The City of Cape Town is ramping up efforts to crack down on illegal dumping.
During the 2023/2024 financial year, the City of Cape Town issued a staggering 2,631 fines for illegal dumping, amounting to over R4 million in penalties, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Cape Town homeless move to shelters ahead of CBD evictions
According to the City’s website, 1,280 compliance notices were also issued, compelling offenders to meet legal requirements or face further penalties.
Find your perfect set of wheels with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
According to Urban Waste Management MMC Grant Twigg, the City’s Urban Waste Management Bylaw Enforcement Unit carried out weekly blitz operations across various CBDs, conducting 55 special operations throughout the year.
Twigg added that the bylaw enforcement team also participated in 50 joint operations with other city departments, including those focused on public awareness, compliance, education, cleansing, and safety and security.
These collaborative efforts targeted areas where the homeless often overnight, such as the Cape Town, Bellville, and Wynberg CBDs, to ensure thorough cleaning and upkeep.
‘Recent downpours have shown how dumping into rivers and canals can lead to flooding, endangering health and property.’
‘We’ve also seen a significant increase in litter washing up on our beaches, as waste dropped in Cape Town is carried out to the ocean.’
‘I appeal to communities living near rivers to help us eliminate these issues,” said Twigg.
‘Legal and safe disposal options are available and those who choose the lazy option of dumping must be reported or confronted.’
The City urges residents to remain vigilant and report illegal dumping.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city, at half the price? Get exclusive offers here.
With increased community support, the City can impose fines that deter illegal dumping and promote proper waste disposal at designated sites.
Vehicles with a carrying capacity of less than 1.5 tonnes are permitted to drop off up to three loads of rubble or other accepted waste types daily at the City’s network of drop-off sites, free of charge.
These facilities eliminate any excuse for illegal dumping.
Also read:
Watch: CoCT launches high-tech vessel to combat drug smuggling
Picture: City of Cape Town