The City has a budget (capital and operating) of R21.1 billion for the 2007/08 financial year,
with substantial investment in infrastructure and service delivery capacity. Almost R1.27 billion
of this amount has been allocated to Solid Waste Management to ensure that adequate infrastructure and sustainable waste management services can be delivered.
To improve service delivery and the quality of life of Cape Town's residents, the City needs
to invest more in its solid waste management services. This includes making provision for the
closing of ageing landfills that are reaching the end of their design life, developing a regional
landfill site, investing in fleet, depot and cleaning infrastructure, establishing transfer stations,
drop-off, composting and materials recycling facilities, as well creating waste minimisation interventions to reduce waste through sustainable approaches.
Because cleanliness is a major factor affecting quality of life in low-income areas, the City
subsidises refuse collection to households on properties that have been given a low municipal
value. Properties valued at R100 000 or less do not have to pay for refuse collection and properties up to R300 000 benefit through rebates.