Illegal dumping clouds Earth Day message
Scenes of burning waste, informal recycling, and illegal dumping shine a spotlight on Bram Fischer Drive this Earth Day.
As the world commemorates Earth Day on April 22, the reality, on parts of Bram Fischer Drive, raise concern.
Several areas are filled with heaps of uncollected waste, which has started to spill into pathways used by commuters on a daily basis.
To alleviate the situation, residents have taken to setting the waste alight, worsening the situation by contributing to air pollution, raising concerns about environmental and public health risks.
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The situation stresses the continual matter of illegal dumping and deficient waste management, causing residents to manoeuvre through streets full of litter.
Matsabola ‘KG’ Maripane, operational manager for Windsor Community Cleaning Association and Zero Waste Management, which are both co-operatives responsible for waste reduction at Pikitup sites such as the Randburg recycling depot, says they have partnered with associations like Urban Surfer, which represents informal recyclers.
This will not only encourage people to recycle more; it will play a huge role in reducing pollution, as there will be a decrease in the need for raw materials extraction, as well as a reduce in energy consumption during manufacturing.
“My message to the public is to start recycling now. The city does not have enough space anymore for the landfills. The environment will suffer more if we do not bring alternatives. The planet does not have a plan B.
We also urge the government, and stakeholders in the climate change indaba, to bring about green programmes, like waste to energy, and material recovery facilities in big cities because that is where the challenges are.”
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Maripane added that one of the reasons there is a mess on pathways is because waste is not being put in bins, so that it can be properly collected. Putting trash at corners contributes to illegal dumping.
With the 2026 theme: Our power, our planet, the South African government says that Earth Day is dedicated to promoting awareness about sustainability and environmental protection, while acknowledging the need to protect Earth’s ecosystems to ensure human livelihoods and combat climate change.
International Mother Earth Day serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is not a one-man job. Communities must unite and ensure that they restore the surroundings they live in.
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