Stop dumping at recycling centre, urges KHBA

The Keep Hillcrest Beautiful Association (KHBA) is appealing to the public not to use the Hillcrest Recycling Centre as a dump.

For the past eight years, the recycling drop-off centre has been managed on behalf of the eThekwini Municipality by volunteers from KHBA.

KHBA committee members take turns to do duty at the centre and help the workers to sort and unpack the recyclables that are left there.

“The drop-off site for recyclables is managed as a public service for those who prefer to recycle rather than send recyclable items to the landfill site. All income received – bar 10 per cent – is paid to the two staff members who have the unenviable task of keeping the site neat and clean,” said Marge Mitchell, KHBA Chairperson.

Regrettably, the site is being abused by some residents who use it as their own personal dumpsite. Items dumped include tyres, office chairs, musical keyboards, vacuum cleaners, floor mops, old clothes, baby seats, toys, rotting food, garden refuse, suitcases, pool pump covers, shoes, toys, tricycles, et cetera.

Another great concern is the dumping of used medical waste such as injection vials, theatre gowns and used gloves.

“This is a serious health hazard and most irresponsible,” said Mitchell.

The NGO spends R1 000 a month on removal of illegally dumped refuse.

After numerous appeals to the public to be considerate and responsible it has been decided by the committee that surveillance cameras are necessary in order to catch the illegal dumpers and hopefully lead to intervention by law enforcement agencies.

The committee also appeals to the public to report illegal dumping, as well as the registration of the vehicle involved, to the municipality.

For more information contact Marge Mitchell on 083 419 3807.