication of compliance levels and reporting of service levels; (f) procedures and processes for applications for approvals and imposition of tariffs; (g) procedures for appointment, powers and duties, of a statutory manager; (h) corporate governance in the management of solid waste; (i) data collection and analysis; (j) format of annual reports; (k) the effective management of solid waste and provision of solid waste services; (l) prescribing solid waste control measures; 404 No. 20 of 2018] Solid Waste Regulation and Management (m) procedures relating to the collection of solid waste related information and for its dissemination; (n) systems, forms and procedures for registration and licensing specified in this Act, and the payment of fees for licences, permits and certificates; (o) providing for the determination of any particular object, substance or thing to be solid waste for the purposes of this Act; (p) securing the observance and effective implementation of international agreements and obligations relating to solid waste; and (q) processes and procedures for ensuring the observance of approved standards, rules, operating procedures and codes of practices in accordance with this Act. (2) Regulations made in accordance with this section may prescribe offences and impose penalties being fines not exceeding one hundred thousand penalty units or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or to both. Transitional provisions - 86 Verify source ↗
Transitional provisions
Existing solid waste service providers must apply for a licence or permit within 90 days after the Act starts.
86. A person who, prior to the commencement of this Act, was providing solid waste services shall apply for a licence or permit within ninety days of the commencement of this Act.
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Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act, 2018
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