The Ekurhuleni municipality is hoping to address the issue of illegal dumping in two areas by opening up additional disposal sites.

The City recently unveiled two mini disposal sites, which cost R3.3 million, in Leondale and Vosloorus recently to with the aim of promoting cleanliness and eradicating the problem of illegal dumping in the two areas.

A need to use space wisely

Speaking at the official launch Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Waste Management Services, Ndosi Shongwe, highlighted the need for prudent use of space for development.

“We are gradually running out of space and need to do everything necessary to minimise the amount of waste reaching our disposal sites. It is our wish that these facilities must serve as catalysts to promote local economic development activities, such as composting of waste,” Shongwe said.

The facilities were revamped with items that included new ramps, paving, fence and gates.

Site specs

The municipality explained that residents from the respective areas can deposit their waste into the bulk containers provided on site and that waste that can garden waste, rubble less than 1m³ (cubic meter), recyclables paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, wood and metal can be disposed free of charge at the sites.

The site is open seven days a week, including public holidays, except for Christmas Day.

“Due to changing patterns of sunrise and sunset times, and the reduced visibility depending on seasons, the operating hours for the sites have been separated into two, winter/other (April-September) and summer/other (October-March). This was decided with consideration of the safety of residents and staff,” Shongwe said.