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This follows the arrest last Friday on the East Rand of a woman who was caught by environmental inspectors illegally dumping hazardous waste at a site in Boksburg.
The waste came from a local chemical firm, which had contracted the woman to transport and dispose of it.
"The hazardous waste that was dumped on site was a resin-like substance that is used in the manufacture of glue-type products. Approximately 50 drums, with a combined capacity of 10 000 litres, had been emptied and left unattended on the site.
"Investigations revealed that this waste originated from Rolfes Chemicals (Pty) Ltd, which had contracted the female suspect to transport and dispose of the waste material," the department said.
The company had been ordered to clean up and rehabilitate the site.
"The costs associated with these actions will be much higher than they would have been if the waste had been disposed of at a legally authorised facility in the first place."
Generators of waste (especially hazardous waste) had to be very careful when out-sourcing the transport and disposal of their waste to contractors who claimed to dispose of waste in accordance with legislation, the department said.
"Those who generate the waste will remain ultimately responsible for how this waste is handled and disposed of, despite contracts they may have with third parties."
- Sapa
