Here’s a polished version with improved grammar, sentence structure and flow:Street vendors in Diepkloof play an important role in providing affordable food and services to the community while earning a livelihood for themselves and their families.

However, some of the area’s busiest trading hubs have become illegal dumping hotspots, including a site next to the library in Diepkloof Zone 1 that the publication recently visited.Food containers, plastic bags, cardboard boxes and other packaging materials were found scattered around the site instead of being disposed of in waste bins.

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Several local community-based organisations (CBOs), including Enzokuhle Community Waste Collection, New Pathways and Khulisa Intsha Yethu, have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the environment clean.Enzokuhle Community Waste Collection has also hosted numerous awareness and educational campaigns for local residents, including street vendors, to promote responsible waste disposal.

One of their recent campaigns were held next to the area adjacent to Ditawana Primary School, which has long been known as an illegal dumping site filled with heaps of refuse.

The director of Enzokuhle Community Waste Collection, Gina Flora Mthini, said they remain active in encouraging locals and providing education on illegal dumping, especially to street vendors since they form part of the community.

“Illegal dumping is not just an environmental issue, but it is a public health concern that affects all residents. We encourage community members to dispose of waste responsibly by separating recyclable materials and working with local organisations to keep our areas clean because a clean community starts with all of us, including street vendors,” Mthini said.

She added that through the programs they have held, most residents and local businesses have complained about their waste not being collected.

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Working alongside other CBOs, the organisation has developed practical solutions to educate residents about alternative ways of disposing of their waste.”Instead of leaving waste scattered in public spaces because of delayed refuse collection, vendors can separate their waste into recyclable, organic, general and hazardous categories.

This helps reduce the number of illegal dumping hotspots in our communities while keeping the environment clean.”

“Some of the vendors had opted to burn their waste. We have been prioritising ongoing education programs and teaching about the effects of burning waste and its consequences, including air pollution and sicknesses.”