[VIDEO] Locals tackle illegally dumped garbage in Boksburg CBD

The area has been turned into a makeshift landfill sites.

October 4, 2025

Fanie Mthupha 3 minutes read

Boksburg Lake clean-up — The clean-up was described as a a step in the right direction to rid the community of the illegally dumped waste.

Philip Morris South Africa (PMSA) marked World Cleanup Day 2025 with an operation to address the toxic illegal dumpsites damaging the environment and affecting businesses and residents in the Boksburg CBD.

The clean-up, led by PMSA and Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos, involved about 60 volunteers removing heaps of illegally dumped waste from Market Street, next to Boksburg Lake and the municipal offices, before taking it to a local landfill facility.

Tackling the scourge of waste crime in the city — Seen with one of the volunteers Marie Haynes, ward councillor Marius de Vos said public-private partnership coupled with strong and effective enforcement from the metro, could go a long way to help tackle the scourge of waste crime in the city.

De Vos, who praised the initiative but questioned the government’s commitment to tackling waste crime, told the Boksburg Advertiser that people from nearby residential properties and some “dodgy” businesses in the CBD are dumping their waste daily near Boksburg Lake and the council offices, right under municipal office-bearers’ noses.
“We decided to tackle the area around the lake because it has been severely polluted by rubbish and all sorts of chemicals. The municipality has very nicely written measures designed to curb illegal dumping, but these are not implemented. There is a lack of policing, and no one has ever been fined or taken to court for contaminating our environment by illegally dumping,” he said.

No respect for the environment
De Vos pointed out that some businesses are actively involved in these actions.
“They don’t wait for the municipality to collect their waste – they just dump it here every single day, even though the municipality services this area twice daily. We really have people who have no respect for our environment. It’s a matter of education.

Volunteers remove the piles of rubbish which buried the public space along Market Street in Boksburg CBD on World Cleanup Day. — Philip Morris South Africa refuses removed the piles of rubbish which buried the public space along Market Street in Boksburg CBD on World Cleanup Day.

We need council enforcement and public awareness campaigns to encourage proper waste disposal and teach people about the impact of illegal dumping on public health and the environment.”
He added that when he last engaged the municipality about the dumped rubbish, officials said they lacked the necessary tools, such as trucks or TLBs, to remove the waste across the city.
“Our area and other towns in Ekurhuleni have effectively become makeshift landfill sites because our waste management claims they do not have the tools of trade to deal with illegal dumping. I would love to call on all residents in this ward to view every day as a World Cleanup Day, because we have only this planet where life and progress are possible; anywhere else, there is no life.”

Also Read: Metro responds to concerns over illegal dumping in Sky Street

Taking action
PMSA’s Rosie Mojapelo said the company took matters into its own hands because of a strong commitment to protecting the environment in which they operate.
“We felt the need to be part of the solution. That’s why we cannot leave it to the municipality alone. We believe that by forging a strong partnership with the government and the community, we can turn Boksburg into a cleaner city.

Philip Morris South Africa workers tackle the problematic waste sites next to the Boksburg Lake.

“People need to understand that we are not doing this for the government, but for ourselves, our families, and future generations. Even those who pollute the environment need to understand that they are harming their neighbourhood and their own families.”

While many praised the initiative, some residents argued that cleaning up public spaces is the municipality’s responsibility and rejected calls for citizen participation.
Responding to this, Mojapelo said that although local governments are responsible for waste management, it is improper to dump waste illegally, which robs residents of a safe and clean environment.
“This is not a waste collection issue. It is about people discarding their waste irresponsibly. I’m sure there are bins available somewhere. It would also be irresponsible for citizens to ignore health hazards right on their doorstep.

A resident arrived at her property in the Boksburg CBD to find this pile of rubbish dumped on their doorstep. — Charlene Tooire, a property owner on Commissioner Street, said she arrived at her property to find this pile of rubbish dumped on their doorstep.

“Protecting our environment is everyone’s responsibility, and it starts with disposing of waste properly. We hope to encourage more residents from areas where waste is dumped to join us during our regular clean-ups.”
Mojapelo said PMSA will continue to work closely with the council to clean the area and send a clear message that illegal dumping is not welcome. Residents are urged to ensure they only use the provided bins to prevent further illegal dumping.

EnviroServ Waste Management’s Monique Buchler was among the team that represented her organisation in the fight against illegally dumped waste outside the Boksburg Lake and municipal offices in the Boksburg CBD.

EnviroServ Waste Management’s Monique Buchler said her organisation decided to join in on this initiative to make the world a better and healthier place. “I think taking matters into our own hands is very important to get things done. This is the place where our families and our children live.”