The Tshwane metro is calling on residents and businesses to play an active role in combating illegal dumping along Libertas Avenue in Willowbrae AH near Equestria, following years of illegal dumping.

The metro said it has carried out several illegal dumping clearing campaigns, but that some residents and waste removal companies continue to dispose of waste illegally.

This comes as piles of rubble and waste continue to accumulate along the roadside, with business owners raising concerns about illegal dumping by construction contractors and residents disposing of household waste in the area.

The growing problem has turned parts of Libertas Avenue into an eyesore and raised fears over health risks, including rodent infestations.

Residents said the issue began in 2023, with repeated complaints to the metro yielding little long-term improvement.

They also claim that if the illegal dumping is not attended to, the waste will spill on the road and block the road for motorists.

They added that when the metro does come around, it only pushes all the rubbish into heaps on the side of Libertas Avenue.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the municipality is aware of the ongoing illegal dumping.

He stressed that protecting the community is a shared responsibility, and residents should also be on the lookout and report illegal dumpers immediately.

Mashigo urged residents to refrain from contributing to the problem and to make use of official waste disposal services.

“Residents are advised to refrain from utilising private waste removal companies for construction or renovation activities that generate builders’ rubble.

“Instead, they should make use of the waste removal services provided by the city. By doing so, residents can be assured that all waste will be disposed of responsibly at designated landfill sites in accordance with municipal regulations,” he said.

He also encouraged the public to report people responsible for illegal dumping to the TMPD.

“Residents are encouraged to report offenders that are responsible for illegal dumping [to] TMPD or they can send emails to tmpdcomplaints@tshwane.gov.za,” Mashigo added.

Mashigo said the city will dispatch teams to clear the current backlog of waste in the area, with Libertas Avenue scheduled for clean-up in the second week of April.

He explained that the city’s response includes both removing waste from the site and using clean rubble to create berms to block access to open spaces, in an effort to deter further dumping.

Mashigo said in the longer term, the metro developed an anti-dumping and prevention strategy aimed at addressing illegal dumping across Pretoria.

“This includes identifying additional sites for waste transfer and sorting facilities, as well as expanding capacity for the disposal of garden waste, builders’ rubble and recyclable materials.”

Mashigo added that the city has also reviewed its waste management by-laws to strengthen enforcement, including plans to train waste inspectors to be designated as peace officers, who can assist with enforcement alongside the TMPD.

He said that with increased capacity, more frequent patrols can be conducted in dumping hotspots to apprehend offenders.

To reduce health risks associated with waste accumulation, the city has also implemented a clearance schedule to ensure regular clean-up of identified hotspots.

Mashigo emphasised that lasting change will depend on community co-operation.

“The city remains committed to addressing illegal dumping, but it is equally important for residents and businesses to take responsibility and work with the municipality to keep their areas clean,” he said.

Residents can dispose of garden refuse for free disposal of less than 1.3 tons at the disposal site on Alwyn Street in Waltloo.

The domestic landfill site is located at Hatherley, on Solomon Mahlangu Drive, Nellmapius.

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