More than 100 illegal dumping hotspots identified in Region 6

The metro has identified 103 illegal dumping hotspots across Region 6, which includes areas east of Pretoria.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said: “Identified illegal dumping hotspots are cleaned regularly according to the identified schedule which is developed and updated monthly. »

Illegal dumping continues to be a headache for residents and environmentalists, causing health problems as well as a financial burden for the city.

Mashigo said the city is tackling illegal dumping hotspots through enforcement of the waste management bylaw and issuing fines to violators.

“Anyone caught illegally dumping waste in an unauthorized area is liable to a fine of R5 000, as provided for in the city regulations,” he warned.

He added that illegal dumping could also be caused by a lack of knowledge.

“However, the city regularly conducts education and awareness campaigns through the Re kaofela clean-up and education campaigns held every Friday.”

He said that during these sessions, communities are made aware of the importance of keeping their environment clean as well as the proper waste disposal options available in the city.

The following waste disposal facilities, located east of Pretoria, are available to customers:

– Hatherley landfill site on M10/Solomon Mahlangu, Nellmapius
– Waltloo Garden site on Alwyn Street, Waltloo
– Eersterust Garden Site on St Josephs Street, Eersterust
– Menlo Park Garden Site on 26th Avenue, Menlo Park.

According to Mashigo, the city plans to commission additional waste transfer facilities throughout the city and has embarked on a process to identify vacant land parcels for development.

“In terms of installing street bins, the city also helps identify locations where they are needed, however, implementation and/or development will depend on budgetary availability. »

HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ILLEGAL Dumping:

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the illegal disposal of any type of waste in an area not authorized by the authority, such as on public or private land or in water. Illegal dumping can be committed by individuals, communities and industries. Waste found in illegal dumpsites includes paper, plastic, bottles, cardboard, old clothes, construction materials and food waste.

Causes:

– Lack of knowledge and awareness on the part of communities.

– Inappropriate behavioral practices.

– Trash bins inadequate to meet the quantity of waste generated at each service point.

– Crowded areas such as backcountry dwellers.

– Reluctance of businesses or industries to pay disposal fees at a waste management site.

– Challenges and inconsistencies in the removal or collection of waste by the municipality.

Effects

– Environmental damage and environmental degradation.

– Lead to contamination of soil and groundwater.

– Attracts rodents (such as rats) and outbreaks of flies and insects.

– Hazardous waste from illegal dumping can cause fires and pollution of natural sources.

– Risks to the health and safety of communities that predispose them to disease.

– Lead to blockage of stormwater drainage systems and cause flooding, which in turn will create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vermin.

– Attracts and encourages more dumping and an increase in dumping hot spots, ultimately affecting neighborhood property values.

What solutions to fight against illegal dumping?

– Advocate and encourage communities to put the four Rs into practice: reduce, recycle, reuse and recover.

– Take responsibility for reporting illegal dumping.

– Take ownership of community open spaces and develop vegetable gardens and other useful public parks and playgrounds.

– Acquire additional waste storage bins when waste generation rates are high.

– Dispose of waste only at a designated municipal waste disposal facility.

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