Waste collection normal in December but giving ‘Christmas boxes’ is out

Waste removal services will be fully operational during the festive season, except on Christmas Day (December 25), according to the City of Ekurhuleni.

All sections that are due to be serviced on Christmas Day will be serviced the following day, December 26.
Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said on all other days, including New Year’s Day (January 1), waste removal services will continue as normal.

“Residents are reminded it is against council policy to give ‘Christmas boxes’ to waste collectors for services rendered.
“This is a practice that is prevalent during the festive season as many residents tend to give small gifts of gratitude to the staff.

“The city cautions against this act of kindness because we have had incidents where residents were abused by these workers if they refused to give anything.
“In fact, in most instances this becomes a disruption and affects service delivery on the ground,” said Dlamini, adding that the waste collectors or officials are also discouraged from “soliciting” any festive gits from members of the public while on duty.

“We pay our staff for the work rendered to the public and, therefore, they do not need to receive any gifts or advances from residents for performing their duties.”
Anyone experiencing any waste removal interruptions are encouraged to escalate these to the Call Centre on 0860 54 3000.

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