Cleaning up the mess caused by illegal dumping in the Langeberg municipal area costs authorities R3 million annually. Added to this burden, resources meant for other services are being placed under pressure.
Illegal dumping affects the whole community and goes wider than being an eyesore in an area frequented by tourists. What may start as a small pile of rubbish on the side of the road can quickly grow into a serious problem.
This is not only an unpleasant sight, but it also threatens public health and pollutes the environment, affecting the quality of life of everyone in Langeberg. From attracting pests and creating foul odours to blocking stormwater systems and polluting rivers and natural areas, the consequences of illegal dumping can be felt throughout the community.
Hot spots for illegal dumping
According to municipal manager Daniël Lubbe areas where this continues to be a problem include Nkqubela, Droëheuwel, Dorpsig, Burnholme, Panorama, Extension 15 and Môreson in Robertson.
In Montagu the municipality regularly needs to clean up in Ashbury, Ou Woongebied and Bergsig, with Bonnievale’s Happy Valley, Mountain View and Bonnievale informal area being hot spots for illegal dumping. McGregor’s White City also gets more than its share of waste being dumped in inappropriate places.
“Contributing factors include excess waste generation, insufficient household capacity, private contractors avoiding disposal costs, wheelie bins being used to transport waste elsewhere, non-compliance by the construction industry, and informal traders or others not adhering to facility operating hours,” said Lubbe.
“Reducing illegal dumping requires a change in community behaviour, supported by education and enforcement. The municipality continues to promote responsible waste management through ‘Do not litter’ and ‘Reduce, Re-use and Recycle’ messaging.”
240 wheelie bins provided
Refuse collection and disposal is available to residents and there is no need to dump waste in public areas.
The municipality provides 240ℓ wheelie bins to property owners when they apply for one. The bins are emptied and waste bags from formal homes are collected weekly.
Bins should be placed on the pavement by 07:45 on their scheduled collection day. Placing garbage out the day before could result in a fine.
Should residents require additional capacity they may apply for another wheely bin at the applicable municipal tariff.
“We encourage residents to separate recyclable materials from general waste. Recycling services are available across the municipal area.”
Waste-disposal options
For non-hazardous waste that cannot be managed through weekly collection, residents may make use of one of the several authorised waste disposal as well as transfer and drop-off facilities.
Residents in Ashton can make use of the R60 Waste Disposal Facility with the Transfer Station and Material Recovery Facility being on Abattoir Road. In Bonnievale there is a Waste Disposal and Drop-off Facility on Voortrekker Road and there is one in McGregor as well.
In Robertson the Transfer Station and Compost Facility is in Reitz Street, towards McGregor.
These facilities can be used for vehicles with a maximum carrying capacity of 2 m³, which may enter once per day. The disposal cost is R515 per ton. Accepted waste and operating hours vary between facilities.
Those who dump rubbish illegally, may get a fine of R1 000 to R3 000 and be required to clean up and rehabilitate the area. They may also face prosecution.
Residents can report illegal dumping via WhatsApp on 065 211 7822 , by calling 0860 88 1111 or 023 615 2219, by sending an email to complaints@langeberg.gov.za or on the Collab Citizen App.
