Residents heavily affected by the smoke from the Kya Sand landfill have taken measures to fight the issue putting their health at risk.

The Kya Sand landfill has been a troubling issue for residents for many years. The constant smoke from the site has affected residents in many ways.

The City of Johannesburg published a tender to secure and rehabilitate the Kya Sand landfill, which had been taken over by illegal commercial operators.

Read more: Councillor Harman concerned about illegal dumping on Elise Road

In late 2025 the appointed contractor visited the site. This action forced the illegal dump operators to relocate, opening two new illegal dumps on the banks of a spruit on the northern boundary of the Pipeline informal settlement in Kya Sand.

In response, in November 2025, the community engaged Nightguard Security, to establish four checkpoints on the roads leading into the affected area, supported by a tactical response vehicle. The community serves as the eyes and ears for this service, reporting incidents of dumping and burning directly to Nightguard, which responds accordingly.

Keith Elliott, a volunteer director of the Kya Sand Burning Wasteland Community Forum, explained that the city needs to do more than simply control the Kya Sand landfill site. It must implement a holistic solution for the entire area and stop all illegal dumping and burning.

Also read: Residents demand permanent solution to illegal dumps in Kya Sands

In an effort to fight back, the community is contributing from their own pockets. Elliot said that the cost of this service is currently R160 000 per month. “It has proven highly effective, virtually eliminating daytime dumping. Only a few small, sporadic incidents are still reported.

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: TLB exposes smoke from the underground fire at one of the dumping sites in Kya Sands. Video: Supplied #Kyasand #illegaldumping ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“Unfortunately, the cost of providing 24-hour coverage is beyond what the community can afford. Our reserves have now been exhausted, and we may be forced to suspend the service as early as January 26.”
He said that they believe the initiative has been successful because, as their checkpoints turn trucks away, operators are learning that this is a no-go zone. “Our tactical response unit, which attends to any fires that do occur, is also sending a clear message that these criminal activities will not be tolerated. It is important to emphasise that the security initiative is not our primary strategy. The Kya Sand Burning Wasteland Community Forum exists primarily to pursue legal action against the authorities.”

The community’s efforts have resulted in the two new dumps being almost completely closed. However, at one site, an underground fire persists. This is caused by successive loads of waste being dumped onto smouldering material from the previous day. “These underground smouldering fires are among the most toxic, releasing fumes that contain partially burned plastics and other hydrocarbons, including dioxins — some of the most dangerous compounds produced by such fires.”

These toxic fumes have been plaguing the community for months. They recently raised funds to hire a tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) and started excavating smouldering material while two people used hoses to extinguish exposed areas. “We estimate it will take four or five days to fully extinguish the fire, which may be burning as deep as 3 to 4m below the surface.”

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