Waste Act (No. 646 of 2011).

The objective of this Act is to promote a circular economy and a sustainable use of natural resources; reduce the quantity and harmfulness of waste; prevent the health and environmental risks and damages caused by waste; ensure a efficient management of waste; and prevent the generation of waste. The Act contains 152 Sections divided into the following chapters: 1. General provisions; 2. General obligations and principles; 3. Competent authorities and their duties; 4. The responsibility to arrange for the management of waste; 5. Municipally organized waste management; 6. Producer responsibility; 7. Beverage packaging; 8. Littering; 9. Waste management fees; 10. Planning and management; 11. Authorization to be listed in the waste management and producer register and entry into the register; 12. International waste transport and transport of vessels for dismantling; 13. Supervision and administrative coercion; 14. Appeal and enforcement; 15. Special provisions; 16. Entry into force and transitional provisions. The Act applies to waste, waste management and littering as well as to products and activities that give rise to waste. It also applies to waste from the operation of ships once the waste has been landed, and to waste resulting from oil spills.
As a general rule, all businesses and industries shall prioritoze the following order in relation to waste management: (1) the quantity and harmfulness of the waste generated by the industry shall be reduced; (2) if waste is nonetheless generated, the waste shall be prepared, firstly, for reuse, and secondly, for recycling; and (3) if recycling is not possible, the waste shall be disposed of. The Act lays down due diligence requirements applying to the manufacturers of products, which covers the use of raw materials, recycling, production methods, reporting obligations, authorization requirements, etc. Other requirements concerning waste are also laid down for businesses and manufacturers. Waste should be classified and collected separately, subject to the rules of the present Act. The polluter pays principle is explicitly established in the Act, among other principles.
It shall be the municipality's responsibly to arrange for the local management of waste, including waste from domestic sources and hazardous waste both from domestic and non-domestic sources, such as agriculture and forestry. Waste transport services shall also be arranged by the municipality. The Act further prohibits littering in public spaces in a way that poses risks to animals, people or the environment. The Act mandates the Ministry of the Environment to prepare a national waste plan, which shall contain the topics indicated in this Act.