Ekurhuleni opens disposal sites for illegal dumping

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The R3.3 million dump sites are expected to assist in promoting cleanliness and eradicating the problem of illegal dumping.

Speaking at the official launch of the sites on Thursday, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Waste Management Services, Ndosi Shongwe, highlighted a need for prudent use of space for development.

“We are gradually running out of space and need to do everything necessary to minimise the amount of waste reaching our disposal sites. It is our wish that these facilities must serve as catalysts to promote local economic development activities, such as composting of waste,” Shongwe said.

The revamping process included new ramps, paving, fence and gates.

The facilities receive waste from residents in the areas they are based in, where they can deposit waste into the bulk containers provided on site.

The type of waste that can be disposed free of charge at the sites includes garden waste, rubble less than 1m³ (cubic meter), recyclables paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, wood and metal.

The site is open seven days a week, including public holidays, except for Christmas Day.

“Due to changing patterns of sunrise and sunset times, and the reduced visibility depending on seasons, the operating hours for the sites have been separated into two, winter/other (April-September) and summer/other (October-March). This was decided with consideration of the safety of residents and staff,” Shongwe said.

The months operating hours for the sites are 7am – 6pm from April to September and 7am – 7pm from October to March.