Tanzania Goes Tough on Hazardous Waste Including Scrap Metal and E-Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The government of Tanzania imposed ban on collection, recycling, imports and exports of hazardous waste including scrap metal, used batteries and electronic waste. The suspension will be in effect until the announcement of the proposed new law which aims to regulate the sector in a big way.

The statement issued by the Vice-President’s office in Dar es Salaam also prohibits traders from receiving hazardous waste from anyone who does not possess a permit from the Vice-President’s office. The statement proposes to initiate legal action against importers who violate regulations. The transportation of hazardous waste within the country as well as exports to outside countries is also banned. All existing permits for collection and transportation of hazardous waste have gone invalid. Consequently, all people trading in the categorized hazardous waste are required to register themselves with the National Environment Management Council (NEMC).

The records indicated a total of 44 containers loaded with scrap metal waiting at the Dar es Salaam Port. However, the ministerial delegation who conducted an unplanned visit to the port could find only 10 of the containers. This implies that the remaining 34 containers were exported without proper records or authorization, said January Makamba, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Union Affairs and Environment.

The people who destroy public infrastructure and trade in scrap metal will be charged for destruction of public infrastructure under the Economic Sabotage Act.