City working to fix refuse collection delays in various areas

03 September 2025

The City of Cape Town advises residents in the Atlantic Seaboard, from Atlantis to Hout Bay and some inland suburbs, that refuse collection is currently behind schedule and teams are working on resolving the delays with urgency.

The affected area stretches from Hout Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard, up the West Coast (including Atlantis), and inland from the Cape Town CBD through the Southern Suburbs as far as Bishopscourt, plus parts of Athlone and the Cape Flats, including Manenberg and Langa. For exact boundaries, please see the map here: ATLANTIC AREA FORMAL COLLECTIONS BEAT MAP (NORTH-WESTERN SUBURBS).pdf (capetown.gov.za)
 
The City is working to address the cause of the delays, however many properties scheduled for collection yesterday, Tuesday 2 September 2025, are only being serviced today, Wednesday 3 September 2025, with knock-on effects expected to continue throughout the week.

Residents in affected areas are requested to leave their refuse out until 21:00 to ensure collection as teams will be working later to clear backlog. However, in high-crime areas, collection may not be possible after dark due to safety risks. If refuse is not collected, please bring bins inside overnight and place them outside again by 06:30 the following morning to ensure collection.
 
The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. Residents are reminded not to resort to illegal dumping. All backlogs will be cleared as quickly as possible once normal operations resume.
 
Reminder to residents
Recycling and composting can help reduce overflowing bins. View useful tips at the City’s recycling guide: capetown.gov.za/Family and home/greener-living/recycling-at-home/recycling-guide
 
For those who are worried about bin theft, please don’t wait until you hear the truck before taking your bin out as you could miss out. If your wheelie bin is stolen while awaiting collection, you can easily apply for a replacement via the City’s online process here: capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/solid-waste/Apply-for-a-new-wheelie-bin-for-domestic-properties The City will remove any bagged waste left outside your property on collection day while you await delivery. Bins should be delivered within 10 working days.
 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office