Resident wants accountability after wheelie bin is damaged
“The city reserves the right to make a charge for the replacement of damaged bins where it considers that the damage has occurred through misuse."
Glen Marais resident Jeanette van der Merwe is frustrated after municipal workers damaged her wheelie bin during waste collection in Kempton Park.
Van der Merwe said that on September 1, she placed her bin out for Monday collection in good condition. After the waste was collected, she discovered the bin badly damaged.
“It looks as if it was either squashed in the truck or someone did something to it,” she said.
Having lived in Kempton Park since 1983, she believes residents deserve accountability, especially as they pay for waste collection services.
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She reported the matter to ward councillor Jaco Terblanche, who has raised the issue with the council multiple times, with little action.
“We are fed up as residents. The system stinks at the moment. Sometimes bins are loaded and not offloaded again, other days they leave mess on the streets,” Van der Merwe said.
She added that she was told by the police that video evidence would be required to make a case.
Van der Merwe stressed that residents should not be responsible for replacing bins damaged by municipal workers. She urged the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to train staff properly, take accountability, and provide free replacements for damaged bins.
Terblanche confirmed that mishandling of wheelie bins by municipal waste workers has become unacceptable, particularly after residents refused to pay so-called “cooldrink money” to workers.
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He noted that residents have done their part by submitting complaints, providing video footage, and raising the issue with councillors.
“This matter has been addressed at the Kempton Park CRM service delivery meeting. Management confirmed investigations are underway and promised action against those responsible. Empty promises are not enough; residents deserve fair and consistent service,” Terblanche said.
He clarified the official procedures regarding wheelie bins:
• Residents do not purchase wheelie bins; they pay R272 per bin for collection services.
• Households with more than one bin are charged for each, and only bins with the official CoE logo are serviced.
• Damaged bins can be replaced for free at the Kempton Park Waste Depot by providing a municipal utility bill, property owner’s ID and an affidavit if the bin was stolen.
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Tender delays causing bin shortages are no longer valid, and bins are now available.
Terblanche stressed that negligence or misconduct by workers is unacceptable. “Wheelie bins were introduced in 2016 to comply with national environmental regulations.
“Proper use should eliminate illegal dumping of black bags, but this requires responsible staff conduct without demanding unlawful payments,” he said.
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained that if proof shows council employees damaged the bin during collection, replacement will be free.
Residents are advised to report incidents immediately to their respective depots with photographic evidence.
Depot officials investigate complaints within 24 hours and replace bins if the damage was caused by municipal staff.
Van der Merwe said she hopes the city and councillors across political parties take accountability and ensure residents receive the service they pay for.
