THE WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, 2021 AND THE WASTE MANAGEMENT (FEES) REGULATIONS, 2021 TAKE EFFECT ON 31 MAY 2022.
The Waste Management Rules, 2021 (WMR), and the Waste Management (Fees) Regulations (WMFR) 2021 are operational from 31 May 2022. As such, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is providing salient information to all stakeholders about the requirements and roll-out of the WMR and WMFR.
The WMR and WMFR, were laid in the House of Representatives on 2 July 2021 and in the Senate on 5 July 2021. They support the legal framework to improve the national management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The objective is, through a permitting regime, to regulate activities related to the management of waste such as generation, processing, treatment, packaging, storage, transportation, collection, disposal, recovery, and recycling where:
- Generators are permit holders (holders of a Waste Generation Permit) who produce non-hazardous wastes at or above specified quantities or hazardous waste at any quantity.
- Handlers are permit holders (holders of a Waste Handling Permit) who receive waste from another person for collection, storage, processing, treatment, recovery, recycling, or disposal.
NOTE: The following are exempted from the WMR and WMFR as such wastes are controlled or will be controlled by other legislation:
- Radioactive waste,
- Gaseous emissions; and
- Wastewater from wastewater treatment premises
The WMR specifies timeframes for submission of applications:
- Within sixty (60) working days from 31 May 2022 for existing facilities generating waste.
- Within ninety (90) working days from 31 May 2022 for existing facilities handling waste.
- Or such longer period as determined by the EMA.
Due to the anticipated number of applications, the EMA will, on a phased basis, notify a facility to submit an application. The facility will have a minimum of sixty working days from the date of notification to submit its application. The first phase of notifications has commenced with applications due during the week of 12 September 2022. Further clarification or information on the application process can be requested through waste@ema.co.tt.
We note that the WMR and WMFR represent a positive step forward in the country’s environmental development agenda as this legislation supports environmentally acceptable waste disposal methods while helping to reduce waste pollution in Trinidad and Tobago. The EMA once more sends a clarion call to all citizens to join the fight in proper waste reduction, management, and disposal, thus mitigating the damaging impacts of pollution and environmental degradation. For further information on the WMR and WMFR and proper waste disposal, please visit www.ema.co.tt or the EMA’s social media platforms.
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Corporate Communications Unit
Environmental Management Authority
#8 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain
Email: communications@ema.co.tt
Website: www.ema.co.tt