About 2 631 fines to the value of R4 million, were collected by the City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management By-law Enforcement Unit, during 2023 and 2024.
Another 1, 280 compliance notices were issued, requiring offenders to face the law.
Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, said the unit conducted weekly blitz operations in the City’s CBD areas, totaling 55 special operations over the year.
The by-law enforcement team also collaborated on 50 joint operations with other departments, including Public Awareness, Compliance, Education, Safety and Security jointly cleaning areas where homeless people frequent in Cape Town, Bellville and Wynberg CBDs.
The City urges residents to increase their vigilance and reporting of illegal dumping in the coming year.
“Vehicles with a carrying capacity of less than 1,5 tonnes can drop off up to three loads of rubble or other accepted waste types at our network of drop-off sites daily, free of charge. With these facilities, there is simply no excuse for illegal dumping” said Twigg.
He also said 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. Legal and safe disposal options are available, and those who choose the lazy option of dumping must be reported or confronted. “
The City’s 24-hour toll-free number – 0800 110077.