Illegal dumping has become an epidemic in some areas of Cape Town, but the City of Cape Town says its made small strides in helping curb the problem.
According to the City, the Solid Waste By-law Enforcement Unit issued a total of 1405 fines in 2022 with the amount totalling R1.3 million.
The unit deals with contraventions of the integrated waste management by-law, with its main focus on areas where littering and dumping have become major problems and ensures businesses have a waste management plan in place. The unit also shines a spotlight on dumping by offering awareness and education in various communities.
If found participating in the act of illegal dumping, fines ranging from R500 to R5000 will be issued, or impoundment of the vehicle involved. The release fee for this is more than R9000.
While the unit has been pleased with the efforts made, the City still allocates R300 million to clear illegal dumping.
“This money could be used for something more constructive if people rather made use of drop-off sites.
“Illegal dumping can depress property values and attract crime and grime to an area. Don’t let those who use your community as a dumping ground get away with it. Please take pictures and submit them via the contact details below so we can ensure the guilty parties think twice before dumping again,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
Residents are being urged to record evidence (pictures, videos, etc) to help catch offenders red-handed and ensure that they face the full might of the law.
The COCT has provided several drop-off sites throughout the City to enable vehicles carrying a capacity of less than 1.5 tonnes to drop off three loads of builders’ rubble per day for free.
“There is also a reliable weekly refuse collection service operating throughout the City, except for unregistered/unrecognised informal settlements that have been established during the ongoing spate of land invasions. Settlements must be registered by Human Settlements before budget can be assigned for services,” Twigg added.
To report illegal dumping, if you have the culprit’s vehicle registration number and/or can identify him/her please contact the following avenues:
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Telephone: 021 444 6231/ 021 444 6224 / 021 444 6223
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Email: [email protected].
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Picture: City of Cape Town