Residents in the areas listed below can expect delays in refuse collection today due to Covid-19 mitigation measures following reported Covid-19 cases at one of the depots.

Refuse in the following areas will not be collected today, Monday 28 June, due to Covid-19 mitigation measures. However, contingency plans are in place to clear the backlog tomorrow, Tuesday 29 June. The bins in the affected suburbs can be taken back onto the property today and placed out tomorrow for servicing.

Where there are refuse collection delays, excess waste that cannot fit in the wheelie bins can be bagged and placed next to the bin for removal. Residents are asked not to resort to illegal dumping if delays cause refuse to build-up to the point where it cannot fit in the wheelie bins. Any inconvenience is sincerely regretted.

Furthermore, residents are asked to bear in mind that staff availability may remain a challenge as those who have been in close contact with a confirmed infection are required to enter self-isolation for 10 days, even in the absence of symptoms, to minimise the risk that they could unknowingly spread the virus.

We wish our staff all the best during this time. The City is concerned about not only the health but the general wellbeing of our staff, and management check in regularly with staff members who test positive. They are also communicating with their close contacts to advise on the way forward in terms of quarantining, testing/screening.

Residents are reminded of the following:

Covid-19 mitigation guidelines for domestic waste disposal:

Residents are encouraged to follow the guidelines for disposal of their domestic waste to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. The guidelines are aligned to provincial protocols for managing general household waste.

1. Waste items, such as used tissues, wipes and other disposables, that have been used by someone who has or is suspected of having Covid-19, should be disposed into a separate container.
2. This waste should be double-bagged.
3. Please keep this waste on the property for at least five days before placing it out for collection in the bin.
4. Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
5. Please wash your hands after handling the bin.
6. Sanitise the handle and lid, where possible, before placing your bin out for collection and before bringing it back onto your property.
7. Keep a physical distance from City staff at all times.

How to make more space in your bin:

• Residents are encouraged to take their clean, dry recyclables to one of the City’s open drop-off facilities. Alternatively, residents can make use of an accredited recycling collection company. Recycling eases pressure on collections services, in our landfills and on the environment.
• Garden greens are also accepted at selected drop-off facilities. Alternatively, residents can make use of private accredited service providers to collect garden greens.
• Where possible, residents are encouraged to practice home composting, as this will allow further space in the bin during this period.

Bin care:

• Please wash and disinfect your wheelie bin regularly, especially when placing it outside and when bringing it back inside.
• Please retain and freeze any meat product (i.e. leftover food in the form of chicken, red meat, off cuts, etc.) until collection day before placing into the bin, so as to prevent the breeding of flies.
• Store your bin in a cool place, avoiding direct exposure to the sun, to reduce/prevent flies breeding in your bin. It also helps to spray your bin with insecticide to restrict and inhibit the breeding of flies.
• Please remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling waste.
• Submit a service request via one of the following channels:
• Call 0860 103 089
• Online capetown.gov.za/servicerequests
• Visit a City walk-in centre (see capetown.gov.za/facilitiesto find the one closest to you)
• Residents should please always remember to take note of the reference number provided.

Source: City Of Cape Town