City of Cape Town records massive spike in illegal dumping

The City of Cape Town says it has seen massive spike in vehicle impoundments and fines issued in relation to illegal dumping in public open spaces.

Between July 2022 to March 2023, 132 vehicles were impounded. This is eight-five more than the same period, last year.

The City said 10 599 fines were issued in contravention of the Integrated Waste By-law, from 3 898 the same period last year.

PICTURE: City of Cape Town

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said while builder’s rubble and general waste remain the most common items dumped, officers have noted an increase in the amount of medical waste and perishable foodstuff like meat being discarded.

Among the hotspot areas are Dunoon, Wallacedene, Elsiesriver, Atlantis Industrial Area, Wynberg, Retreat, Parkwood, Vrygrond, Muizenberg, Strandfontein Road, Eersteriver, Blackheath, Blue Downs, Kalkfontein, Wesbank, Kuilsriver, Duinefontein Road, Old Lansdowne Road, Swartklip Road, Philippi East, Eisleben Road and AZ Berman Road in Mitchells Plain.

‘’Illegal dumping is more than just an eyesore, it also presents health and safety risks to surrounding communities, and costs the City millions each year to clean up. It is a practice that continues with great abandon, despite the many pleas to make use of available facilities. There is absolutely no justification for it, and the City condemns this type of behaviour,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

The fine for illegal dumping is R2 500, while the vehicle impoundment release fee is R8 700. Smith added that should the same vehicle be impounded a second time, the release fee is R11 700, and R17 400 for a third offence.

The mayco member appealed to residents to report illegal dumping.

‘’We appeal to the public to please report illegal dumping if you witness an incident. Take photographs of the vehicle involved, and make a note of the licence plate and the location, so that our staff can follow up. I also remind residents to use reputable service providers to cart away waste or rubble from their properties, and to impress upon them to use designated waste drop off facilities and not the nearest street corner or open piece of land. Illegal dumping has many hidden costs. We’ve seen how it contributes to localised flooding during heavy weather episodes, so it is in everyone’s best interests to work together to stop this despicable practice,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe