Illegal dumping in Centurion still a problem
DA Ward councillor tackles illegal dumping.
Illegal dumping is a problem that has plagued Centurion for years. Many people, unwilling to find a proper place to dispose of their refuse or rubble, simply dump it in open fields.
Democratic Alliance ward councillor Peter Sutton said it appeared to be an accepted practice in the minds of many residents.
“My neighbour once offered to dispose of some of my garden refuse. When I asked him where he was taking it, he said he was going to dump it in a field close to us. It has become the norm.”
Sutton said there were various reasons for this.
“Firstly, the lack of dumping sites, and this is an issue we are aware of and dealing with. The second problem is with the people who dig in dustbins to recycle plastic.
The people who go around digging through trash bins on the street are usually looking for goods to recycle, namely plastic. These people then sort through the plastic. According to one of these men, known only as Welcome, he can get as much as R3 per kilogram for plastic he takes to special recycling centres,” Sutton said.
Plastic that could not be sold was often dumped next to the road. An example was an illegal dumping area in Edward Avenue opposite the cemetery.
“What people don’t realise is that it costs thousands of Rands to clean up a mess like this. The metro needs to send out a tender, and a company will then be sent out to clean. A mess like this one will easily take up to three days to clean. That means a bulldozer has to be hired, workers have to be paid and the refuse needs to be disposed of,” said Sutton.
“The impact on the environment is not the only concern. These issues create a precedent for more dumping and even worse crime.”
At the site, there was clear evidence that someone is living there. A small shelter had been created between the trees. The plastic that was collected by the people living there was scattered across the field. All the items not suitable for recycling were simply dumped.
“The only solution I can see is to regulate the recyclers that dig through the bins. I am proposing that the metro creates a special centre where people can dump the items that they don’t have the ability to dispose of properly, like a normal dumping site,” said Sutton.
“These people who recycle should then be able to take the items that can be recycled. These people can even be employed by the metro, and be given special uniforms to identify them. That way you regulate what is being recycled, cut down on dumping and create new jobs.”
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Also read:
Tshwane metro police catch dumper red handed
Illegal dumping in Glover Avenue
Illegal dumping remains a challenge
