Refrigerant waste is classified as hazardous chemical waste under Kenya's Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024. All businesses handling, transporting, or disposing of refrigerant waste must register with NEMA to remain compliant. Here's the complete step-by-step guide:
1. Determine Your License Type
| License Type | Who Needs It | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Transportation License | Companies transporting refrigerant waste to disposal facilities | Mandatory for waste transporters |
| Waste Storage/Treatment Plant License | Companies operating refrigerant storage, recycling, or treatment facilities | Required for waste storage/processing plants |
| Waste Disposal Site License | Companies operating refrigerant disposal sites | Required for disposal operations |
| Producer Registration Certificate | Companies producing/refrigerant-using equipment | Mandatory for all producers introducing products/packaging in Kenya |
| ODS Import/Export License | Companies importing/exporting ozone-depleting substances | Required for controlled substances (HCFCs, HFCs) |
2. Registration Process via NEMA ENVIS Licensing Portal
Step 1: Access the Licensing Portal
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Portal URL | https://licensing.nema.go.ke |
| Available From | July 28, 2025 (new ENVIS system) |
| Alternative Portal | https://nema.ecitizen.go.ke (for Producer Registration) |
Step 2: Create an eCitizen Account
-
Go to https://ecitizen.go.ke
-
Click "Create Account" if you don't have one
-
Fill in your details (name, email, phone, ID number)
-
Verify your email and phone number
-
Login to access NEMA services
Step 3: Navigate to Waste License Application
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Select Service | Go to NEMA Services → Click "New License Application" under Licensing |
| Choose License Type | Select "License to Own/Operate Waste Treatment Plant/Disposal Site" |
| Alternative | For Producer Registration: Select "Application for Producer Registration" |
Step 4: Fill the Online Application Form
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Applicant Details | Select Type of Applicant (Individual/Company) |
| Company Details | Business registration number, physical address, contact details |
| Waste Type Details | Indicate refrigerant/chemical waste category, expected waste types |
| Facility Details | Location of storage/disposal site, capacity, equipment used |
| Declaration | Confirm all details are accurate and complete |
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Registration | Business registration certificate (Company registration) |
| KEBS/PCPB Certification | Products certification (if applicable) |
| Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) | Chemical/refrigerant safety data |
| EIA Approval Report | Environmental Impact Assessment approval (if required) |
| Site Plan/Location Map | Location of waste storage/treatment facility |
| Business Permit | County government business/trade license |
| Tax Compliance Certificate | KRA tax compliance status |
| NSSF/NHIF Certificates | Employee social security and health insurance proofs |
Step 6: Pay Application Fees
| License Type | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Producer Registration | 5,050 (5,000 + 50 access fee) |
| Waste Transportation License | 5,000 |
| Waste Transport License | 10,000 |
| Waste Storage/Treatment Plant License | 5,000 |
| Waste Disposal Site License | 5,000 |
| ODS Import License | 5,000 |
Payment Methods:
-
Pay via eCitizen portal (M-Pesa, credit card)
-
Payment is processed through the online licensing system
Step 7: Submit Application
-
Review all entered information
-
Click "Submit Application"
-
Save the application reference number
-
Print the acknowledgement receipt
3. Application Processing & Approval
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement | 7 days | NEMA acknowledges receipt within 7 days |
| Processing | 45–90 days | Standard processing time for EIA licenses |
| Approval Notification | Via SMS/Email | You'll receive notification once approved |
| License Issuance | After payment | Collect/print license after approval |
| License Validity | 1 year (annual renewal) | Renew before expiry |
4. Check Your Application Status
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Tracking | Visit https://licensing.nema.go.ke and use your reference number |
| Email Inquiry | epr@nema.go.ke (for pending applications) |
| Phone | 020 2183718, 020 2101370, 0723 363010, 0735 013046 |
| Complaints/Incidents | 0786 101 100, 0741 101 100 |
5. Important Requirements for Refrigerant Waste
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant Recovery | Must use vapour recovery systems; venting is illegal |
| Certified Personnel | Only certified/trained personnel can handle refrigerant recovery |
| Recovery Documentation | Keep records of refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclamation |
| No Illegal Refrigerants | Must comply with F-Gas Quota, REACH, and not use disposable banned cylinders |
| Transportation Permit | Required for transporting refrigerant waste to disposal facilities |
6. Contact Information
| Agency | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| NEMA Headquarters | Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi |
| info@nema.go.ke | |
| Producer Registration Email | epr@nema.go.ke |
| Website | https://nema.go.ke |
| Licensing Portal | https://licensing.nema.go.ke |
| eCitizen Services | https://ecitizen.go.ke |
7. Key Compliance Reminders
✅ Transporting waste without a valid NEMA license is illegal
✅ Non-compliance = product seizure and penalties
✅ Annual renewal required for all waste licenses
✅ Keep detailed records of refrigerant recovery and disposal
✅ Use certified refrigerant recovery equipment and trained personnel
✅ No venting of refrigerants – violates EMCA and international agreements
Following these steps ensures your business is NEMA-compliant for refrigerant waste disposal, avoiding legal penalties, environmental sanctions, and protecting Kenya's ozone layer and climate.
