Refuse removal changes criticised
Member of the council, Tjaart Steenkamp, weighs in on the refuse removal guidelines arguing that it has caused significant distress among residents.
While residents are still scratching their heads to try and understand the latest refuse removal guidelines and changes, an opposition party’s councillor raised his concerns, especially concerning garden waste.
Alderman Tjaart Steenkamp wrote a letter to the municipality explaining his concerns for residents regarding the recent changes to the waste removal guidelines, specifically the classification of grass clippings as prohibited waste and the municipality’s failure to collect them as part of the regular waste removal services.
“This change has caused significant distress among residents as grass clippings have been routinely collected for many years and have become a customary practice in our community,” he said.
• Also read: Trash trouble: Dumping surges as bins go missing and landfill stays shut
Steenkamp explained the approved waste removal policy addresses general household waste but provides minimal detail regarding prohibited waste. As such, the sudden designation of grass clippings as prohibited waste appears arbitrary, especially considering that these clippings are a natural and regular by-product of household upkeep.
“Grass clippings should be classified as general household waste, as they are part of every household in our community. This change disrupts a long-standing practice and places undue hardship on our residents, many of whom do not have the means or resources to properly dispose of such waste.”
Steenkamp is also of the view that the municipality currently lacks adequate garden refuse disposal facilities.
“Unlike many other municipalities that provide designated sites for the disposal of suburban garden waste, Mogale City does not offer such conveniences for its residents. At this stage, there is no municipal dumpsite where residents can dispose of garden refuse, such as grass clippings, in a responsible manner. This oversight forces residents to seek alternative, often impractical, disposal options.
• Also read: Refuse collection clarity: What to throw away, or not …
“The abrupt policy change and the lack of alternative disposal mechanisms is, unfortunately, conducive to illegal dumping, which will ultimately create a much larger burden on the municipality. The accumulation of improperly discarded waste will not only affect the aesthetics and hygiene of our neighbourhoods but also place additional strain on municipal resources tasked with managing waste removal and maintaining public health standards,” he stated.
Steenkamp’s request concluded by asking the municipality to reconsider the decision and return to the prior practice of collecting grass clippings as part of the regular waste removal service and suggested a proper organic waste facility.
The Krugersdorp News reached out to Mogale City Local Municipality about the letter addressed to them. They responded by stating that they stick to the public notice issued which according to them provides clarity.
