JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT BY COSATU, CEPPWAWU AND GOVERNMENT
ON THE PLASTIC BAG MEMORANDUMOF AGREEMENT
8 December 2003
The Plastic bag regulations that came into effect on the 9 May
2003 as a result of a Memorandum of Agreement on the management of
plastic bags signed between government and its social partners led
to a situation where for the first time in South Africa
environmental issues and waste management in particular became high
on the public as well as media agenda.
The main objective of the regulations is to rid the environment
of the current uncontrolled plastic pollution in a responsible and
sustainable manner.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by government,
representatives of labour and business under the auspices of
NEDLAC. The main elements of the agreement included amongst others
the following:
- Minimum thickness of plastic bags,
- Type of ink
- Surface coverage of ink,
- Development of market for recycled material,
- Promotion of job creation, through Buyisa-I-Bag a Section 21
company,
- Prevention of illegal imports.
If plastic bags are re-used and disposed of responsibly,
especially through recycling, they are generally not damaging to
the environment. Thicker plastic bags cost more to produce, but are
also worth more to consumers. Retailers will permit consumers to
re-use bags and promote recycling.
To date much progress has been done with regards the
implementation of this agreement and government has promulgated the
plastic bag regulations under the Environment Conservation Act.
The plastic bag regulations specify:
- Minimum thickness of plastic bags,
- Type of ink
- Surface coverage of ink,
The compulsory plastic bag specifications under the Standard Act
and the tariff lines under the Customs and Excise Act support these
regulations. Cost recovery through separate charging is however not
covered in the current plastic bag regulations.
The regulations are being enforced in conjunction with the South
African Bureau of Standards and The South African Revenue Services.
In terms of plastic bag pollution control these regulations have
been successful in keeping South Africa clean. It is illegal to use
imported bags that do not comply with the compulsory specifications
of SABS. To participate in this initiative, South Africans
areencouraged to call our hotline toll free number 0800 302 622