SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Handle and dispose of waste 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119303  Handle and dispose of waste 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of environmental science, environmental management and waste management, I will be able to:
  • Identify, categorise, collect, handle and dispose of different types of waste
  • Use appropriate terminology to describe waste related issues

    I will also know and understand:
  • How waste interrelates with the environment
  • The importance of working safely with due care for the environment and the health and well-being of myself and others.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any activity which is related to managing environmental issues, such as:
  • Clearing invasive species and water courses
  • Land development projects
  • Collecting and processing waste
  • Local government litter picker
  • Working in community initiatives with an environmental focus
  • Preventing and responding to pollution
  • Inspecting facilities to prevent pollution or adverse environmental impacts
  • Etc

    The skill, the knowledge and the values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the General Education and Training Certificate in Environmental Practice (NQF Level 1). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner studying towards this qualification has attained ABET level 3 Mathematics and Communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.
  • The amount of detail and degree of complexity provided in explanations and descriptions should be appropriate to NQF Level 1. The purpose is to alert the learner to waste management principles and concepts as they relate to the learner's context, and does not imply knowledge and understanding of the full range of concepts
  • All terminology and definitions related to waste (including categories) should be in line with Government policies, laws and guidelines.
  • Disposal of waste refers to the primary disposal (on-site storage). Specialist waste management workers would obtain the greater depth and range of knowledge they require from learning associated with the related unit standards on materials and tools/equipment. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of what waste is and how it interrelates with the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different categories of waste are named and briefly described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different categories: general, hazardous, biodegradable, recoverable, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Adverse as well as potentially beneficial effects of waste on the environment are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and describe the concepts and principles of waste management. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Concepts and principles cover the waste management hierarchy: avoid, minimise, separate, re-use/repair, recycle, treat, process, dispose.
  • Describe: respond to questions to show that I have a basic understanding of the concepts and principles and can explain and describe them in elementary terms. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The waste hierarchy is described and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Questions about the application of the waste hierarchy are responded to appropriately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and describe the sequence of steps required in the waste management process. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Sequence of steps: the waste management process, ie generation, storage, collection, transport, processing/treatment (recycling, composting, incineration), disposal.
  • Management includes waste tracking documentation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The points at which waste is commonly generated are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ways in which waste is stored, collected and transported are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ways in which waste can be treated and disposed of are listed and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Questions about the purpose of waste tracking documentation are responded to appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work is carried out safely with due care for the environment and the health and well-being of myself and others. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Recognise and respond appropriately to special waste. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Special waste includes hazardous waste, electronic waste, health care generic waste, health care risk waste and radioactive waste.
  • Respond appropriately includes applying special methods of storing waste prior to collection, isolating waste, reporting, following emergency procedures, etc. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Examples of special classes of waste are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Questions about recognising and identifying special classes of waste are responded to appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct action is taken in response to each class of special waste. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply waste management principles and procedures in own context. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    This outcome should be demonstrated practically: a waste stream familiar to the learner should be investigated, and practical ways of waste management be demonstrated. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Waste management principles and procedures: minimising, reusing, recycling, handling, disposal

    Own context: work, community or domestic. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A variety of environmentally sensitive materials are collected and disposed of according to type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ways of reducing the amount of waste generated are listed and described in elementary terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Waste that can be reused is identified and separated and ways of re-using this waste in my context are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    'What' and 'why' questions about waste management choices are responded to appropriately. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
    > How my assessment is moderated
    > How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment
    Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.
  • I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.
  • I will be assessed on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.
  • The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.
  • I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.
  • My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my assessment for the qualification as a whole. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate

    Names and functions of:
  • Kinds of waste
  • Terminology related to the waste stream
  • Types of hazardous waste
  • Special classes of waste

    Purpose of:
  • Minimising waste
  • Sorting
  • Recycling
  • Compacting
  • Composting
  • Incinerating
  • Personal protective clothing and equipment
  • Securing waste containers

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Of different kinds of waste
  • Of dangers associated with hazardous waste
  • Of hazardous waste

    Processes and events:
  • Minimising waste
  • Reusing
  • Sorting, separating
  • Isolating
  • Recycling
  • Compacting
  • Composting
  • Incinerating

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Poorly managed waste
  • Pollution
  • Using non-renewable resources
  • Failure to work safely

    Procedures and techniques:
  • For handling and disposing of waste
  • For avoiding contamination
  • Methods of disposal
  • Emergency procedures

    Sensory cues:
  • Smells and visual cues related to identifying types of waste

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Related to waste management and the environment

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Elementary science related to handling and disposing of waste

    Categories:
  • Kinds of waste

    Relationships, systems:
  • The inter-relationship of waste and the environment
  • The waste management system 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems
  • Related to the safe handling and disposal of waste.
  • Identify and demonstrate practical ways of reducing the amount of waste generated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others
  • Work safely with due care for the health and well-being of others. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • Carry out my activities in accordance with the principles of waste management. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Use sensory information to identify special classes of waste. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • Report special classes of waste.
  • Use the correct terminology to describe waste management principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Show responsibility towards the environment and the health of self and others. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Understand the interrelationship between waste and the environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49552   General Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  58493   General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian Practices  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. A4 Consultancy CC 
    2. Amabamba Recruitment 
    3. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    4. Buena Vista Learning Academy 
    5. Dee's Training (PTY) LTD 
    6. Elvis Koena Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Enviroserv Waste Management Pty Ltd 
    8. IQ Skills Academy (PTY) LTD. 
    9. Josmap Training Institute 
    10. Mamuhle Academy 
    11. MARS Business Consulting 
    12. Mcebo Technologies 
    13. Mdaka Omnyama Trading and Projects 
    14. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    15. Ndwamato Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    16. Neopeo Trading & Projects 
    17. Networx for Career Development 
    18. Nkinane Trading Enterprise 
    19. NOBO Training and Development Services (Pty) LTD 
    20. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    21. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    22. PTDEV (Pty) Ltd 
    23. Reflections Development Institute 
    24. RLSTP Training & Development (PTY) LTD. 
    25. Simmek Holdings 
    26. South African Corporate Training Association 
    27. Tasc Business Consulting and Training 
    28. Timothy Fasheun Group Enviromentors (Pty) Ltd 
    29. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    30. Umbuso Training Services 
    31. University of Venda 
    32. Washa 2 Training & Projects 
    33. Wildlife and Enviroment Society of South Africa 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.