As Cape Town ushers in spring, there’s a notable rise in fines for littering and illegal dumping, thanks to the vigilant efforts of the City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management (UWM) By-law Enforcement Unit.
Over the past three months, a substantial 580 fines, totalling R1 615 100, have been issued for illegal dumping, along with 353 fines, amounting to R176 000, for littering.
This encouraging spike in enforcement continues a trend, with a remarkable 115% increase in fines issued for the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year compared to the previous year.
Apart from the fines, the UWM team conducted essential surveys of businesses in areas like Bellville and Fisantekraal to ensure they maintain proper waste management practices.
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Additionally, officers carried out 17 operations across various central business districts, including Bellville, Kuils River, Kraaifontein and Cape Town CBD.
Alderman Grant Twigg, mayoral committee member for urban waste management, emphasised the importance of catching and penalising those responsible for littering and dumping.
He urged residents to actively participate in the #SpringCleanCT campaign, highlighting the offer of cash rewards for information leading to convictions for illegal dumping. Twigg believes that with collective effort, Cape Town can transform its communities into spaces to be proud of.
To report illegal dumping tip-offs, you can call the 24-hour toll-free number (0800 110077). Residents and small businesses are encouraged to utilise the City’s drop-off sites to responsibly dispose of waste, with allowances for up to three 1.5-tonne loads per day.
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Picture: City of Cape Town