Tshwane warns illegal dumpers they will be heavily fined
The metro plans to invest in more waste transfer facilities in the city. It is identifying vacant land for development for this purpose.
Illegal dumping continues to be a headache to residents and environmentalists, causing health issues, as well as being a financial burden to the city.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said: “The identified illegal dumping hotbeds are cleaned on a regular basis as per the schedule that is developed and updated monthly.”
Mashigo said the city is dealing with illegal dumping hotspots through the enforcement of the Waste Management By-Law and issuing of fines to transgressors.
“Any person found dumping waste illegally in an unauthorised area is liable to a fine of R5 000 as prescribed in the city’s by-law,” he warned.
He said illegal dumping may also be caused by a lack of knowledge.
“However the city is conducting regular education and awareness campaigns through the Re Kaofela Clean-Up and Education campaigns held every Friday.”
He said during these sessions, communities are educated on the importance of keeping their environment clean as well as proper waste disposal options available within the city.
The following waste disposal facilities in Pretoria are accessible to clients:
– Kruger Avenue Garden Site on Kruger Avenue, Centurion.
– Rooihuiskraal Garden Site on Rooihuiskraal Road, Centurion.
According to Mashigo, the city has plans to commission additional waste transfer facilities citywide and has embarked on a process to identify vacant land parcels for development.
“In terms of installation of street bins, the city is also assisting in identifying spots where they are required, however, implementation and/or development will be dependent on budget availability,” he said.
Everything you need to know about illegal dumping
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is the disposal of any type of waste illegally in an area that is not permitted by the authority, such as on public or private land or into water. Illegal dumping may be committed by individuals, communities and industries. Waste found in illegal dumping areas includes paper, plastics, bottles, boxes, cardboard, old clothes, building materials and food waste.
Causes:
– Lack of knowledge and awareness from communities.
– Inappropriate behavioural practices.
– Inadequate refuse bins to cater for the amount of waste generated at each service point.
– Overcrowded areas inhabited by people such as backyard dwellers.
– Unwillingness of companies or industries to pay disposal fees at a waste management site.
– Challenges and inconsistencies in waste removal or collection by the municipality.
Effects
– Damage to the environment and environmental degradation.
– Soil and underground water contamination.
– Attracts rodents (like rats) and leads to manifestations of flies and insects.
– Hazardous waste from illegal dumping can cause fires and pollution of natural sources.
– Health and safety risks to communities that predispose them to illness.
– Blockage of stormwater drainage systems, and floods which in turn result in a breeding ground for mosquitoes and vermin.
– Attracts and encourages even more dumping and an increase in dumping hotspots, ultimately affecting the property values of neighbourhoods.
What are solutions to illegal dumping?
– Advocate and encourage communities to practice the four Rs: reduce, recycle, reuse and recover.
– Take responsibility by reporting illegal dumping.
– Take ownership of community open spaces and develop food gardens, other useful public parks and playgrounds.
– Acquire additional waste storage bins when waste generation rates are high.
– Only dump waste at a designated municipal waste disposal facility.
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