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Waste Management

04 March 2026 Media Release: GRDM Engages Schools and Communities in Fight Against Waste and Illegal Dumping

Media Release: GRDM Engages Schools and Communities in Fight Against Waste and Illegal Dumping

04 March 2026

During February, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section continued rolling out its Green School Program by introducing a new colour-coded bin system at participating schools across the district.

The programme aims to strengthen waste minimisation education and encourage environmental awareness among learners. After all, waste minimisation starts with awareness and action. By equipping schools with the right tools and knowledge to manage waste responsibly, we are empowering learners to become champions of sustainability in their own households and communities.

On 12 February, GRDM, in collaboration with the Bitou Municipality, visited two schools in the Bitou Municipal area to introduce the program. The following day, on 13 February, GRDM collaborated with Landmark to hand over 85 recycling boxes to Outeniqua High School.  These boxes will enable learners to separate waste directly in their classrooms, making recycling part of their daily routine.

The following week, on 18 February, the GRDM Waste Management Section, in collaboration with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, extended the programme to three schools in the Hessequa Municipal area, reaching more than 700 learners.

Learners were taught how to separate waste correctly, followed by interactive Q&A sessions to test their understanding. They also practised identifying the correct waste streams for each colour-coded bin, reinforcing the importance of responsible waste management in a practical and engaging way.

“GRDM would like to acknowledge POLYCO, MPACT, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape Government) for partnering with us to ensure the success of this programme. The Green School Program is a GRDM-led initiative that promotes sustainability through practical education, hands-on activities, and partnerships. The programme focuses on waste minimisation and recycling and equips learners with the skills and values needed to make eco-conscious choices,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer.

In Hessequa, GRDM collaborates with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), a non-governmental organisation focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement. In the George area, GRDM works in partnership with Landmark to support the implementation of the programme. Through these partnerships, the initiative introduces clearly marked bins for paper, plastic, metal/cans, and glass, making it easier for learners and staff to practise responsible waste separation

Illegal Dumping Silent Walk / March

On Friday, 27 February, the George Local Municipality hosted a Silent March Against Illegal Dumping in Thembalethu. Though the march was silent, the collective message was loud and clear: illegal dumping has no place in our communities.

Led by the Executive Mayor of George and the Portfolio Head for Community Services, participants carried placards with powerful messages urging an end to illegal waste disposal. The march symbolized unity and determination to protect the environment and promote cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the Garden Route District Municipality Waste Management Section (GRDM), highlighting the importance of collaboration between local government and communities in reclaiming our dignity and ensuring the right to live in a clean and healthy environment.

“Together, participants stood in silence, but their voices spoke volumes. Illegal dumping is unacceptable, and the commitment to building a cleaner, safer Thembalethu for all remains strong,” said Sikweyiya

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Photos capturing some of the school visits and activities conducted across the district during February.

18 February 2026 Media Release: Green School Program Expands with Colour-Coded Bin System to Drive Waste Minimisation Awareness

Media Release: Green School Program Expands with Colour-Coded Bin System to Drive Waste Minimisation Awareness

18 February 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to advance its Green School Program with the rollout of a new colour-coded bin system across participating schools. This initiative is designed to strengthen waste minimisation education and promote environmental awareness among learners.

“Waste minimisation begins with awareness and action. Equipping schools with the tools and knowledge to manage waste responsibly, we are empowering learners to become champions of sustainability in their communities,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer.

On 12 February, GRDM visited two schools in the Bitou municipal area to introduce the program. The following day, GRDM collaborated with Landmark to hand over 85 recycling boxes to Outeniqua High School, enabling learners to separate waste in their classrooms.

The initiative introduces clearly marked bins for paper, plastic, metal/cans and glass, making it easier for students and staff to practice responsible waste separation.

Today, 18 February, GRDM, in collaboration with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve, will extend the programme to three schools in the Hessequa municipal area, reaching more than 700 learners. Learners will be taught how to separate waste correctly, followed by interactive Q&A sessions to assess their understanding. They will also practise identifying the correct waste streams for each colour-coded bin, reinforcing the importance of responsible waste management.

