Illegal dumping has surged in several areas due to two main factors: stricter refuse removal limitations and limited or no access to a landfill site.
Ward 20 councillor Mark Trump attributed the increase in dumping to the closure of the Luipaardsvlei Landfill Site in August 2024.
Building rubble and general waste are being dumped in almost every open space in Mogale,” Trump said.
He also highlighted a related issue – rising dustbin theft – caused by waste management inefficiencies.
“There has been a significant increase in dustbin theft, particularly in Quellerie Park, Krugersdorp North, and the CBD. Previously, waste management had an arrangement to collect up to four refuse bags, but this has stopped. As a result, residents who are at work during collection times often have their bins stolen. Replacing a bin costs nearly R1 000. Despite fines and by-laws, no serious interventions have been implemented to curb illegal dumping. A key solution would be reopening the landfill site, but we have yet to receive any feedback on when this will happen,” he said.
Residents have expressed frustration with the latest refuse removal limitations. Thulani Mokoena recounted his experience:
“I have seen municipal workers collect waste from our yard, but they refuse to take bags of grass cuttings. When I confronted them, they asked for money, saying they would only collect the grass cuttings if I paid them. I was shocked,” Mokoena said.
Santi van der Merwe echoed this sentiment, stating that her surveillance cameras captured municipal workers removing plastic bags containing grass cuttings from her yard.
Another resident, Anne Marie Prinsloo, voiced concern over uncollected waste near a local health facility.
Not only are residents affected by the increase in illegal dumping, but they also have to deal with uncollected waste being dumped near them. This poses a serious health risk to patients,” she said.
Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) was asked to clarify the refuse collection limitations. According to their response, the following types of waste are prohibited and will not be collected:
• Garden waste (soil, grass, branches, tree stumps)
• Building rubble (bricks, sand, concrete, tiles)
• Plumbing fixtures (toilets, basins, bathtubs)
• Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs)
• Electronic waste (TVs, computers, appliances)
• Read the full article: Refuse collection clarity: What to throw away, or not …
Regarding illegal dumping, MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu said the issue will only be resolved once budget adjustments are processed.
“A clean-up programme has started, and while the municipality is committed to addressing this issue, further expansion of the programme depends on financial allocations, which will only be finalized this month,” Mahlangu said.
