Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016 (Act 917)

Country / jurisdiction: Ghana · Year: 2016 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

This Act outlines the control, management and disposal of hazardous waste and electrical and electronic waste in Ghana, including definitions of used and waste equipment. The Act also references key provisions of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

Key provisions of the Act are set out below:

Import of hazardous and other wastes is prohibited unless authorized by the State upon consideration of criteria, such as whether the exporting state is a party to the Basel Convention, capability of the proposed disposal site for managing and disposing of the waste in an environmentally sound manner.

Mandatory registration of importers and exporters of used or discarded electrical or electronic equipment (EEE) with the EPA, with an obligation to obtain a permit for import or export of EEE and to pay an advance eco levy for EEE manufactured or imported in Ghana.

Mandatory requirement for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers of EEE to take back used or discarded EEE for the purpose of recycling.

Establishment of a fund to provide financial support for the management of electronic and electrical waste, environmental activities, and administrative expenses.

The Act is supplemented by the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Regulations 2016 (LI 2250). In relation to e-waste, this regulation sets out the responsibilities of e-waste producers, refurbishers, dismantlers, recyclers, and operators of collection centres.

The Act is also supplemented by the Technical Guidelines on Environmentally Sound E-Waste Management for Collectors, Collection Centers, Transporters, Treatment Facilities and Final Disposal in Ghana 2018. These guidelines set out guiding principles for collectors, transporters, and treatment facilities among others, to collect, treat, and recycle specified waste, such as batteries and accumulators.

Official source: https://www.brr.gov.gh/reg_details.php?id=NzE2