Understanding the National Domestic Waste Collection Standards

Abstract

The Department of Environmental Affairs with the assistance of the CSIR, developed the National Domestic Waste Collection Standards, which contain a range of service standards appropriate to different contexts. The standards, which came into effect on 1 February 2011, also provide for the implementation of the waste management hierarchy that requires waste avoidance, reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery and waste treatment, and disposal as a last resort. The standards address aspects of waste collection and collection vehicles, drop-off centres for recyclables, health and safety, communication and awareness creation, including complaints handling and customer service standards for kerbside collection.