The Circular Economy (CE) is different from the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" pattern. Instead, the circular economy focuses on reusing, recycling, and sharing resources to cut down on waste and lessen environmental harm. One key principle of CE is to keep resources in use for as long as possible through strategies such as designing for durability, repairability, and recyclability. By promoting reuse and recycling, the circular economy offers a way to create a better future that benefits everyone. Embracing CE can result in new practices, economic growth, and a healthier planet for future generations.
To address challenges experienced in the waste sector, the DFFE gazetted the amended National Waste Management Strategy 2020 on 28th January 2021 in line with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act 59 of 2008) (NEMWA). The National Waste Management Strategy 2020 lays a comprehensive background that drives our goals and actions across the country. The strategy highlights the importance of sustainable waste management practices and promotes a circular economy, aiming to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste to protect our environment.
Furthermore, DFFE promulgated the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations under the NEMWA that intend to ensure the effective and efficient management of the identified end-of-life products, placing the responsibility on the producers, manufacturers, importers, and brand owners. EPR also aims to provide the framework for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of EPR schemes and to encourage & enable the implementation of the circular economy initiatives.
Through the establishment of Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), the Department has initiated a collaborative effort that encourages industry engagement in the reduction of waste. These organisations play an important role in ensuring that producers take responsibility for their products’ end-of-life phases, facilitating recycling and fostering a circular economy.