Eastleigh recyclers are still a concern

After concerns regarding the activities of informal recyclers in Eastleigh were again brought to the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS’ attention, the publication met with Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle to learn what was done about the ongoing issue.

ALSO READ: Chaos causes frustration on Herman and Koornhoff intersection

Over several years recyclers located near and at the intersection of Central Avenue, Fountain and Diaz roads have sorted through their collected materials.

Although attempts have been made by business owners and the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to reduce the activities of the recyclers, the unregulated sorting of material continues seemingly unabated.

On June 20 the NEWS spoke to a Central Avenue business owner, who raised concerns about the activities of the recyclers.

The business owner, who wished to stay anonymous for fear of retaliation, said residents and businesses in the area are fed-up with the activities of the recyclers and the lack of law enforcement.

Concerns raised included the litter and debris left behind by recyclers, the danger they pose to motorists while sorting through materials at the intersection and recyclers consuming alcohol in public.

Rundle said although the issue continues, he and the CoE are not ignoring the matter.

“Although measures were taken to reduce the recyclers’ impact on the area, they have not been extremely successful,” said Rundle.

When recyclers first started operating in the area some of them were sorting through their material in a parking lot located near the intersection.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni warns of local housing scammers

Rundle explained that this quickly became an eyesore for the community and nearby businesses.

After a meeting with municipal departments, Rundle said a skip was provided for the recyclers two years ago.

However, since then the skip has disappeared.

Rundle said in an attempt to secure the area and reduce the problem, Eastleigh businesses erected a palisade fence around the parking lot where the recyclers operated.

Although this prevented recyclers from operating in the parking lot, the sorting of material continues.

“I understand the point of view of the recyclers – they want to be near the locations where they sell their material but this is not allowed,” said Rundle.

As a result of the continuous sorting of materials, Rundle said some residents don’t feel secure.

“Residents of Lucas Street want to close the street as they are fearful this will spread to their road.”

He said when concerns are brought to his attention, he escalates the matter to the EMPD and the CoE.

Rundle said to address the matter the EMPD and the Environmental Resource and Waste Management Department must work together.

ALSO READ: Midrand Gauteng station becomes the home of a smart DLTC

However, Rundle pointed out that EMPD had recently faced a vehicle shortage, specifically of trucks needed to remove the collected materials.

Additionally, Rundle said the CoE needed to develop a strategy to better accommodate informal recyclers.

In response to the claims of vehicle shortages, EMPD media liaison officer Thabiso Makgato said EMPD in Edenvale only have sedans, light delivery vehicles and two micro busses for traffic wardens.

“EMPD relies on the city to remove waste to the municipal dump,” said Makgato.

“During June, EMPD arrived at a stage where no vehicles were available for operations and that impacted negatively on performance.”

Although EMPD now has six vehicles available, Makgato said the new challenge is that all 20 traffic wardens who are normally tasked with by-law enforcement are at college for their metro police officer qualifications.

Makgato said this has an impact on operations.

“The remaining nine officers per shift need to fulfil all three spheres of metro policing namely traffic, crime and by-law enforcement.”

Speaking on what’s being done to address the issue, Makgato said EMPD is challenged by recyclers throughout the Edenvale, Sebenza and at various official parks.

ALSO READ: Blue drop water quality for Ekurhuleni residents

“Regular patrols were done in the past and EMPD conducted several clean-up operations, especially at Fountain and Main roads,” said Makgato.

She said to conduct further clean-up operations EMPD needs the CoE to play its part.

Additionally, she said zoning for second-hand businesses in the area needs to be evaluated for trading in used and recycled goods.

“The problem will not be solved by operating independently but needs a multi-departmental approach where all relevant departments combined resources to achieve the end goal.

“EMPD provides security so that the workers aren’t intimidated when removing waste from these locations.”

In terms of public drinking, Makgato said EMPD requires the assistance of SAPS as it is difficult to police.

“Alcohol is not consumed when officers approach the location with marked vehicles.”

Discussing why the problem has persisted, Makgato said the problem of recycling at this and other locations is directly linked to businesses trading in recyclable goods.

She said the zoning of second-hand businesses should include space on site for the sorting of material and bins need to be provided for waste to be discarded.

To address this problem permanently Makgato said manpower and vehicles need to be complimented while by-law challenges need to be addressed by all relevant departments.

ALSO READ: Vegetation control along OR Tambo and Giloolly’s

“The challenges could be resolved much more sustainable when they are monitored and action is taken daily.”
Such action includes confiscating and removing all collected materials and goods.

“These recyclers don’t need to be removed entirely, but need to be educated in how to do proper recycling with the assistance of the business they deal with.”

A request for comment was sent to the CoE on June 22 requesting comment by June 24 at 14:00.
At the time of going to print no comment was received.

Also follow us on: