The City of Cape Town has seen a startling increase in the number of suspects caught for illegal dumping with law enforcement noting an increase of nearly 200% in recent months.
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A total of 132 vehicles were impounded between July 2022 and March 2023, representing an increase of 181% over the 47 instances over the previous year.
Over the same period, the number of fines issued increased from 3 898 to 10 599, an increase of 171%.
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While builder’s rubble and general waste remain the most common items dumped, officers have noted an increase in the amount of medical waste and perishable foodstuff, like meat being discarded.
Hotspots include Dunoon, Wallacedene, Elsiesriver, Atlantis Industrial Area, Wynberg, Retreat, Parkwood, Vrygrond, Muizenberg, Strandfontein Road, Eersteriver, Blackheath, Blue Downs, Kalkfontein, Wesbank, Kuilsriver, Duinefontein Road, Old Lansdowne Road, Swartklip Road, Philippi East, Eisleben Road and AZ Berman Road in Mitchells Plain.
‘Illegal dumping is more than just an eyesore,’ said mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. ‘Iit also presents health and safety risks to surrounding communities, and costs the City millions each year to clean up.’
Smith added that illegal dumping was a practice that continues with great abandon, despite the many pleas to make use of available facilities.
‘There is absolutely no justification for it and the City condemns this type of behaviour.’ he said.
The fine for illegal dumping is R2 500, while the vehicle impoundment release fee is R8 700.
A second impounding will incur a release fee of R11 700 while a third will cost the owner of the vehicle R17 400.
‘We appeal to the public to please report illegal dumping if you witness an incident,’ Smith continued, urging residents to photograph perpetrators and make a note of the licence plate and location.
‘I also remind residents to use reputable service providers to cart away waste or rubble from their properties and to impress upon them to use designated waste drop-off facilitiesand not the nearest street corner or open piece of land.’
‘Illegal dumping has many hidden costs. We’ve seen how it contributes to localised flooding during heavy weather episodes, so it is in everyone’s best interests to work together to stop this despicable practice.’
Illegal dumping in progress can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
Alternatively, the public can share tips for a potential reward via the City’s 24-hr tip-off line on 0800 110 077.
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