What is special waste?

Special waste includes solid waste or waste requiring special handling. This includes, among others:

• low hazard wastes of hazard rating 3 or 4;
• animal carcasses;
• de-listed sanitary waste; and
• incinerator ash. 

We do not accept any liquid waste, or waste with a moisture content of more than 40%.

How to apply

You must apply for a permit if you have hazardous waste or waste that requires special treatment, as per the Tariff Policy. This applies to businesses and residents who have loads of waste weighing more than 50 kg. 

You can register at IPWIS.IPWIS@westerncape.gov.za. If you need help registering please contact Chantal.dryden@westerncape.gov.za or alet.vanstaden@westerncape.gov.za

Application process

Step 1: Download and complete the VH Application form below.

Step 2: Contact the City's Scientific Services Branch. Our departmental representative will assist you.

Step 3: Submit the following at the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant (email Melani.traut@capetown.gov.za or call 021 444 9156 for more information):

• a sample of your waste for analysis,
• a completed Vissershok (VH) Waste Disposal Form, and
• a material safety data sheet (if required).

If approved, you will receive a VH number (for our Vissershok disposal facility), which allows you to request a special waste permit.

To request a special waste permit, contact us on wastewise@capetown.gov.za or 0860 103 089. A permit quotation will be emailed to you, and you can pay the quotation at any of our Walk-in Centres or via EFT. If paying by EFT, you will need to request a reference number from the departmental representative before transacting. 

Disposal coupons

Once registered you will be able to apply for coupons, based on your need. The coupons can only be used for Clean Builders Rubble and General Waste. In order to qualify for the bulk waste disposal coupons, purchase process, you need to regularly buy more than 5 books (100 Coupons) at a time.

If you want to buy bulk disposal coupons, you will need to email your company details, such as name and contact details, to one of the recipients below. They will assist you with the once-off process. 

If you are paying via EFT, a reference number will be created so that the payments can be routed correctly. Once payment has cleared you will be notified when to collect your waste disposal coupons at 4 Glen Roy Road, Pinelands. If you want to buy bulk coupons once, you can do so at one of our cash offices.

If you would like to regularly buy bulk disposal coupons, you can email your company name and contact details to wastewise@capetown.gov.za or contact 0860 103 089.

Coupon or permit refunds

If you no longer require coupons or a permit, or if they are no longer valid, you can apply for a refund. Validity of coupons and permits end on 30 June each year, as new tariffs are implemented on 1 July.

Apply for a refund

You will need to supply the following:

• A completed Refund of Disposal Coupons and Permits application form.
• The unused coupons (both sides), or complete special waste permit.
• A copy of your ID or drivers licence.
• Proof of payment/receipt (if you can’t produce the receipt, you will need to supply an affidavit).
• Proof of bank details accepted: Bank statement, Letter from the Bank, Cancelled Cheque

Please submit the above in person to the Solid Waste Department, 4 Glen Roy Road, Pinelands.

Contact us

Email:
wastewise@capetown.gov.za

Telephone:
0860 103 089

Document downloads

• 1. Application for Authority to Dispose of Special Waste at Vissershok Disposal Site

     20/12/2019, Application form - 921.7 KB

  2. Refund of Disposal Coupons and Special Waste Permits Form

     21/09/2021, Form - 236.6 KB

  3. Solid Waste Disposal Facility 2024/25 Tariff Notice

     01/07/2024, Notice,Tariff - 253.8 KB

  4. Waste Generator Application Form

     07/07/2017, Application form - 608 KB