Waste accreditation just got easier
04 July 2021
The City’s Solid Waste Management Department would like to remind businesses that accreditation is necessary for everyone providing a waste management service, and certain waste generators. To make this process easier, we have set up a dedicated online waste accreditation portal, supported by an illustrated step-by-step guide for further reference, and answers to any questions you may have.
Significant volumes of waste are transported and processed throughout the city by private waste management businesses. The City of Cape Town has a responsibility to manage solid waste that is generated and disposed of, and detailed information is vital for effective, safe, healthy and sustainable management planning. For this reason, anyone who is involved in waste management activities or services must register to become accredited.
Waste service providers and generators include:
- Individuals or businesses who collect and transport waste
- Waste sorters, such as recycling or waste minimisation groups
- Scrap dealers
- Buy-back centres
- Property owners whose occupants/employees generate waste
In order to operate legally, service providers and generators need to register for accreditation with the City. There is no cost involved in registration.
To make the accreditation process easier for waste generators and service providers the City created an online waste accreditation system, as well as an illustrated step-by-step guide for further information and support. The accreditation system helps the City keep track of how much waste is being produced throughout Cape Town, and where it ends up. This helps us regulate the production and management of waste more efficiently, as waste management businesses must report on volumes and waste types they process to the city.
The City has noted that waste management companies have been slow to apply, and would therefore like to remind all those who make use of these companies that they are legally responsible for ensuring the company they use is properly accredited. Failure to do so could mean legal liability in terms of the City’s Integrated Waste Management By-law.
Apart from the need to be legally compliant, there are numerous benefits:
- Being registered on the City's accreditation database, which is shared with the public who might be requiring waste management services, also means free marketing.
- It provides opportunities like meeting tender specifications and work opportunities with government and large businesses since accreditation is specified as a supply chain requirement for waste management in the public sector and large businesses with ISO accreditation.
- It provides an opportunity to build relationships with other industry stakeholders and therefore makes your business more sustainable.
- Accreditation is required for building demolition applications which cannot be approved without an accredited service provider and building integrated waste management plan.
- It creates an enabling environment where small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) can thrive.
- It assists persons in maintaining legal compliance and developing a professional waste management service, and provides training opportunities for small businesses.
- It contributes to diverting waste from landfills and protecting our environment for future generations.
‘Thank you to the service providers who are already accredited. We encourage those who still need to do so, to please register and get their accreditation so they are able to access the benefits of being compliant. The Solid Waste Management Department is also making every effort to assist unaccredited waste management service providers with the necessary permits and accreditation.
‘This sector is a vital partner in achieving the City’s goal of minimising and avoiding waste, as well as reducing and diverting waste from landfill,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.
What to know about the accreditation and its process:
- Sign up online here: http://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/swma/
- There is no cost involved to register.
- View the checklist of information is needed for your application
- Once your application is submitted, you will be notified when it is being reviewed and the date of inspection to follow.
- It takes between three to four months to complete as each step in the accreditation process must be followed.
- Accreditation is valid for 24 months.
The online accreditation process is in place to reduce physical contact as much as possible, as well as ease the burden on companies having to physically visit municipal offices. However, for those who are unable to access the online system, manual applications and email applications will still be accepted.
Applicants who are experiencing difficulty registering online can send an email to Alfonso Noble at Waste.Accreditation@capetown.gov.za or send a text message to 074 446 3682.
What happens when service providers do not comply
Admission of guilt fines will be applicable to unaccredited service providers.
Any accredited party who has been found to transgress the City’s Integrated Waste Management By-law, 2009 or any related environmental legislation may be prosecuted criminally. If the party is found to be guilty in a court of law, the City may withdraw its accreditation upon notice of intent to do so, and provision of an opportunity to the guilty party to make representations.
For queries, contact the City using one of these channels:
Always get a reference number for your service request.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
