Johannesburg’s refuse collection services may officially be back on schedule, but many residents say their confidence in Pikitup has yet to recover.

Although Pikitup announced that recent refuse collection backlogs were cleared by July 5 and that normal collections resumed from July 6, councillors across several wards said complaints about missed collections continue to pour in.
Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs said residents are still experiencing inconsistent refuse collection despite periods of improvement.

“Residents are paying for a service that is not being delivered consistently. Missed collections have become too common, refuse often remains on pavements for days, and this has contributed to increased illegal dumping, public health concerns and a growing lack of confidence in the city’s ability to deliver basic services,” she said.

Read more: Pikitup collections return to normal, but supplier debt still casts a dark cloud

Jacobs said she receives complaints almost daily through WhatsApp, emails, social media and phone calls, particularly when Pikitup depots experience operational difficulties or labour-related disruptions.
She believes the challenges facing refuse collection extend far beyond the recent backlog, pointing to an ageing fleet, poor vehicle maintenance, equipment shortages, labour instability, financial mismanagement, dwindling landfill space and inadequate consequence management.

Illegal dumping has become another growing concern.

Jacobs said unattended refuse attracts rodents and vermin, creates health hazards, blocks stormwater systems, damages public spaces and places an additional financial burden on the city, which repeatedly has to clear the same dumping hotspots.

She called on the city to prioritise fleet renewal, improve depot management, strengthen communication with residents during disruptions and increase JMPD enforcement against illegal dumping.
“I completely understand residents’ frustration because I experience these challenges alongside them every day. I will continue holding the administration accountable, escalating service failures and advocating for improved service delivery.”

Also read: Pikitup responds to contract workers protest at the Waterval depot

Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said the entity had cleared all refuse collection backlogs by July 5, with normal collection schedules resuming across Johannesburg from the following day.
He said only the Marlboro depot, which services areas including Alexandra, remains slightly behind because of a shortage of casual workers, although additional resources have been deployed and the situation is under control.

Despite the operational recovery, Mkhwanazi acknowledged that Pikitup continues to face financial pressures. The entity currently owes R1.3b to service providers and confirmed that the recent refuse collection disruptions had a financial impact. However,

Pikitup has not launched an internal review into the causes of the disruption, saying it continues engaging with stakeholders while labour-related matters are being addressed together with the city.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!