Ekurhuleni targets tyre burning syndicates

The city is making formidable strides to proactively put a stop to the illegal burning of waste tyres in the region, following numerous complaints from members of the public.

Recently the city working with the Waste Bureau and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment conducted a joint operation targeting tyre dealers in Ekurhuleni.

The aim was to raise awareness about the dangers of the practice to both humans and the environment while encouraging the dealers to register as collection points with the Waste Bureau, thus preventing the illegal distribution of waste tyres.

The operation was also aimed at ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008 (Waste Tyre Regulations of 2017; Norms and Standard for the storage of waste 2013; Norms and Standard for sorting, shredding, grinding, crushing, crushing, screening, or bailing of general waste 2017), and CoE integrated waste management by-laws.

ALSO READ: Shezi appointed acting CEO of Tambo Memorial Hospital

The operation recorded the following outcomes:
• Thirteen scrapyards were inspected, and forms were issued to register for Norms and Standards with GDARDE.

• Registered tyre dealers: 34 registered were inspected; and

• Unregistered tyre dealers: 26 facilities were registered with the Waste Bureau on the spot. Among the scrapyards visited, one was found operating without a Waste Management Licence or registration under the norms and standards.

Over the years to date, the city’s Department of Environmental Resources and Waste Management has taken decisive action against the act of illegal burning of tyres especially in areas such as Witfield, Lillianton, Primrose and surroundings.

According to the city’s integrated waste management by-laws coupled with the National Environmental Management Waste Act 59 of 2008 (Waste Tyres Regulations of 2017) burning waste tyres is illegal, contaminates the environment and carries a hefty fine or a lengthy jail sentence of six months direct imprisonment or a R10 000 fine.

To date, the City’s Department of Environmental Resources and Waste Management working with metro police has recorded some significant successes in the fight against this act of lawlessness.

ALSO READ: Embrace the twists and turns of your learning journey: Focus on electrical engineering

These include:
• On December 13, 2022 four suspects pleaded guilty. The court sentenced them to two months in prison or R2 000 fine plus an additional two months or R1 000 fine.

• On July 17, 2023, an accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months direct imprisonment or R10 000 fine. The court emphasised the need for greater environmental education and awareness.

• Currently, there are six ongoing cases of tyre burning in the city.

To curtail this environmentally harmful activity, the city is rolling out an awareness campaign targeting tyre dealers to educate them about the environmental disadvantages of their activities, and to assist them to register as collection points with the Waste Bureau so as to prevent the illegal distribution of waste tyres.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal acts of waste tyre burning when they see it through the city’s environmental crimes email hotline number on EnviroCrimes&Complains@ekurhuleni.gov.za, enviroment@tip-offs.com/ 0800 205 005 or through the city’s call centre on 0860 543 000.