Pikitup, the City of Johannesburg’s waste management entity, is urging residents to safeguard their bins against theft and practise responsible waste management as its 240-litre bin distribution campaign continues across the city.

The campaign recently reached Pikitup’s Roodepoort Depot, where residents who had previously applied for bins received them through a smooth and efficient distribution process.
Residents were reminded to keep their bins in a secure place, protect them against theft and never dispose of hot ash in them.

Pikitup’s Chief Operations Officer, Meyrick Ramatlo, appealed to residents to take responsibility for their bins, noting that theft contributes to illegal dumping, increases operational costs and delays the replacement of stolen bins.

Residents are also encouraged not to leave bins outside their properties overnight if waste collection is delayed by unforeseen circumstances. Instead, they should return them to a secure place on their properties until collection services resume.

Pikitup is further encouraging residents to reduce waste by separating recyclable materials from general household waste. Paper, cardboard, plastic and cans should be set aside for recycling, while the 240-litre bins should primarily be used for non-recyclable household waste.

Separating waste at source helps reduce the volume sent to landfills, supports recycling initiatives and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable Johannesburg.

Johnny Campbell, a resident of Discovery in Roodepoort who received a bin, welcomed the distribution process.

“I am glad they conducted the distribution this way. I have been waiting for a bin for the past three months.”

The first phase of the campaign has already reached the Zondi and Marlboro depot areas, with distribution continuing in other parts of the city.

Pikitup remains committed to improving waste collection services, promoting waste minimisation and encouraging residents to take an active role in keeping Johannesburg clean.