Bryanston garden refuse site remains closed despite reopening target
Pikitup confirms the Ballyclare facility in Bryanston is still unable to accept garden waste, pointing residents to alternative drop-off points.
The Pikitup Ballyclare garden refuse site in Bryanston remains closed to garden waste, despite earlier indications that the facility was anticipated to reopen on August 31.
Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe said, on September 2, that the site is still not open to residents wanting to dispose of garden refuse. “Other types of waste are allowed, as has been the case since last week,” said Selepe.
Read more: Pikitup confirms waste collection disruptions at five Johannesburg depots
The continued closure comes after the site reached capacity amid mounting volumes of garden waste, prompting Pikitup to temporarily stop accepting garden refuse while efforts to clear the accumulated material continue.
Selepe said operational challenges have also contributed to the delay in reopening the facility. “The depot experienced breakdowns and had to divert vehicles to refuse collection rounds.”
Efforts to clear the accumulated waste at Ballyclare are ongoing. Residents who need to dispose of garden waste have been requested to use the Pikitup Linbro Park garden refuse site until the Ballyclare facility is able to resume receiving garden waste.
Concerns have been raised by Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackleford, who previously accused Pikitup of failing to plan adequately for increasing volumes of garden refuse at the Bryanston facility.
Also read: Ward councillor Lynda Shackleford slams Pikitup over Bryanston garden refuse site closure
Shackleford raised concerns about the site’s capacity in March, after the temporary closure of the Woodmead garden refuse site for renovations placed additional pressure on Ballyclare. “There’s no proper management of this garden refuse site. There’s no proper plan for this garden refuse site,” Shackleford said during a follow-up visit to the facility in August.
She also questioned how long residents would have to wait for a sustainable solution. “It is now five years later. What is the plan for one of the most important garden refuse sites for the residents of Sandton?” she asked.
Pikitup previously said an active plan for Ballyclare included the use of a shredding machine to help manage the garden waste, but the machine had not yet been provided because of financial constraints.
Selepe said the operational situation remains challenging, with the focus currently on clearing the site.
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