“We would like to acknowledge POLYCO, MPACT, and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (Western Cape Government) for partnering with us to ensure the success of this programme,” Sikweyiya said.

The Green School Program is a GRDM led initiative that promotes sustainability through practical education, hands-on activities, and  partnerships. By focusing on waste minimisation and recycling, the program equips learners with the skills and values needed to make eco-conscious choices.

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18 February 2026 Media Release: Mayor Welcomes Renewed Construction Activity at Regional Waste Management Facility in Mossel Bay

Media Release: Mayor Welcomes Renewed Construction Activity at Regional Waste Management Facility in Mossel Bay

18 February 2026

The much-anticipated Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility (RWMF) construction has officially gained momentum again. This is a significant milestone for the GRDM, following a lengthy process followed to appoint a new contractor to complete the work that fell behind schedule.

The Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Marais Kruger and his MCC for Community Services, Cllr. Jobieth Hoogbaard, conducted an oversight visit to the landfill site in Mossel Bay yesterday, to assess progress on the ground. Their visit confirmed that construction is now underway and progressing according to the agreed plan and schedule.

“The commencement of construction is a critical step forward for the region,” said Mayor Kruger.

“This facility will provide a compliant, sustainable and long-term solution for waste disposal for our region, while strengthening environmental protection and service reliability for our municipalities.”

According to Johan Gie, GRDM District Waste Manager and the Project Manager of this mega-project: “Upon completion of construction, the facility will undergo the required inspections and testing by the Department of Water and Sanitation before waste disposal operations begin”. He added: “This licensing process can take up to three months and GRDM is exploring ways for approvals to run concurrently with the final stages of construction to ensure no unnecessary delays”.

Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd, was recently appointed through a competitive bidding process and the company will continue the construction of Phase 1 of the project at a contract value of R109 million. All participating municipalities were represented throughout the tender process, underscoring the importance of inter-governmental relations at a Local Government level.

Following the submission of all required compliance documentation and the expedited issuing of a Construction Work Permit by the Department of Employment and Labour, the construction site was formally handed over on 11 February 2026, with site establishment and construction commencing on 16 February 2026. The project is scheduled for completion on 24 February 2027.

Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the project will be advertised at a later stage and will include the construction of a domestic waste cell (Cell 1B), a hazardous waste cell and associated infrastructure. Planning for Phase 2 is already underway to ensure the facility keeps pace with growing waste volumes and future regional needs.

In a further positive development, GRDM has resolved to introduce a fixed waste tariff per ton for participating municipalities, replacing the previous cost-sharing model. “This simplified tariff structure aligns with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, improves fairness and transparency, and enables the finalisation of waste disposal agreements, including with Knysna Municipality”, said Gie.

The Executive Mayor concluded his visit with a message of reassurance to residents: “The project reflects decisive action and long-term planning and, this facility represents progress, accountability and a commitment to environmental responsibility”.

“The region can be confident that we are building a resilient and sustainable waste management future for the Garden Route.”

Issued by the Office of the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality.

Caption: Pictured (fltr): Deon van der Merwe (Civils2000), Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (GRDM MMC: Community Services), Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor), Johan Gie (GRDM District Waste Management Manager) and Johan Compion (GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality)

Media Enquiries:

Kabelo Mohlohlo
Manager: Office of the Executive Mayor
kabelo@gardenroute.gov.za
079 133 0543

Herman Pieters
Communications Manager: GRDM
herman@gardenroute.gov.za 
081 455 5699

ENDS

13 February 2026 Media Release: GRDM, Kannaland, Recyclers and DLG Join Forces to Promote Recycling and Fight Illegal Dumping

Media Release: GRDM, Kannaland, Recyclers and DLG Join Forces to Promote Recycling and Fight Illegal Dumping

13 February 2026

On Monday, 10 February 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Kannaland Local Municipality, met with recyclers, waste pickers, community members, and representatives of the Western Cape Department of Local Government (WCG DLG).

