CoE responds to Eastlegh recycling concerns
“It is not only about illegal dumping of waste, but also about means of living.”
After concerns regarding the activities of informal recyclers in Eastleigh were raised by Ward 19 Alderman Bill Rundle, the City of Ekurhuleni stated that it is dealing with the situation and attempting to find a long-term solution.
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In March Rundle questioned the activities of the recyclers sorting through their materials near the intersection of Central Avenue, Fountain and Diaz roads.
He believed the actions of the recyclers not only endangered themselves but passing motorists as well.
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the activity of recyclers is encouraged and promoted by a recycling business situated at Fountain Road.
He said CoE’s waste management is addressing the problem by removing the waste left behind once the sorting is completed as and when possible.
However, he said it is a challenge to maintain cleanliness in the area as recycling is a daily activity.
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“The resources used in this regard to remove the uncontrolled abandoning of waste at this island are limited and stretched,” said Dlamini.
“As such, it results in other areas experiencing the potential of being unclean as well.”
Dlamini said the challenge of addressing informal recyclers in Edenvale requires a multidisciplinary approach.
“It is not only about illegal dumping of waste, but also about means of living. The City is dealing with the issue in an attempt to find a long-term solution.”
While speaking to the NEWS in March, Rundle claimed not enough was being done by EMPD.
In response to these concerns, Dlamini said the matter was escalated to the by-law enforcement task team and will be dealt with accordingly.
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Speaking about the challenges the city faces when dealing with informal recyclers, Dlamini said most informal recyclers are homeless.
“Informal recyclers do not want to operate within a controlled and organised environment while some, especially males, are violent due to alcohol abuse.”
When questioned if CoE had any plans to construct facilities for informal recyclers to sort through materials in a safe and controlled manner either in Edenvale or elsewhere in the city, Dlamini explained that the city’s Environmental Resources and Waste Management Department had established a waste minimisation section to focus on issues of recycling.
“There are waste recycling cooperatives that are established and are operating in a formal and controlled environment,” said Dlamini.
“The department endeavours to facilitate a proper waste recycling environment wherein the community can benefit out of the waste management value chain.”
The CoE hopes to create a cleaner environment and reduce the quantities of waste disposed of at landfill sites and prolong the lifespan of the sites.
