Ekurhuleni moves on to a fixed refuse removal system

Refuse collection is an essential service to which all citizens of Ekurhuleni have a right and it is crucial that such a service be rendered in the most efficient manner possible. It is for this reason the municipality recently revised its waste removal operations. As from March 1, all refuse removals will be done on a fixed system. This means that each resident in Ekurhuleni will only have to know which day of the week their refuse will be collected and put their bins or bags out on that day. “As part of our business process re-engineering, waste management services has been considering ways to improve our operational efficiencies with the view of enhancing service delivery,” said head of department Ms Qaphile Gcwensa. She added that the introduction of the fixed system was as a result of a rationalisation exercise which was undertaken not only to improve productivity, but also to save operational costs. For a number of years the municipality has been implementing a move-on system which has proved to be inefficient. Now the collection day will remain constant for the year, eliminating confusion on refuse collection days. All ratepayers will still receive a colour-coded removal calendar which will reflect the same collection day for 52 weeks of the year. “Furthermore, waste collection services will be provided on all public holidays except December 25 and this will result in a consistent service all year around,” said Ms Gcwensa. Those areas whose cycle runs from January to December have already started operating on the fixed calendar, while those whose cycle runs from March to February will be changed over from March. The calendars will also be available in due course on onwww.ekurhuleni.gov.za. Residents are urged to ensure their refuse is on the sidewalk as early as 7am on collection day.