During the engagement, Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management officer, outlined the purpose of the engagement by focusing on what the program was about, identifying needs such as protective gear, training, infrastructure, and fair pricing mechanisms. . She also emphasised the importance of building trust and cooperation between government, recyclers, and communities.

“We must recognise the vital contribution of waste pickers and recyclers in reducing landfill waste and supporting environmental sustainability,” she said.

Sikweyiya also highlighted the importance of exploring ways in which both informal and formal recycling activities can be incorporated into municipal waste management plans and the Green Flag School Programme.

The WCG DLG reported that it has been tasked with addressing illegal dumping in Zoar, with surveys already completed. Waste recyclers welcomed the initiative and pledge to work with the municipality in promoting cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices in Kannaland.

The meeting ended with agreement on holding a follow-up session to tackle illegal dumping in Zoar and boost recycling efforts. This engagement is an important step in supporting recyclers and promoting sustainable waste management in the district.

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Opsomming in Afrikaans

Op Maandag, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), in samewerking met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n vergadering gehou met herwinnaars, afvalplukkers, gemeenskapslede en verteenwoordigers van die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Plaaslike Regering.

Tydens die vergadering het Innocentia Sikweyiya, TDM se Afvalbestuursbeampte, die doel van die program uiteengesit en behoeftes soos beskermende toerusting en klere, opleiding, infrastruktuur en billike prysmeganismes geïdentifiseer. Sy het ook die belangrikheid van vertroue en samewerking tussen die regering, herwinnaars en gemeenskappe beklemtoon, asook die noodsaaklikheid om informele en formele herwinningsaktiwiteite in munisipale afvalbestuursplanne en die ‘Green Flag’ Skoleprogram te integreer.

Die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Plaaslike Regering het aangedui dat hulle reeds opnames voltooi het om onwettige storting in Zoar aan te spreek. Herwinnaars het die inisiatief verwelkom en hul steun toegesê om saam met die munisipaliteit te werk om netheid en volhoubare afvalbestuur in Kannaland te bevorder. ’n Opvolgvergadering sal gehou word om verdere stappe teen onwettige storting te bespreek en herwinning te versterk.

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15 Oktober 2025 Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

15 Oktober 2025

Laas week Dinsdag, 7 Oktober 2025, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit, in vennootskap met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n skoonmaaksessie gehou. Die inisiatief is geïnisieer en gelei deur die Afvalbestuursafdeling van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Die skoonmaak was ’n gemeenskapsgedrewe poging met die doel om die plaaslike ekosisteme te herstel en bewaar. Dié geleentheid het plaaslike vrywilligers saamgebring, omgewingsbewustheid bevorder, en besoedeling aan te spreek deur skadelike afval suksesvol uit die rivier verwyder. Die projek wys wat mense kan bereik as hulle saamwerk om die omgewing te beskerm.

Doelwitte van die skoonmaakinisiatief:

– Verwyder plastiek en ander rommel uit die rivier.
– Lig gemeenskappe in oor hoe om afval beter te bestuur en die natuur te beskerm.
– Moedig mense aan om die omgewing op die lang termyn te versorg.
– Versamel inligting oor die hoeveelheid afval om toekomstige skoonmaakplanne te verbeter.

 

Belanghebbendes en Vennootskappe:

 

Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Verskaf logistieke ondersteuning en afvalverwydering.

Kommunikasie- en LED-afdeling van Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Help met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en koördinering.

Departement van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing (DFFE) – Jeug-omgewingsgradueerdes het deelgeneem.

FC Velocity Sokkerklub – Verskaf jeugvrywilligers.

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit – Verskaf T-hemde, sakke, water, bewustheidsmateriaal en die ‘maskot’.

Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Bied versnaperinge aan.

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30 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM EHPs in Knysna promote Clean Air Awareness at Nekkies/Sanlam Mall in celebration of World Environmental Health Day

GRDM EHPs in Knysna promote Clean Air Awareness at Nekkies/Sanlam Mall in celebration of World Environmental Health Day

For immediate release
30 September 2025

The Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Municipal Health Section based in Knysna, rolled out a Clean Air Promotion Campaign at the Nekkies/Sanlam informal shopping and entertainment centre, in celebration of World Environmental Health Day.

