Dumping rubbish illegally can now cost you R5 000 in fines. According to the City of Joburg, Pikitup spends around R60 million annually to deal with illegal dumping. The practice is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or a prison term.
Ward 97 councillor Leah Knott said the money for cleaning up the mess “… has to be taken from service delivery to clean up after people. Dumping is not only an eyesore but also dangerous to our local wildlife, and it contaminates our environment, causing health risks.”
Residents using the services of rubble removal, construction and waste management companies should ensure that they dispose of waste legally at a locally provided dump site. “Commercial waste management companies must be registered with Pikitup to utilise their landfill sites, and they pay a fee to do so. Residents can use local garden refuse sites for garden waste and small quantities of building rubble. Larger quantities require hiring a skip bin from Pikitup,” Knott advised.
To report illegal dumping, include details such as:
• Date and time
• Location
• Clear photos
• Registration number of vehicle
• Short description if possible
Contact JMPD on 082 779 1361 to report illegal dumping.
