EThekwini Municipality Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit has issued an updated plan regarding refuse collection and waste disposal during the national 21-day lockdown.

Ethekwini Municipality’s deputy head of communications, Mandla Nsele said domestic refuse removal will be done as per normal collection schedules.

“Residents are encouraged to limit the generation of waste and reuse, up cycle or store recyclables within their properties until further notice. All garden drop off sites and garden landfills are closed and residents are encouraged during this time to, reduce the generation of this waste stream by limiting cutting, pruning etc. Reuse through home scale composing and store waste on your property until services resume,” he said to South Coast Sun.

The Bisasar Road, Mariannhill and Shallcross Landfills are also closed as of Tuesday.

The City of Johannesburg also said last week that various essential services would continue when the country entered the 21-day lockdown.

According to Johannesburg mayor Geoffrey Makhubo’s statement, waste removal by Pikitup is among the essential services which will carry on during the lockdown period.

The mayor said efforts were being made to ensure that the waste management service provider as well as City Power and Johannesburg Water continue its operations.