This area, known for frequent open burning of waste, was strategically selected to raise awareness on 26 September 2025, about the dangers of open burning and its impact on both public health and the environment.

The primary goal of the campaign was to educate the public on the risks associated with open waste burning, including: The release of toxic air pollutants that contribute to respiratory illnesses and other chronic diseases. And the environmental impact, such as poor air quality and contribution to climate change.

Health related topics covered include:

  • The inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes;
  • Alternative waste management methods, such as waste separation and municipal collection;
  • Legal implications of open burning; and
  • The importance of community responsibility.

The campaign empowered the community with knowledge and tools to report and prevent illegal burning activities. Community members were provided with educational  magnets  designed to serve as reminders in their homes. The magnet papers include contact details to report incidents of illegal waste burning, helping residents take an active role in protecting their environment. Participants furthermore appreciated the visual and practical materials, which made the information easy to understand and applicable in daily life. The interactive approach encouraged open dialogue, where locals shared their experiences and challenges related to waste management.

Residents of the area welcomed the initiative, and others expressed their willingness to learn and their commitment towards change. The success of the campaign was due to the strong collaboration among key stakeholders, including the GRDM EHPs Sive None, Linden Herwels, Mthethwa Sithonga, led by Chief EHP, James McCarthy and the Law Enforcement Unit of the Knysna Municipality.

Feature Image: GRDM EHPs and Law Enforcement officials from Knysna Municipality during the campaign.

ENDS

08 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Empowers Bitou Interns Through Waste Management Training

Media Release: GRDM Empowers Bitou Interns Through Waste Management Training

 8 August 2025

Earlier this week the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section conducted a waste management training session for graduate interns from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, currently placed at the Bitou Local Municipality. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen waste management practices and the Implementation of GRDM Integrated Waste Management Plan.

Education and awareness are among the priority projects in an Integrated Waste Management Plan Implementation Plan.

The training sessions was presented by Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM District Waste Management Officer and focused on critical aspects of waste management legislation, including waste minimization, refuse collection, street cleaning, landfill operations, education and awareness, as well as littering and Illegal dumping. Participants included two officials from the Waste Management Section and eight interns from Bitou Local Municipality.

Through ongoing initiatives like these and collaborating with various other stakeholders, GRDM continues to strengthen its efforts to reduce waste, encourage responsible disposal practices, and support the goals outlined in its Integrated Waste Management Plan.

Featured image caption: GRDM District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, engages graduate interns during a waste management training session at Bitou Local Municipality.

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16 April 2025 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners and their role in managing waste

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners and their role in managing waste

16 April 2025

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) are appointed to carry out duties as outlined in the National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003) and Health Professions Act (Act.56 of 1974). These duties, known as Municipal Health Services, are rendered within the jurisdiction of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). The jurisdiction includes Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland local municipal areas.

In terms of Section 1 of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), municipal health includes:

  • Water Quality Monitoring
  • Food Control
  • Waste Management
  • Health Surveillance of Premises
  • Supervision and Prevention of Contagious Diseases, excluding immunisation
  • Vector Control
  • Environmental Pollution Control
  • Disposal of Human Remains
  • Safe handling of Chemical Substances

Waste Management: Promoting Hygiene and Preventing Illegal Dumping

The waste management functions of EHPs include monitoring waste management systems, refuse, healthcare waste, hazardous waste, and sewage.

This means the EHPs have to monitor waste management systems, including health care waste, hazardous waste, sewage and wastewater. Whenever there area health nuisances during the storage, treatment, collection, handling and the disposal of various categories of waste, EHPs will act and issue non-compliance notices to the relevant authorities. If the issues persists, fines are issued.

