Adopt-a-Trolley celebrates a year of fighting pollution
Founder of the NPO and Durban North resident Janet Simpkins said the goal of the initiative was to also clear rubbish from entering stormwater drains and ultimately our rivers and ocean.
IT has been a year since the Adopt-a-Trolley initiative began, and it already has made great strides since its inception.
The initaitive, a localised cleaning and greening solution, was created by an environmental and non-profit organisation (NPO), Adopt-a-River.
Founder of the NPO and Durban North resident Janet Simpkins said the goal of the initiative was to also clear rubbish from entering stormwater drains and ultimately our rivers and ocean.
Also read: Root out alien invasive species, urges Durban North Conservancy
A dedicated trolley has patrolled parts of the area, including Riverside Road in Umgeni Park and Blue Lagoon, where workers in orange work suits ride a custom-made bicycle, with a Tufbag or bulk bag attached to the back.
“This initiative has been so well received a year on. For the dedicated few communities who have been involved, it’s proven to be highly effective. We would obviously like to keep expanding. We feel this targeted approach solves all kinds of local issues, including stormwater waste and general waste. It has now also made cutting and clearing possible with the effective removal with the trolley.
“A lot of the waste that ends up in our rivers and on the beach is due to the litter washed down stormwater drains in and around our suburbs. We wanted to help alleviate this contribution and stop it at its source. Blocked stormwater drains caused by sand and organic matter can cause blockages in the pipes or localised flooding of the drain if it is not working optimally,” she said.
Also read: Durban NPO encourages citizens to adopt water-conscious practices
According to Simpkins, the waste collected in the Tufbag is separated into recyclable items while the other waste is bagged for Durban Solid Waste (DSW) collection.
The local resident said she was excited about expanding the initiative.
“We have had a roaming trolley in the Blue Lagoon and Riverside Road precinct. We have also had trial projects in Durban North, Virginia and the promenade. Following the initial launch, we have had two major sponsors join in. We are about to launch in Durban North, together with Kensington SPAR, Enviro Fixers Durban North and The Heart of Durban North. The Riverside Road project will also see an addition of a trolley soon,” she said.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
