Abstract
The Chemical industry are beneficial in improving human wellbeing by providing employment,
better quality health, productive lifestyle and nutrition opportunities. However, the pollution from
the industry has been associated with negative impacts on health and safety of humans, threatening
the sustainability of the environment. Waste from the Chemical industry poses a significant threat
to humans and environment when management is improper. Chemical waste generation and its
management have been a serious problem ever since human habitation. Minimizing of waste and
reuse are main issues relating to the management of chemical waste. South Africa backs the
hierarchy of waste by encouraging production processes that are cleaner, minimizing waste,
reusing, recycling and treating waste, making disposal the last option for the management of waste.
Stringent hazardous or chemical waste control and management are required to avoid harm or
damage to the environment and humans, while reducing liabilities. This paper gives an overview
of the waste management of chemical waste in South Africa.