Garden services feel brunt of refuse site clamp-downs

Garden service companies impacted by stricter rules for entry into city dumpsites, have complained about the slow application for the permits.

Tshwane metro recently began clamping down on who is allowed to come into its nine garden refuse dumpsites overburdened by high volumes of incoming waste.

It implemented a permit system as well as temporary closure of the sites to allow them time to clear the accumulated high volumes.

However, garden services have felt the brunt of these measures with some reporting that the process of applying for the entry permit application was slow and increased the cost of operating.

Hannes Botha-Schuurman, a garden service owner, told Rekord that site closure impacted the profitability of his business as he now had to travel further to drop off refuse collected from his clients.

The permit allows the holder entry into only two sites and when their first choice is closed for maintenance or other unforeseen circumstance, they utilise the alternative.

“My problem here is I want to do things right. I wanted to buy a second permit for my vehicle to have access to more dumpsites, but the municipality refused. My two selected sites are Dorandia and Magalieskruin, but I work all over Pretoria and the municipality is causing a loss of income for my business with these permits.

“Who do I recover my additional expenses from?

“I spoke with fellow service providers, and some have not even received their permits while others had to turn down business due to this.”

Ward councillor Marika Kruger-Muller said the permits are not new, and neither are the costs.

She said the permit requirement had been in the city by-laws since 2016 and applied to garden service providers as well as regular users of the facilities and not private residents that dispose of personal garden refuse.

Watch: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYEUUqom/

Watch: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYEUSC8m/

Kruger-Muller said those who have applied but still awaiting their permits could show the letter confirming application and proof of payment to gain access to the site.

She confirmed receipt of many complaints about the permit backlog, and said that the city was addressing this.

A recent metro statement clarified that the regulations are not new, and have been in place since 2016.

Only vehicles with a capacity of 1 ton require a permit. However, those in the garden services business, or using overloaded vehicles under 1 ton, must also apply for a permit.

It said that application forms can be obtained at disposal facilities or downloaded from its website.

Completed forms, along with necessary documents should be submitted via email to wastemanagement@tshwane.gov.za

The metro said it takes approximately seven working days to process the applications and approved holders must display the permit on their vehicles.

Residents who bring refuse in multiple vehicles or a bakkie and trailer must obtain a permit for each if the waste exceeds 1 ton.

The permits are valid for one year.

However, vehicles with a payload exceeding 1.3 tons cannot access garden refuse sites.

The City advised users to contact wastemanagement@tshwane.gov.za for inquiries.

ALSO READ: NGO closes Freedom Month in South African style

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram