Indiscriminate dumping has been on the increase in Umhlali village over lockdown.

Although inroads have been made to curb the practice, the war is far from over.

The Workstation’s Snow Cogan recently mobilised a team, assisted by Dolphin Coast Waste Management (DCWM), to clean up the village following an increase in dumping during lockdown.

Bulldozers cleaned up mountains of household waste while the Dolphin Coast Conservancy replanted flower beds at the circle and helped with the clean-up.

Local businesses also contributed to a facelift fund which will see new curbing and painting put in place.

According to Dolphin Coast Conservancy chairperson Di Jones, offenders seem to target cul-de-sacs and public and private open land.

The extent of the refuse dumped ranged from just a few cardboard boxes to bags of household rubbish, building rubble and garden litter.

The waste is primarily non-hazardous material that is dumped to avoid disposal fees or the time and effort required for proper disposal. Jones stressed the importance of encouraging a culture of recycling.

“The old recycling drop-off site at (DCWM) was closed before lockdown but unfortunately people ignored signs and notices informing them of the closure. The new recycling station is at the eastern side of Tiffany’s Shopping Centre, opposite Muddy Boots nursery, and operates from 7:30am to 4pm weekdays.”

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