DFFE to Replace Listed Waste Management Activities

Posted 12 May 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, No. 59 of 2008, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE) intends to replace the list of waste management activities that have, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the environment.

The current list, which was first gazetted in November 2013, identifies activities for which a waste management licence is required. While the list has been revised several times since its inception, the DFFE has noted that there is no publicly available composite list reflecting all operationalised amendments to date. The proposed replacement seeks to consolidate these changes and update the regulatory framework for waste management in South Africa.

Input on the proposed new list is sought by 11 July 2026. The draft notice includes specific transitional measures intended to manage the shift from the 2013 regulations to the new framework. These measures are designed to provide clarity for entities currently conducting listed activities or those with applications pending at the time the new list takes effect.

Proposed Transitional Measures

The draft regulations outline how the transition will affect various stakeholders, including:

  • Provisions for existing waste management licences to remain valid under the new regulatory regime;
  • Directives on how pending applications for licences will be processed; and
  • Requirements for entities performing activities that may be newly categorised as requiring a licence.

The revision is part of a broader effort to align waste management activities with updated environmental standards. Professionals should review the draft to identify changes in thresholds or activity descriptions that may affect compliance obligations.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: You must monitor the finalisation of this list to ensure your professional advice regarding waste licensing remains accurate and reflects the most recent legislative updates.
  • For your business: Your firm must conduct a gap analysis of current waste operations against the proposed list to determine if existing exemptions still apply or if new licences will be required by 2026.
  • For your clients: You should advise clients with pending waste management licence applications or those planning new facilities to review the transitional measures to mitigate the risk of regulatory delays.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/waste-management-listed-activity-regulations-to-be-replaced

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