Ward 117 recyclable waste not picked up in three weeks

Residents finally have relief after it had been more than three weeks since the Pikitup Norwood depot last collected recyclable waste in the Ward 117 areas.

These areas include Parkwood, Rosebank, Saxonwold, Dunkeld, Parktown North, Parkhurst and Craighall Park.

“The Pikitup vehicle contract problem needs to be sorted out as it is causing problems to various entities in the city, especially Pikitup,” said Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck.

“The City is going to charge every household in the suburbs a R50 monthly separation at source levy. If this could be used to buy or hire more vehicles, or contract out the work and include the waste pickers, it would then be beneficial to everyone involved. A portion also needs to be used to provide temporary safe and sanitary accommodation in the area for the waste pickers,” he added.

Muzi Mkhwanazi, communications manager of Pikitup has confirmed that there was a backlog with respect to the collection of recyclable materials due to a lack of resources. He said the issue had been resolved and as a result the collection of recyclable materials resumed on 12 May.

“Consequently, a catch up plan has been put in motion to ensure that by Monday [17 May], the scheduled collection of recyclable waste is normalised,” Mkhwanazi added.

Truluck advised that affected community members could try the following alternative methods should there be a need:

• Put out the bags and let the informal litter pickers take what they want
• Take the bags to the Pikitup garden site next to Pirates in Victory Road, Greenside
• Put them into your bin with your other trash
• If you have a large garden, you could keep the bags inside until collections start again.

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