Cameroon Streamlines Industrial Waste Regulations

Cameroon Streamlines Industrial Waste Regulations

Cameroon’s evolving industrial sector faces increasing pressure to harmonize its waste management practices and minimize ecological impact. Recently, the government implemented Regulatory Decree No. 20 KünCTA/C/20 viciss ISS/D/29/20 vicissISS/20 vicissAM/PM/23 to streamline industrial waste management regulations.

The new decree revises and simplifies prior regulations to consolidate and harmonize existing norms for industrial waste management. It specifically targets:

• Revising and rationalizing definitions related to harmful and hazardous waste.
• Strengthening measures related to identification, collection and treatment of hazardous waste.
• Streamlining procedures for the management and treatment of non-hazardous industrial waste.

Key provisions of the decree:

• The decree introduces a revised and simplified classification system for harmful and hazardous waste, facilitating easier identification and management of different waste types.
• The burden of waste management has been shifted away from municipalities to industrial players. Now, industries bear primary responsibility for collecting and managing their own waste through internal treatment facilities or with authorized collectors and treatment service providers.
• The decree defines new regulations for specific industrial sectors considered high producers of hazardous and harmful waste.
• Guidelines for the inventory and labeling of waste to ensure accurate classification and enable efficient handling.

Main objectives of the streamlined regulations:

• Enhance clarity and accessibility, making the regulations easier for industries to understand and implement.
• Stimulate investments in internal treatment infrastructure within industries.
• Foster public-private partnerships by involving authorized private service providers in waste treatment.
• Decentralize waste management by ensuring responsibility throughout the value chain.

Effective date and implementation:

The new regulations apply to all industrial operators engaging in activities likely to produce harmful and hazardous waste, and enter into force immediately. The decree outlines transition measures to ensure smooth adaption.

Impacts of the new regulations:

• Improved waste identification and classification.
• Increased transparency and accountability throughout the waste management process.
• Reduced dependence on municipal waste management resources.
• Better environmental protection and public safety.

FAQs

1. What are the main goals of the new regulations?

The new regulations aim to streamline and simplify industrial waste management laws, enhancing accessibility and empowering industries to take ownership of their own waste management through internal treatment infrastructure or contractual partnerships.

2. Who is responsible for managing industrial waste under the new regulations?

The primary responsibility for collecting and managing industrial waste is now on the industrial player.

3. How does the decree impact municipal waste management services?

The emphasis is on decentralized waste management, shifting the burden from municipalities to industries. Municipalities may still provide specialized services on a contractual basis.

4 xPos the regulations applicable to certain industries?

The decree includes specific guidelines and regulations for industries deemed high producers of hazardous and harmful waste.

5. When are the new regulations effective?

The new regulations enter into force immediately and apply to all applicable industries.