Clean-up patrol on a roll on Riverside Road and Blue Lagoon
Durban North resident launches a localised cleaning and greening solution using a bicycle trolley.
IT WOULD be hard to miss Philakahle Zuma on his bicycle trolley patrolling the Blue Lagoon area and Riverside Road on a daily basis.
Not only does his orange work suit catch the eye, but his custom-made bicycle, with a Tufbag or bulk bag attached to the back, also draws you in.
Zuma is a member of Adopt a Trolley, a localised cleaning and greening solution, created by an environmental and non-profit organisation (NPO), Adopt-a-River.
The initiative, which started this year, has already made an impact with Zuma collecting, on average, more than 100 bags of litter a week.
Also Read: Illegal dumping adds to Umgeni River woes
Founder of the NPO Janet Simpkins said the goal with the new initiative was to also clear rubbish from entering stormwater drains and ultimately our rivers and ocean.
“A lot of the waste issues in rivers and on the beach are due to the litter washed down stormwater drains in and around our suburbs. We wanted to help alleviate this contribution and stop it at its source. Blocked stormwater drains caused by sand and organic matter can cause blockages in the pipes or localised flooding of the drain if it is not working optimally.
“In order to tackle these issues, we created a localised solution and further job-creation opportunities, and called it Adopt a Trolley. It is a pilot trolley we have been moving around and changing its location. Lately, we have been focusing on the Riverside Road route; before that, it was around the Blue Lagoon area and riverbank,” she explained.
The trolley operates daily, and all waste collected is separated into recyclable items.
Also Read: Durban North resident turns plastic waste into art
“The waste collected in the Tufbag is separated into the recyclable items we can divert from landfill. The other waste we place for Durban Solid Waste (DSW) collection.
“It’s amazing how quickly the bags fill up. We have often had to do two trips to offload before collecting more,” she said.
Simpkins added she would love companies to get involved and help create a cleaner and greener environment.
To find out more about the initiative, you can follow them on Instagram at @adoptatrolleysa or contact 062 807 6390 for more information.
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