Illegally disposing of waste is a punishable offence that goes with a hefty sentence and even jail time.
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In an effort to curb illegal dumping in the region, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has launched a hotline to enable residents to report the culprits of illegal dumping.
Law-abiding citizens can report acts of illegal dumping via email and/or call anonymously.
These facilities have not only been created for illegal dumping but also for any form of environmental infringement.
“We have a responsibility to protect the environment and promote cleanliness. That is why we have launched this hotline,” said the spokesperson for the CoE, Zweli Dlamini.
“Our people rely on the state of cleanliness in the city and we have to respond and work with them to curb any act of criminality against our environment and the people of Ekurhuleni.”
The city’s integrated waste management by-laws (2021) prescribe that no person may burn waste either in a public or private place, for the purpose of disposing of that waste and/or salvaging other products such as scrap metal.
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It says that no person may incinerate waste either in a public or private place, except in an incinerator at a place where the relevant national or Gauteng provincial authorities permit such incineration in terms of a valid licence, or at a place designated by the Municipality for that purpose.
The by-laws further state that no person may store and/or stockpile waste tyres in a manner that has the potential to cause pollution of the environment or harm to health and well-being.
Also, no person may recover or dispose of waste tyres in a manner that has the potential to cause pollution of the environment or harm to health and well-being.
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The owner of the vehicle will be held accountable for his/her vehicle if the vehicle is caught illegally transporting waste tyres.
Residents are encouraged to report environmental crimes by contacting Sifiso Ndwandwe or Justice Ndobe on 011 999 3376/2244.
Alternatively, email EnviroCrimes&Complains@ekurhuleni.gov.za
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