How to Get a Waste Management License: Complete DFFE Guide 2026

A <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>Waste Management</a> License is required for activities involving the storage, treatment, recycling, or disposal of waste in South Africa under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA, Act 59 of 2008). For companies targeting municipal waste contracts, landfill operations, recycling facilities, or hazardous waste management tenders, obtaining the appropriate license is a mandatory legal requirement.

South Africa's <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> sector presents significant tender opportunities as municipalities seek private sector partners for waste collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal services. Whether you're establishing a recycling facility, bidding on municipal waste collection contracts, or developing waste-to-<a href='/sa-tenders/categories/energy'>energy</a> projects, understanding the DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) licensing process is essential.

When is a Waste Management License Required?

Activities listed in Category A or Category B of Government Notice R921 (2013) require a <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>Waste Management</a> License. Key activities include:

Category A Activities (Full EIA Required)

• Waste disposal facilities (landfills for general or hazardous waste)
• Hazardous waste treatment facilities
• Hazardous waste storage exceeding 80 cubic metres
• General waste storage exceeding 500 cubic metres
• Waste sorting, shredding, or baling exceeding 1,000 tonnes per day

Category B Activities (Basic Assessment)

• Waste recycling facilities (various thresholds)
• Storage of hazardous waste (35-80 cubic metres in containers)
• Storage of general waste (100-500 tonnes)
• E-waste recycling and treatment
• Used oil recovery
• Composting facilities (certain scales)

Who Needs a Waste Management License?

• <strong>Landfill operators:</strong> Any new or expanded landfill site
• <strong>Recycling facilities:</strong> MRFs, recycling plants, e-waste facilities
• <strong>Hazardous waste handlers:</strong> Treatment and storage facilities
• <strong>Medical waste treaters:</strong> <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/healthcare'>Healthcare</a> waste treatment plants
• <strong>Transfer stations:</strong> Waste sorting and transfer points
• <strong>Composting facilities:</strong> Organic waste processing
• <strong>Incinerators:</strong> Waste-to-<a href='/sa-tenders/categories/energy'>energy</a> and incineration plants

Application Requirements

Documentation Required

• Completed <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> license application form
• Environmental Impact Assessment or Basic Assessment Report
• Environmental Management Programme (EMPr)
• Technical specifications of <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> activities
• Site layout and design plans
• Proof of land ownership or consent
• Financial provision for rehabilitation/closure
• Public participation records
• Specialist studies (groundwater, air quality, etc. as required)

Technical Requirements

• <strong>Site suitability:</strong> Appropriate location away from sensitive areas
• <strong>Containment:</strong> Liner systems, leachate management for landfills
• <strong>Monitoring:</strong> Groundwater, air quality, and waste tracking systems
• <strong>Capacity:</strong> Sufficient capacity for proposed waste volumes
• <strong>Emergency response:</strong> Fire fighting, spill response capabilities

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

1. <strong>Screening:</strong> Determine if your activity triggers <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> licensing under GN R921
2. <strong>Appoint EAP:</strong> Engage a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (see <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-sacnasp'>SACNASP Registration</a>)
3. <strong>Pre-Application Consultation:</strong> Meet with DFFE or provincial environmental authority
4. <strong>Application Submission:</strong> Submit <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> license application
5. <strong>Public Participation:</strong> Notify stakeholders and conduct public participation process
6. <strong>Environmental Assessment:</strong> Complete EIA or Basic Assessment as required
7. <strong>Specialist Studies:</strong> Conduct groundwater, geotechnical, and other required studies
8. <strong>Assessment Report:</strong> EAP compiles assessment report with findings and recommendations
9. <strong>Authority Review:</strong> DFFE or provincial authority reviews application
10. <strong>Site Inspection:</strong> Authority may conduct site inspection
11. <strong>Decision:</strong> License granted with conditions, or refused

Costs and Timeline

Compliance Requirements Post-License

• <strong>Annual Environmental Audit:</strong> Independent audit of license compliance
• <strong>Waste Manifest System:</strong> Tracking all waste received and processed
• <strong>Monitoring Reports:</strong> Regular groundwater, air quality, and environmental monitoring
• <strong>Emergency Response:</strong> Maintain and test emergency response capabilities
• <strong>Financial Provision:</strong> Maintain and update closure/rehabilitation funding
• <strong>Record Keeping:</strong> Comprehensive records of all <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> activities
• <strong>Condition Compliance:</strong> Adhere to all license conditions

Waste Management License for Municipal Tenders

When bidding on municipal <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>waste management</a> tenders, typical requirements include:

• <strong>Valid <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/environmental'>Waste Management</a> License:</strong> For any facility receiving municipal waste
• <strong>Capacity Evidence:</strong> Licensed capacity sufficient for contract volumes
• <strong>Compliance History:</strong> Good standing with environmental authorities
• <strong>Fleet and Equipment:</strong> Appropriate collection vehicles and equipment
• <strong><a href='/glossary#b-bbee'>B-BBEE</a> Certificate:</strong> Preferential <a href='/sa-tenders/categories/supplies'>procurement</a> scoring
• <strong>Experience:</strong> Track record in similar contracts

Related Resources

• <a href='/industries/water-waste'>Water & Waste Industry Guide</a> - Complete industry overview
• <a href='/industries/environmental'>Environmental Industry Guide</a> - Environmental sector tenders
• <a href='/blog/how-to-register-with-sacnasp'>SACNASP Registration</a> - For environmental scientists
• <a href='/blog/how-to-get-iso-14001-certification'>ISO 14001 Certification</a> - Environmental management systems