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Waste Management

24 November 2020 Media Release: Municipalities place skips in Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp

Media Release: Municipalities place skips in Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp

For Immediate Release
24 November 2020

Illegal dumping sites remain a problem for all seven (7) local municipalities in the Garden Route. As part of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and George Municipality (GM) illegal dumping response, Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp have been earmarked for additional assistance. As of now, nine (9) x 6m³ waste skips have been placed at illegal dumping hotspots. This includes seven (7) for Thembalethu and two (2) for Pacaltsdorp. These waste skips are being hired for the interim until George Municipality has concluded the procurement process of their own waste skips to be placed in and around illegal dumping hotspots in George.

Members of the public are urged to make proper use of the waste skips for disposing their household waste. The skips are meant to be used for refuse that cannot be stored until the weekly refuse removal days of GM.

According to Johan Compion, Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services for GRDM, “The placement and proper management of skips could also provide a solution to illegal dumping.  We are hopeful that a notable change will be visible as this pilot project continues, in addition, we await survey data being collected at the moment to provide more insights into the issue.”

Skips are free for everyone to use, but at the same time the public has to keep in mind that once skips are removed from hotspot areas, it does not mean that illegal dumping is permitted. General assumptions by GRDM about illegal dumping is that it takes place more frequently in informal or poorer communities because people can’t afford the transport or removal of waste to waste transfer stations.

The process of ensuring that skips are frequently emptied involves skip contractors. These small business owners are responsible for transporting waste skips to the George Waste Transfer Station. After emptying each skip, the containers are returned to the hotspots where they were collected. The help of 30 EPWP workers is evermore important as they assist municipalities to clear areas inaccessible to machinery. These same EPWP workers also tasked to assist the public, especially the elderly and children, to dispose of waste into the skips.

Twelve (12) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants are still on the ground working with the JCBs to clear illegal dump sites. Thirty six (36) educators are also doing door-to-door education and awareness as well as a survey to determine the causal factors of illegal dumping; and the community requirements; or possible solutions to prevent issues in future. Twenty four (24) educators are working in Thembalethu and 12 in Pacaltsdorp. Each person, who moves in a group of six (6), is easily identifiable by a high visibility vest and identification cards.

Garden Route District Municipality wants to remind the public that Illegal dumping is a danger to your health and that of your children and animals – let’s put an end to illegal dumping and report perpetrators to our local municipalities.

Caption: A skip used for dumping waste at a spot in Nelson Mandela Boulevard.

ENDS

12 November 2020 Media Release: Awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping continues

Media Release: Awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping continues

For Immediate Release
12 November 2020

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and George Municipality recently started weekly clean-up activities in the illegal dumping and Covid-19 hotspots in Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp areas in George. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has already been signed to cement both institution’s agreement to achieve a certain set of goals over a 4-month period with the option of extending clean-up it. The MoA, provides specifics in terms of how the project will continue and how funding of R2.47 million injected into the project by GRDM will be utilised.

One of the frequently found items at illegal dumping sites – face masks.

Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers and educators have been appointed to be the change-makers tasked to bring about a clean, green and a safe George. During their initial discussions, both municipalities identified the need for educators to interact and share valuable information with communities about illegal dumping, refuse removal and communication about waste management. Thirty six (36) educators are already doing door-to-door education and awareness as well as a survey to determine the causal factors of illegal dumping; and the community requirements; or possible solutions to prevent issues in future. Twenty four (24) educators have been assigned to Thembalethu and 12 to Pacaltsdorp. Each person, who moves in a group of six (6), is easily identifiable by a high visibility vest.

Educators received training on 10 November and the eager group commenced work on 11 November. The educators use masks and hand sanitisers in order to ensure that all health protocols are adhered to during their daily walkabouts, which is expected to continue for a 4-month period.

Executive Mayor for GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen and the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Khayalethu Lose, and other leaders decided that the regional waste management office needs a joint approach to confront the illegal dumping phenomena. “We can only solve illegal dumping if municipalities get the buy-in from the public and their support for the project,” said Alderman Booysen. He further stated that, “GRDM and all the local municipalities wishes to remind the public that illegal dumping is a crime – we cannot let this continue and ruin our beautiful Garden Route. What about our future, that of our kids and our environment?”

The waste management unit, communicators and environmental health practitioners from GRDM work closely with George Municipality and have weekly planning sessions to address challenges. Morton Hubbe, GRDM Manager: Waste Management, said: “By having educators on a grassroots level we hope to gain a better understanding about public perceptions relating to waste management, current service delivery gaps and general issues in some wards”.

GRDM wishes to remind the public that illegal dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days. The communities are also urged to participate in the survey in order for municipalities to determine what needs to be done to assist the communities to prevent illegal dumping.

ENDS

Caption for feature image: Two of the 36 educators raising awareness about illegal dumping and conducting surveys in Pacaltsdorp.

17 November 2020 Media Release: Garden Route DM collaborates with Oudtshoorn Municipality on a home composting model

Media Release: Garden Route DM collaborates with Oudtshoorn Municipality on a home composting model

For Immediate Release
17 November 2020

 Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has collaborated with the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality in a home composting pilot project to motivate households in the municipal area to consider home composting to reduce the burden on the Grootkop Waste Disposal facility.

The project was launched on 4 November 2020 at the Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Banquet Hall, in an information session attended by the residents of the Greater Oudtshoorn who showed interest in participating in the initiative. The 30 residents of the Greater Oudtshoorn who committed to participate in this pilot project received home composting bins, guidelines, worm farms, datasheets and scales.

Johan Gie, the GRDM’s waste management officer said the reason that motivated the GRDM to initiate this project with municipalities throughout the district is because, “approximately 30% of all household waste being disposed of at landfill consists of organic waste that could potentially be diverted from landfill by means of household composting”.

