City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) obtained a court order to halt operations at a Wadeville business following complaints of unbearable stench caused by illegal recycling and manufacturing operations.
The company buys plastic recyclables from waste collectors and washes them to recycle into plastic granules that can be used to manufacture plastic furniture.
CoE spokesperson Themba Gadebe said on September 18 officials from the CoE’s Environment Resources Department, EMPD and Sars raided the facility.
“The law enforcement officers further discovered inhumane working conditions, illegal recycling operations and almost 50 illegal immigrants conducting unlicensed plastic recycling operations.
“The court order also provided for removal of machinery used to operate the facility. As such, EMPD had to remove all machinery on the premises,” said Gadebe.
“Sars officials found the company not registered with them. According to the city’s divisional head for legislative compliance in the Department of Environment Resources, Thabang Mokoena, following the closure of the company other relevant city departments will move in to complete additional enquiries and operations to fully effect the court order.”
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Gadebe said the city’s environmental inspectors will continue to inspect and monitor other companies with similar operations that are non-compliant with the city’s waste management by-laws and air quality legislation.
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