Panorama Dumping Site set for positive change with new recycling centre

For the past four years, fires at the Panorama Dumping Site have been a constant source of frustration for residents, causing safety concerns and poor air quality. Now, Pikitup is taking steps to turn the site into a recycling centre, a move residents hope will benefit the community.

From August 11, the site began accepting electronic waste, including personal computers, laptops, cellphones, TVs, monitors, chargers, cables, printers, and small appliances. Other recyclables, such as paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers, glass bottles and jars, as well as aluminium and tin cans, will be accepted starting October 1.

Pikitup emphasised that the centre will not take residential or domestic rubbish and advised residents to take garden refuse to the nearest garden site.

Pikitup also offers a free Bulky Waste Collection Service for large unwanted household items such as cabinets, beds, and furniture. Pickups can be scheduled by calling 087 367 1068.

Leigh Todd, a teacher at Panorama Primary School, welcomed the initiative. “We have store rooms full of old computers and printers. Now we know there will be a place nearby, and it will help us to clean our store rooms,” she said.

Resident Thatohatsi Tsokodibane described the impact of the recurring fires on her daily life.

“The past fires caused smoke and poor air quality, making it hard to breathe and affecting residents’ health,” she said. She added that the transformation of the site into a recycling centre will help reduce waste buildup, lower pollution, and keep recyclables out of rapidly filling landfills.

Tsokodibane expressed hope for the long-term benefits of the project. “I hope the recycling centre will encourage recycling habits, and that the centre will benefit the community rather than create a safety hazard,” she said.