The eThekwini Municipality says its kerbside recycling programme has been put on hold until the end of January when it expects collection services to resume.

The City was forced to halt its kerbside collection services after MPact, the City’s recycling partner, shut down operations to repair its recycling plant which was damaged during the wave of severe storms that struck the province late last year.

Recycling contractors have since reported to Durban Solid Waste that they would no longer be able to collect recycling bags as they had run out of space after they had to find alternative sites to store and sort the orange bags used for recyclable waste.

Shortage of orange recycling bags

In addition the City is experiencing a shortage of orange bags as a result of supply challenges and has decided to use clear bags for recyclable waste in the interim.

“While the City is experiencing a challenge with the supply of orange bags, clear bags are being distributed and we request residents to use clear bags for all recyclables.”

“The public is urged to be aware that the clear bags used for recycling will not be collected on normal refuse days until the end of the month. Residents are encouraged to keep their bags with recyclables inside their properties during this time,” the municipality said in a statement.