R3,9m boost to tackle illegal dumping in Dunoon, Wolwerivier and Witsands while creating jobs

5 November 2021

The City’s Solid Waste Management Department is ramping up efforts to clear illegal dumping hotspots in Dunoon, Wolwerivier and Witsands. City Manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo, visited the area with the local subcouncil to see some of the issues that the community are facing such as illegal dumping and how they can be addressed.

The City is allocating R3.9 million of its Rapid Response Programme budget to boost existing efforts to clear illegal dumping hot spots in Dunoon, Wolwerivier and Witsands.

In addition, 26 EPWP workers and three supervisors will be employed as part of this service, creating employment opportunities. 

This initiative forms part of the recently launched Rapid Response Programme to support existing efforts to tackle the thousands of chronic illegal dumping hotspots across Cape Town. Illegal dumping has been identified as one of the City’s biggest chronic challenges, and an additional R200 million has been allocated to tackling the issue this year, bringing the total budget to over R300 million.

‘Although these extra resources will assist with maintaining general cleanliness, behaviour change is still the key to addressing illegal dumping. Residents need to call each other out when they see or hear of this practise taking place, and let others know that it won’t be tolerated by the broader community.

‘While many people support the City’s efforts to eradicate illegal dumping and this must be acknowledged, many continue the trend of dumping illegally. We must create a healthy and safe environment to live and thrive as we all endeavour to live a lifestyle that is conducive to a clean environment,’ said Mbandazayo.

What are the consequences for illegal dumping?

Any person found to be dumping illegally is issued with a Section 56 written notice, which carries a fine of up to R5 000 and the dumper may have his or her vehicle impounded. Impounded vehicles are also subject to a release fee of R8 426 for the first impoundment, and this escalates thereafter. 

Incidents can be reported as follows:

Illegal dumping where the offender is known

• officer hours 021 444 6231 / 021 444 6233
• email:  solidwaste.bylaw@capetown.gov.za

Illegal dumping where the offender is not known

• Call: 0860 103 089
• email: Wastewise@capetown.gov.za 

Residents are reminded of the following:

• Please do not resort to illegal dumping if collection delays cause refuse to build up to the point where it cannot fit in the wheelie bins.
• Where possible, opt for home composting. This will allow further space in the bin during this period. Visit  http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Activities-and-programmes/Cleaning-and-recycling/home-composting-programme on how to do home composting.

• Please consider separating your recyclables – glass, paper, cardboard and plastic, etc- which can be taken to one of  the City’s drop-off facilities.
• Residents and small businesses using vehicles with a carrying capacity of less than 1,5 tons can make use of drop-off sites for builders’ rubble, recyclable materials, garage waste, and other waste types. Please see this  link for more information.

• They can apply for additional bins using one of the channels below. They will be charged at the standard tariff, to cover increased costs associated with servicing the property. 
  

Logging service requests:

Residents are encouraged to submit service requests for Solid Waste Management, including requests to clear illegal dumping, using one of the following channels:  

• Call: 0860 103 089 
• Online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests/ 
• Email: Wastewise@capetown.gov.za
• Visit: a City walk-in centre (see www.capetown.gov.za/facilities to find the one closest to you)

Residents should please always remember to take note of the reference number provided. 

For more information on City services, including revenue offices, please visit this link.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office