Launching a waste collection and management company in Zambia can be lucrative and socially significant—if you navigate the country’s multi‑layered regulatory landscape with care. This guide walks you through each legal step, from name reservation at PACRA to day‑to‑day compliance with the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act of 2018. Follow it, and you’ll move from idea to licensed operator with confidence.
Why the Sector Matters –and Why Now
Urbanisation, mining, and infrastructure growth are driving up the volume of solid waste in Zambia. Government has responded with stricter rules and active enforcement. Businesses that meet these standards can secure long‑term service contracts from municipalities, commercial clients, and industrial plants. In short, solid waste is no longer an afterthought; it is a regulated service—and a stable revenue stream for companies that do it right.
The Legal Framework at a Glance
| Law / Agency | Main Focus | Your Obligation |
| Companies Act (PACRA) | Company formation | Reserve a unique name, appoint directors, file Articles of Association. |
| Environmental Management Act & Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act (2018) (ZEMA) | Environmental licensing | Obtain a Waste Management Licence before handling any waste. |
| Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) | Tax compliance | Register for TPIN, CIT, PAYE, and VAT (if turnover exceeds threshold). |
| Local Authorities | Service delivery zones | Sign service contracts and follow local waste management plans. |
Tip: Keep every approval letter and fee receipt in a single digital folder—it speeds up renewals and protects you during inspections.
Step 1 – Register the Company with PACRA
1.1 Name Clearance and Reservation
- Create a PACRA account at pacra.org.zm.
- Search your proposed name.
- Pay the K 90 fee to reserve it for up to 90 days.
1.2 Incorporation Requirements
- Structure: Private company limited by shares is the norm.
- Directors: Minimum two, at least half (including the CEO) must reside in Zambia.
- Secretary: Mandatory.
- Nominal Capital: Minimum K 20 000.
1.3 Filing Package
| Document | Purpose |
| Companies Form 3 | Basic company data |
| Articles of Association | Internal rules |
| Consent to Act forms | Shows each officer accepts the role |
| Declaration of Compliance | Confirms all legal steps were met |
1.4 Fees (Typical)
- 2.5 % of nominal capital (min K 500)
- Certificate of Share Capital – K 200
- Declaration fees – K 400
- Certificate of Incorporation – K 200
Total: ~K 1 300. PACRA usually issues the certificate within 24 hours once paperwork is complete.
Step 2 – Secure a Waste Management Licence from ZEMA
2.1 Online Application via ZamPortal
- Create or log in to a ZamPass account.
- Select “Waste Management Licence” and start a new application.
- Fill every field, attach PDFs, and sign with your PIN.
- Pay the invoice online; confirmation arrives by email.
2.2 Required Attachments
- PACRA certificate.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
- Environmental Management Plan.
- Emergency Response Plan.
- Proof of newspaper notice and community consultations.
- Site drawings, capacity calculations, and lifespan estimates.
- CV and certificate for the compliance officer.
2.3 Fee Schedule (Key Activities)
| Activity | Class I | Class II | Class III |
| Waste collection / transport | K 4 500 | K 3 000 | K 1 500 |
| Recycling / recovery | K 6 000 | K 4 500 | K 3 000 |
| Landfill operation | K 15 000 (flat) | – | – |
Good practice: Submit a concise cover letter addressed to the ZEMA Director‑General that lists every attached document in order. It speeds up review.
Step 3 – Register for Taxes with ZRA
- TPIN: Automatically generated if you incorporated after 2020; otherwise register in person.
- Corporate Income Tax: Automatically activated with TPIN.
- VAT: Register once turnover exceeds statutory threshold (currently K 800 000 in 12 months).
- PAYE: Register before hiring your first employee.
Prepare a utility bill, site sketch, and a short business description—the officer will ask for them.
Step 4 – Comply with the Solid Waste Regulation & Management Act
4.1 Corporate Registration under Section 48
File a separate registration with the Director of Solid Waste Management. You receive a certificate that sits beside your ZEMA licence.
4.2 Operating Standards
- Use leak‑proof trucks and labelled containers (Section 30).
- Keep disposal sites fenced and free of animals (Sections 31‑32).
- Bury non‑organic waste to prescribed depth and record every cell (Section 34).
Penalties for non‑compliance reach 300 000 penalty units or three years in jail.
Step 5 – Engage Local Authorities
Municipal councils divide their territory into service zones. They may:
- Operate the zone themselves, or
- Award an exclusive contract to a private operator.
You must sign a service agreement, honour the zone’s collection schedule, and share data on tonnage and recycling rates.
Operational Best Practices
- Community outreach: Hold quarterly meetings with resident associations and traditional leaders (Section 19).
- Record‑keeping: Track waste origin, weight, and destination; ZEMA auditors check these logs.
- Safety training: Certify drivers in hazardous‑materials handling and first aid.
- Insurance: Maintain motor, public‑liability, and environmental‑impairment cover.
Timeline & Checklist
| Week | Milestone |
| 1 – 2 | Name reservation and incorporation paperwork |
| 3 – 6 | Prepare EIA, management plans, community consultations |
| 7 | Submit ZEMA and Solid Waste Act applications |
| 8 – 10 | ZEMA technical review and possible site visit |
| 11 | Licence issued; register for VAT and PAYE |
| 12 | Sign municipal service contract and launch operations |
Average projects close in 12 weeks, but complex EIAs can add a month. Build buffer time into your business plan.
Conclusion
Zambia’s waste sector is tightly regulated, yet full of opportunity. By registering your waste collection and management company in Zambia through PACRA, securing a ZEMA licence, and aligning with municipal plans, you gain the legal foundation to win reliable contracts and contribute to cleaner cities. Treat compliance as an ongoing process—renew licences promptly, audit your operations, and maintain open channels with both regulators and the communities you serve. Do that, and your business will not only thrive but also bolster Zambia’s journey toward sustainable development.
