Have your say on new plastic bag regulations

Comment has been invited on the intention to amend the Environment Conservation Act regarding regulations for plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags.

“Plastic waste has not only become a challenge in diverting it form going to landfill sites, but has grown to be one of the most problematic waste streams that continues to harm the environment.

“Plastic waste is mostly common in illegal dumps, landfill sites and rivers, and ultimately ends up in oceans, causing harm to marine life,” said Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy.

The intention to amend the regulations was published in Government Gazette 43601 (Notice no 869) on August 7.

The amendment emanates from the review of all policies affecting plastic bags in the country. This included input from stakeholders directly and indirectly affected by policies relating to plastic bags and their management at post-consumer stage.

The review included determining the improvements required for a possible amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between government, business and labour. It assessed whether the intended objectives of addressing the plastic bag litter problem and the promotion of the reuse and recycling of plastic carrier bags have been achieved, and if any improvements are needed.

Among the areas aimed at raising awareness and strengthening the compact between government, business and labour was the hosting of the Plastic Colloquium by the Minister in November 2019.

As a result, the Department is developing a Plastics Master Plan with targets, time-frames, actions and specific goals to ensure actions discussed at the colloquium are implemented, and that everyone responsible for the work is held accountable. Among the most important amendments to the regulations is the prohibition of the manufacture, trade and distribution of domestically produced and imported plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags that do not meet outlined specifications for use within South Africa.

The proposed amendments focus on post-consumer recyclate material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product.The amendments also state the plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags must be made from a minimum of 50 per cent post-consumer recyclate from January 1, 2023, 75 per cent of recycled materials from 2025 and must comprise 100 per cent post-consumer recyclate from 2027.

In terms of the amendment, any person who contravenes the regulations could face a fine not exceeding R5-million or five years’ imprisonment.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction the person could be imprisoned for up to 10 years or face a R10-m fine.

Members of the public are invited to submit their comments by September 7.

Written representations or objections to the proposed amendments to the following addresses:

• By post to: The Director-General: Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, for the attention of Pamela Nxumalo, Private Bag X447Pretoria.
• By hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, 0083 (Attention: Pamela Nxumalo)

Please note anyone entering the department’s building will be subjected to Covid-19 procedures. Due to the pandemic, delivering comments by hand to the department is being discouraged. Comments can also be emailed to pnxumalo@environment.gov.za