Concerns raised over damage and theft of wheelie bins in Ekurhuleni
In the past three years, 2 525 bins were replaced due to theft, with 5 795 from the northern region alone.
The rollout of wheelie bins across all Customer Care areas in the CoE met several challenges ranging from bins’ unavailability to cumbersome bureaucratic hurdles to obtain a bin.
Coupled with this are countless residents’ complaints of damaged or stolen bins, despite efforts to safeguard them.
Ward Clr 104 Tracey Lourenco said many of these complaints indicated that refuse workers are often responsible for the damage, with reports of bins being carelessly thrown around instead of handled with care.
“This reckless behaviour inconveniences residents and shows a lack of regard for CoE property from its own employees,” said Lourenco.
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In response to questions posed to MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management Leshaka Manamela, these statistics came to the fore:
• In the past three years, 29 525 bins were replaced due to theft across all Customer Care Centres, with 5 795 from the northern region alone.
• The total cost of replacing stolen bins was R14 536 369.83.
• Additionally, 11 824 bins were replaced due to damage, costing R5 902 076.28.
While the MMC and the department claim most bin breakages are not due to staff negligence, residents’ lived experience tells a different story.
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“Many residents in my ward have provided clear evidence that some workers mishandle bins, leading to unnecessary damage.
“When bins are destroyed through abuse, the cost of replacement falls on the shoulders of residents, regardless of an affidavit from the SAPS attesting to the fact that it was not them who damaged it,” said Lourenco.
“It is crucial staff receive proper training regarding the correct handling of bins to prevent continued breakages.”
Furthermore, those found deliberately damaging CoE property must face justice.
Lourenco said the city must take urgent action to address these issues and ensure professional and efficient waste management services as residents deserve.
The Kempton Express sent an inquiry to the municipality on February 27, requesting a response by March 3.
At the time of going to print, it had received no comment.
