Statemeny by Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management

This year, as the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate, we hope to continue our partnership with communities to tackle the culture of littering and dumping that continues to plague many areas through community-led clean-ups and intensifying our issuing of fines by the Solid Waste By-law Enforcement Unit.

We would like to advise all communities and civic groups that support is available should you wish to organise a litter pick-up in your area.

Recently, we have been encouraging communities to get more involved in keeping their spaces free of litter and dumping. People who litter and dump often justify their behaviour in terms of dissatisfaction with government, but they do not think about the impact on the surrounding community. If residents play a more visible and active role in keeping their areas clean, they will notice the difference that it makes, and it will help show the impact littering and dumping has on our communities.

Littering and illegal dumping in public spaces continues to be an issue across the city, and it is unacceptable. Hence I am now calling on our Solid Waste By-law Enforcement Unit to increase their issuing of fines to those who transgress our solid waste by-laws. The direct impact that littering and dumping have on our residents is devastating. Littering and dumping drive away investment into our city, and attracts crime and grime, which lowers property prices, as it gives the impression that areas are neglected by authorities.

We will also be looking into our policies and by-laws to see where we can make some changes by putting stricter measures in place to ensure that those who continue with this behaviour are punished accordingly.

We hope these community-led clean-ups can also turn things around along with intensified public awareness campaigns. If you would like to get involved in the effort to foster a culture of responsible waste disposal by organising a clean-up event, the City can assist by providing refuse bags and by taking bagged waste to landfill after the event. This can be arranged via e-mail to wastewise@capetown.gov.za.

Civic action is only one way in which residents can join the fight against littering and dumping. We continue to encourage our residents to report those responsible so that penalties can be applied.

The City has launched a 24-hour toll-free number (0800 110077) to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity. Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded, or face a two-year prison sentence. In addition, for every report that leads to a fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward from R1000 up to R5000, depending on the offence.

Source: City Of Cape Town