Plans to establish multipurpose recycling facilities at three proposed sites in Centurion remain under assessment months after the Tshwane metro identified the properties as possible locations for formalised recycling activities.
The metro recently confirmed to Rekord that none of the three Region 4 properties identified in May has been approved, with verification still underway to determine whether the sites meet zoning, environmental and other requirements.
The sites are 21 Ellman Street in Sunderland Ridge, Erf 424/R in Hennops Park Ext 15 and Erf 1123/2/6/R in Claudius Ext 1.
Assessment of proposed Centurion sites ongoing
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said evaluation of the three sites has not yet been finalised.
“Verification is underway to establish whether each site meets the relevant zoning, environmental and other requirements. This is an essential step towards identifying a suitable location for the proposed facilities,” he said.
In May, the metro said the sites were being evaluated in accordance with its Integrated Waste Management Plan as part of plans to formalise and better regulate informal recycling activities across Pretoria.
Mashigo explained that the facilities would support safe, regulated and environmentally sustainable recycling while reducing risks linked to sorting and transporting waste along busy roads.
However, no site has been approved, so there is still no confirmed development or operational timeline.
External funding sought
The metro also confirmed that funding for the proposed Region 4 facilities has not yet been fully secured.
“There is no confirmed allocation to announce at this stage,” Mashigo said, adding that the city is engaging external stakeholders to explore funding opportunities.
He noted that the incorporation of Region 4 waste pickers would be considered during operational planning.
“The city is also finalising collaboration agreements with private-sector recycling stakeholders to create structured opportunities for informal recyclers. The agreements are intended to support waste-minimisation initiatives across Tshwane, while their role in the proposed facilities will be determined as planning progresses.”
The city has also established an Integrated Waste By-law Enforcement Committee, comprising the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department and other relevant stakeholders.
Mashigo said the committee is using co-ordinated enforcement to address illegal dumping and promote safer practices for road users, waste pickers and nearby communities.
The move comes as recycling sites raise concerns about dumping, safety and environmental conditions across Centurion.
Volunteers clear tonnes of waste
On September 26, AfriForum Centurion volunteers cleaned an alleged recycling site on open land at the corner of Wierda Road and Ashwood Drive.
The site contained plastic bags and bottles, paper, boxes, old tyres, glass bottles, newspapers and paper bags.
AfriForum Centurion branch chairperson Andre de Bruyn said five residents and other volunteers removed approximately 3.5 tonnes of material.
“The waste was taken to the AfriForum Centurion Depot, where it will be sorted before being sold,” he said.
“Our open spaces, parks and rivers are already disaster areas. We can prevent this and make our environment cleaner and safer ourselves by starting to recycle,” he said.
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