Newcastle’s own Botanical Dumpsite

What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word dumpsite?

For most it would be images of heaps of rotting rubbish accompanied by a foul smell and festering refuse.

This however is not the case at the Newcastle’s Garden Refuse Transfer Station dumpsite situated near the Farmer’s Hall on Hardwick Street.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuLMWapBQwf/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

The municipal dumpsite is used to dispose of garden waste from the Newcastle area, but thanks to municipal site attendant Bhekani Shabangu and his colleague, it has been transformed into a beautifully manicured botanical-like garden.

“We researched and thought of ways of what we could do with an environment like this, and we decided to create a garden,” he shares.

Taking the initiative to start by planting a single flower root, his efforts have blossomed into a hobby which
Shabangu nurtures every day, both figuratively and literally.

“I look forward to coming to work because if I take time off , I’m worried about who will take care of my plants.”

He has turned the dump site into a tranquil sanctuary, using various shrubs and colourful fl owers to decorate the area.

Shabangu has taken his initiative to the next level by recycling the discarded items which make up the bulk of the make-shift garden.

He uses old shoes as plant pots, as well as broken and old garden furniture to beautify the area. Between the earthy smelling ferns are plaques made up of discarded concrete slabs on which Shabangu paints inspirational quotes.

Each of his creations has a fascinating story behind it, but his favourite work of art is what he proudly calls his ‘bike’ with a made-up registration plate ‘NN 71’.

Built using the front end of an old plastic toy car, and two tyres he has found at the site along with wheel caps, the bike is equipped with a ‘rider’ who is adorned with a riding helmet.

“This is my bike, I enjoyed making this one,” he says with pride.

Resident, Sharon Pine who frequently uses the dump site, says she is absolutely thrilled with the work Shabangu has done.

“He has made a lovely effort to beautify the place. It doesn’t cost anything to pick up a paper and be conscious of our surroundings. His efforts do not go unnoticed and its a pleasant environment he has created,” she adds.

Head of Communications at the Newcastle Municipality, Dr Dumisani Thabethe confi rmed the garden project was initiated by the municipal workers themselves. Thabethe encourages these types of initiatives.

Illegal Dumping

Speaking on illegal dumping, Thabethe confirms the municipality can use the by-laws to punish offenders, as a last resort.

“However it is far simpler to put your refuse out on collection days or if you have large volumes of garden waste take it to the Farmer’s Hall or the waste disposal site opposite the airport.

Ultimately the money spent on clearing illegal dumping can be better spent elsewhere. Domestic composting is also encouraged which can then be used to nourish your garden,” he adds.

Vegetable Garden

One of Shabangu’s future plans includes starting up a vegetable garden.

When asked what he would do with the vegetables once they were grown he smiled coyly and said: “There are many homeless people under the bridge nearby, I’d like to give it to them.”

ALSO READ: 10% of Newcastillians recycle their waste

Contact us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

Make sure you follow us for regular updates: