City of Ekurhuleni engages businesses on new 2025/ 26 waste tariff structure
The City of Ekurhuleni has outlined its new 2025/ 26 waste tariff structure, urging businesses to comply with updated policies designed to improve service reliability, environmental protection and financial sustainability.
The City of Ekurhuleni has engaged business stakeholders on its new 2025/ 26 waste tariff structure, outlining key policy updates and compliance requirements during a virtual session held on December 10.
According to a statement released by the City, waste tariffs remain a critical revenue stream, accounting for more than 40% of municipal income despite national government subsidies.
Ensuring that businesses comply with the waste management policy is essential for sustaining operations, improving service delivery and protecting the environment.
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The briefing followed an extensive audit conducted by the city’s Waste Management Business Unit, which assessed business compliance with tariff payments over recent months.
The results, the City said, reinforced the importance and benefits of correctly implementing the policy.
Businesses stand to benefit from:
* a more transparent billing system
* improved waste collection reliability
* cleaner business districts
* predictable budgeting
The City noted that, given the size of the municipality, correct tariff application and maximising revenue from tariffs are vital to its long-term financial sustainability.
A significant portion of the webinar focused on the breakdown of the tariff structure, particularly the availability charge — a compulsory levy applied to properties and vacant stands where waste services are available but not utilised.
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The availability charge contributes to covering the cost of waste generated by users, disposal operations, maintenance of waste facilities and the preservation of the environment.
It applies mainly to business complexes, with minimum tariffs determined by the type of container and service frequency.
2025/ 26 availability charge structure:
* Minimum charge (all other properties not billed for refuse removal and including vacant stands): R584.46 per month
* 1.75 m³ container (non-food premises, once a week): R526.21 per week
* 6 m³ container (restaurants, food-handling or manufacturing premises): R1 654.15 per week
The City of Ekurhuleni stated that implementing the council-approved waste tariff policy will support more efficient, reliable and consistent waste management services across the municipality.
