Illegal dumping is a dangerous and costly activity that severely affects residents in all parts of the City of Cape Town, according to a recent statement by the Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, City of Cape Town, Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg.
Children playing amongst waste that has been illegally dumped are often exposed to toxins and dangerous objects that may result in severe injury and, even death. According to the statement, this was tragically witnessed this week with the death of three-year-old Jordan Lewis who died as a direct result of coming into contact with illegally dumped chemicals. Seven other children were taken to hospital for medical treatment. “As part of our commitment to build a Caring City that makes every effort to provide a safe environment for the people that live here, this problem is indeed worrying. A recent survey has revealed that many residents across the City consider illegal dumping a major concern” said Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services. The City has 985 identified illegal dumping hot sites, that is, sites that require heavy mechanical machinery to clear. There are many more areas where people dump lighter waste such as garden waste or domestic waste. The City clears these hot spots as often as we are able given our limited resources. However, the City needs a responsive community who will refrain from illegally dumping material themselves and who will report illegal dumping. “This is a City-wide problem and one that affects us all, the safety of our families and our communities. We must do everything we can to prevent the tragedies that can occur as a result of illegal dumping” said Councillor Sonnenberg. In addition to the obvious dangers of illegal dumping, is the cost that the City incurs for clearing operations. In the 2012/2013 budget, the City has had to set aside more than R200million for the removal of waste that has been illegally dumped. “This hefty bill, carried by the ratepayer, is money that should have been used for upgrades and services that would have directly benefitted communities around the City” said Councillor Sonnenberg. Every day in the city, R183 000 is spent on the mechanical removal of heavy illegal dumping.In Mitchell’s Plain alone, since July 2012, the City has spent a staggering R4.3million to clear waste at illegal dump sites. This includes costs for disposal, vehicles and staff.
There is no excuse for dumping waste illegally. We have 24 drop-off facilities around the City where private residents may dispose of building waste. This service is free, but is limited to vehicles with a carrying capacity of 1.3 tonnes. In the new financial year, in an effort to reduce illegal dumping, the Solid Waste department has recommended to amongst other measures:- Increase the above vehicle capacity to 1.5 tonnes
- Allow businesses and commercial service providers to also dispose limited numbers of loads of building waste free of charge.
- Three of the 24 drop-offs are situated on Landfill sites. The same service and conditions will be applicable to loads of building waste disposed at these drop-off facilities at landfill sites.
- Any vehicle with building waste not disposing at the drop-off facilities must use the PAID for service at landfill sites.
