Over 100 illegal dumping hotspots identified in Region 6

The metro has identified 103 illegal dumping hotspots in the whole of Region 6, which consists of areas in Pretoria east.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, said: “The identified illegal dumping hotbeds are cleaned on a regular basis as per the schedule identifiedthat is developed and updated monthly.”

Illegal dumping continues to be a headache to residents and environmentalists, causing health issues, as well as a financial burden to the city.

Mashigo said the city is dealing with illegal dumping hotspots through the enforcement of the Waste Management By-Law and issuing of fines to transgressors.

“Any person found dumping waste illegally in an unauthorised area is liable to a fine of R5 000 as prescribed in the city’s by-law,” he warned.

He said illegal dumping might also be caused by a lack of knowledge.

“However the city is conducting regular education and awareness campaigns through the Re kaofela Clean-Up and Education Campaigns held every Friday.”

He said during these sessions, communities are educated on the importance of keeping their environment clean as well as proper waste disposal options available within the city.

The following waste disposal facilities in the east of Pretoria are accessible to clients:

– Hatherley Landfill Site on M10/Solomon Mahlangu, Nellmapius
– Waltloo Garden Site on Alwyn Street, Waltloo
– Eersterust Garden Site on St Josephs Street, Eersterust
– Menlo Park Garden Site onn 26th Avenue, Menlo Park.

According to Mashigo the city has plans to commission additional waste transfer facilities citywide and has embarked on a process to identify vacant land parcels for development.

“In terms of installation of street bins, the city is also assisting in identifying spots where they are required, however, implementation and/or development will be dependent on budget availability.”

HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ILLEGAL DUMPING:

What is illegal dumping?

Illegal dumping is the disposal of any type of waste illegally in an area that is not permitted by the authority, such as on public or private land or into water. Illegal dumping may be committed by individuals, communities and industries. Waste found in illegal dumping areas includes paper, plastics, bottles, boxes, cardboard, old clothes, building materials and food waste.

Causes:

– Lack of knowledge and awareness from communities.

– Inappropriate behavioural practices.

– Inadequate refuse bins to cater for the amount of waste generated at each service point.

– Overcrowded areas such as back dwellers.

– Unwillingness of companies or industries to pay disposal fees at a waste management site.

– Challenges and inconsistencies in waste removal or collection by the municipality.

Effects

– Damage to the environment and environmental degradation.

– Lead to soil and underground water contamination.

– Attract rodents (like rats) and manifestations of flies and insects.

– Hazardous waste from illegal dumping can cause fires and pollution of natural sources.

– Health and safety risks to communities that predispose them to illness.

– Lead to blockage of stormwater drainage systems and cause floods, which will in turn result in a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vermin.

– Attracts and encourages more dumping and increase in dumping hotspots, ultimately affecting the property values of the neighbourhood.

What are some solutions to illegal dumping?

– Advocate and encourage communities to practice the four Rs: reduce, recycle, reuse and recover.

– Take responsibility by reporting illegal dumping.

– Take ownership of community open spaces and develop food gardens and other useful public parks and playgrounds.

– Acquire additional waste storage bins when waste generation rates are high.

– Only dump waste at a designated municipal waste disposal facility.

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