More of their waste-related responsibilities include:

  • Sampling any waste or waste product such as sewage or refuse for analyses.
  • The identification of needs and motivation for the promotion of sanitation.
  • Enforcement of Municipal Health By-Laws and the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), in cases where health nuisances result from waste handling.
  • Educate communities on issues of waste management and pollution control.
  • Ensuring proper refuse storage, collection, transportation, transfer and processing, materials recovery, and final disposal.
  • Ensuring proper management of liquid waste, including sewage and industrial effluent.
  • Ensuring the proper storage, treatment, collection, transportation, handling and disposal of medical- and hazardous waste.
  • Investigating and inspecting any activity related to the waste stream or any resulting by-products.
  • The function excludes the operation of a waste management system rendered by Local Municipalities.
  • Advocating proper sanitation.

Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping and littering remain ongoing challenges in South Africa. Although the management of illegal waste dumping is not a mandate of GRDM, a whole-of-society approach is essential to keeping the environment clean.

EHPs continuously educate the public about the impacts of illegal dumping. The impacts include environmental pollution, detrimental impacts on the natural resources and habitats around us, as well as biodiversity. The practitioners also create awareness about the diseases caused by illegal dumping and that it attracts rodents and vectors.

Illegal dumping should be reported to local municipalities:

Hessequa Municipality: 028 713 8000 (office hours) 028 713 7917 / 028 713 2222 (after hours)

Mossel Bay: 044 606 5143, 044 606 5000 of 44802 (sms) or admin@mosselbay.gov.za

George: 044 801 6350 or gmun@george.gov.za

Knysna: 044 302 6405 / 060 998 7073 (WhatsApp) or rloxton@knysna.gov.za

Bitou: 044 501 3174/5 or customercare@bitou.gov.za

Oudtshoorn: 044 203 3900 or 044 203 7800/1

Kannaland: 028 551 8000 (office) / 061 602 1095 or customercare@kannaland.gov.za (customercare)

Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

Contact details for each municipality:

Bitou Municipality
George Municipality
Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
Hessequa Municipality
Kannaland Municipality
Knysna Municipality
Mossel Bay Municipality

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20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

20 March 2025

Earlier today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Waste Management Section who have an office in Mossel Bay, in collaboration with the Mossel Bay Municipality and Henque Waste, celebrated Global Recycling Day with Denneprag Primary School.

Global Recycling Day was officially celebrated for the first time on 18 March 2018 and has since been held annually on 18 March to acknowledge and promote recycling as a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainability.

“As the Garden Route Municipality, we believe that initiatives like these are essential in shaping environmentally responsible future generations. Educating our youth about the importance of recycling empowers them to make a positive difference in preserving our planet. I applaud and fully support our Waste Management Section, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Denneprag Primary School for their commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability,” said the Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

During the celebration, the excited group of learners was tasked with creating an object or product from recyclable materials. The main objective of this activity was to educate learners that waste can be reused or recycled into another product.

The learners proudly showcased their final projects, which were judged based on the following categories:

  • Design
  • Materials used
  • Purpose and functionality
  • Importance of recycling

Each category had four winners, and participants were awarded medals and goodies to reward their enthusiastic participation.

“We were very surprised and impressed with the creative learning experience and the imaginative and innovative ideas the learners came up with. They created various products such as pencil holders, clothing, shoes, pot plants, and clutch bags,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management Officer.

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10 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities

10 December 2024

During the week of 2–6 December 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) facilitated Chemicals and Waste Management training sessions for officials from local municipalities across the district.

The refresher training sessions, presented by DFFE, were extended to municipal officials across various roles. They focused on critical aspects such as legislation, policies, standards, regulations, and education & awareness in waste management. Participants included waste section officials, drivers, landfill operators, team leaders, LED officials, street sweepers, portfolio councillors, and recyclers within specific local municipalities.

“Waste management is a local government function, and it is crucial to refresh everyone’s knowledge on an ongoing basis of the best practices and trends.” The training aims to empower all stakeholders to improve waste management practices effectively in their communities, “ said GRDM Waste Management official Innocentia Sikweyiya.

While this week’s sessions focused on coastal municipalities, the inland local municipalities are scheduled to undergo similar training in 2025, ensuring that the entire district benefits from this comprehensive capacity-building initiative.

Training session held in Mossel Bay

Training session held in George.

Training session held in Knysna.

Training session held in Bitou.

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