R2,6 million budgeted for replacement of refuse storage containers

5 August 2022

Routine maintenance and replacement of infrastructure does not grab headlines in the same way as flagship capital projects, but it is a significant part of the City’s budget.

The City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Directorate has, in the 2022/23 financial year, budgeted R2,6 million for replacement of shipping containers that store refuse and litter collected in informal settlements.

Containers hold waste collected during routine cleansing and collection programmes until it is picked up by more heavy duty vehicles and transported to landfill. These must be replaced periodically due to wear and tear, as well as vandalism that is unfortunately prevalent in many communities.

Storing waste in containers temporarily helps lower costs in the services so that tariffs can be cheaper. Ensuring containers are in decent condition is especially helpful in the prevention of pests like rats and mice which otherwise might be able to access broken and vandalised containers for food.

‘We call on residents to please refrain from vandalising these containers, or breaking locks and doors of containers to dispose of their refuse. Ensuring containers remain in working condition will help you in the long run. If you would like to request the replacement of one of these containers, we encourage you to please approach staff working in your area or the ward councillor. Reporting issues helps make the City aware of areas that need attention,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

refuse collection