Namwaste is a specialised hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility developed to provide Namibia with a compliant, long-term solution for managing hazardous and industrial waste. The facility combines local expertise from Rent-A-Drum with international experience from the Séché Environnement Group.
Namwaste was established to address Namibia's growing need for compliant hazardous waste management infrastructure. As industries such as mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy continue to grow, the country requires safe and environmentally responsible solutions for managing increasing volumes of hazardous waste.
The facility is designed to manage a range of hazardous and selected non-hazardous industrial waste streams. Every waste stream undergoes a strict assessment and classification process before acceptance to ensure it can be managed safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Yes. Namwaste has received approval to manage and dispose of asbestos-containing waste using dedicated handling, containment, and monitoring procedures designed to protect workers, nearby communities, and the environment.
Before any waste is accepted, it undergoes a comprehensive verification and classification process. Waste is analysed, assessed for compatibility, and evaluated against the facility's technical capabilities and regulatory authorisations. This process ensures safe handling, treatment, storage, and disposal.
Cradle-to-grave traceability means that waste is tracked throughout its entire lifecycle—from collection and transportation through to treatment and final disposal. This provides accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance at every stage.
The Namwaste Management Facility incorporates multiple layers of environmental protection, including engineered disposal cells, triple geomembrane containment barriers, leachate collection systems, stormwater management infrastructure, and ongoing environmental monitoring programmes.
Yes. A network of groundwater monitoring boreholes has been established around the facility. Groundwater levels and quality are monitored regularly by independent specialists, with ongoing reporting procedures in place.
Air quality monitoring equipment has been installed around the facility to continuously assess environmental performance and ensure surrounding communities remain protected. Independent specialists conduct ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Yes. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was completed over a two-year period and included specialist studies covering air quality, groundwater, biodiversity, hydrology, socio-economic impacts, archaeology, traffic, and more. Public participation and stakeholder engagement formed part of the process.
Yes. The facility received its Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on 5 March 2025 following completion of the EIA process and regulatory review.
While many waste streams can be recycled, recovered, or reused, some hazardous materials cannot be safely processed through conventional recycling methods. These waste streams require specialised treatment and engineered disposal solutions to prevent environmental contamination and protect human health.
Mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy projects generate specialised waste streams that require compliant management. Namwaste provides local infrastructure that supports these industries while helping them meet environmental and regulatory obligations.
Environmental monitoring will continue beyond the operational lifespan of the facility. Long-term post-closure monitoring, rehabilitation, and environmental management programmes are built into the facility's design and planning process.
Rent-A-Drum provides waste collection, transportation, logistics, recycling, and recovery services, while Namwaste provides treatment, storage, environmental management, and final disposal. Together, they offer a fully integrated waste management solution.
Businesses can contact the Namwaste team for a waste assessment. Waste streams will be reviewed, classified, and evaluated to determine the most appropriate treatment, storage, or disposal solution in line with regulatory requirements and facility capabilities.
