South Africa's Draft National Waste Management Strategy 2026 Aims to Divert 40% of Waste from Landfill

South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment released the Draft National Waste Management Strategy 2026, targeting a 40% diversion of waste from landfills within five years. Currently, only 10% of waste is recycled or recovered. Key challenges include the need for municipalities to enhance waste separation and compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The strategy addresses construction and electronic waste, highlighting the importance of mandatory management plans and the potential for repurposing lithium batteries.

Published Mar 18, 2026

The Draft National Waste Management Strategy 2026 in South Africa aims to divert 40% of waste from landfills by 2031, up from the current 10% recycling rate. Keith Anderson, CEO of eWASA, stresses the need for municipalities to improve waste separation efforts.

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Currently, no fines have been issued for EPR non-compliance since regulations took effect in November 2021, due to legal barriers. The strategy includes amendments targeting construction and e-waste, emphasizing the necessity for mandatory site waste management and recycling facilities.

The repurposing of lithium batteries is highlighted as a significant opportunity within the circular economy. South Africa has around 60 registered PROs, leading to fragmentation, which PASA aims to address through collaboration.