“The organic waste stream in municipal areas is increasingly becoming a challenge to manage,” Gie said. “Growth in population densities, new environmental legislation, limitations in the sustained availability of disposal space and public pressure to accept a more environmentally friendly approach has led to an increased awareness on local government level of the role that organic waste materials play in waste management.”

The Oudtshoorn Municipality welcomed this initiative. “Although we are not in a dire situation like our neighbouring municipalities with regards to landfill space in the district, we eagerly welcome this initiative to make the best of our household and garden waste to the benefit of our communities,” said Rodwell Witbooi, Oudtshoorn’s manager for solid waste.

“The active participation of our community members is illustrating the eagerness to partake in sustainable development projects – addressing waste management; and this is exciting.”

During the information session, the officials showed residents how to do composting, introduced the participants to composting methods and the benefits of composting, among others. Each participant was required to sign a contract to abide by the requirements of the agreement with the GRDM, which include the weighing of the collected data, and submission of a monthly report of composting for a period a year.

“A successful implementation of the home composting project could result in more opportunities for residents,” Gie concluded.

20 October 2020 Invitation to participate in the Household Composting Pilot Project:  Zoar (Kannaland Municipality)

Garden Route District Municipality, in collaboration with Kannaland Municipality, will roll out a Household Composting Pilot Project in Zoar.  Approximately 30% of household waste being disposed of at landfill consists of organic waste that could potentially be diverted from landfill by means of household composting.  Further, household composting could subsequently result in a huge waste management cost saving and put sorely needed nutrients back into our soil.

The pilot project will run for a duration of one year and the data collected will be used to motivate the further roll out of the project to all households in the Kannaland municipal area.  Permanent residents in Zoar are invited to apply for participation in the pilot project.

It must be noted that provision was made to accommodate only thirty (30) households in the pilot project who will be provided with a composting bin, and / or a worm farm, a scale and data sheets.  Due to the limited number, the first thirty applications received will be selected to participate in the project.

All applicants must conform to the following criteria:

  • Must reside permanently in Zoar for the duration of the pilot project (at least one year).
  • Must attend an information session regarding the composting project that will be held in Zoar.
  • Must be willing to participate in the pilot project and report organic waste quantities on a monthly basis for the duration of the pilot project (one year).
  • Composting bins will only be distributed to households with a garden / lawn / vegetable garden(s) generating green waste.
  • Households / apartments that do not have gardens / yards i.e. that generate green waste can be provided with only a worm farm for kitchen scraps etc.

Click here to download the application forms to participate in the pilot project.

Completed application forms must be sent to wayne@gardenroute.gov.za by no later than Friday, 30 October 2020.

19 October 2020 Media Release: Reduce, reuse and replant – home composting project rolled out in Bitou

Media Release: Reduce, reuse and replant – home composting project rolled out in Bitou

For Immediate Release
19 October 2020

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to roll our home composting projects throughout the Garden Route.

GRDM Waste Management Officer, Mr Johan Gie presenting an insightful presentation about home composting during the information session.

Home composting not only keeps material from overburdening landfill sites but also reduces transport costs of refuse removal services. An earlier waste characterisation study revealed that large quantities of organic waste still got transported from households and businesses in the Garden Route district. Since most landfills sites in the Garden Route are already closed or nearing their fully capacity, the GRDM initiated a home composting pilot project in 2018 to practically and gradually advocate and promote the reduction of organic waste from households going to landfills.

The home composting project aims to motivate the different councils to roll out this project to all households in the municipal areas, and thus extending the lifespans of landfills. After months of waiting due to COVID-19 restrictions, officials from the Bitou Municipality’s Waste Management section and residents from Bitou welcomed the rollout of the project.

Mr Douglas Baardman was very excited for the project to finally kick-off.

A formal information and handover session took place on Wednesday, 14 October 2020. At the event, the Bitou Municipality’s Waste Management Manager, Mr Douglas Baartman, who officially open the session, expressed his Councils gratitude towards the GRDM for initiating the project in the Bitou municipal area. He also mentioned that residents responded in excitement and great numbers to the project – a lot of applications were received.  In concluding he thanked the GRDM Waste Management team for their leadership role and guidance.

Johan Gie with a participant (right), ready to start her own home composting project

Mr Johan Gie, Waste Management Officer of the GRDM did an in-depth presentation about home composting, which was followed by a question and answering session.  He discussed topics inclusive of benefits of home composting; what and what not to compost; how to compost; and the different types of composing.  One of the highlights of the session was when participants were provided with established worm farms.  In addition, each participant also received a troubleshooting guide and guidelines on composting; an electronic scale to record monthly waste diverted for composting, and datasheets to complete monthly statistics.

The information session was conducted in a very informative way and participants were very eager in asking questions.

GRDM Municipal Waste Management section agreed with participants to complete monthly updates to enable the GRDM to monitor the progress of the project and capture data for future reference.  The pilot project will run for a year and results from the study will be presented to Local Municipal Councils. In this report, the exact quantities of organic waste diverted from landfills with the assistance and buy-in from households and businesses will be listed.

Considering that 30% – 40% of the normal household black bag waste contains organic waste originating from the garden and kitchen, the project will seek to change these worrying numbers. Composting is a simple, environmentally friendly and cheap way to add nutrient-rich humus to fuel plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil.

16 October 2020 Media Statement: Regional Landfill Facility still on the cards, but delayed

Media Statement: Regional Landfill Facility still on the cards, but delayed

For Immediate Release
16 October 2020

The COVID-19 lockdown has directly impacted the South African economy, bringing with it unforeseeable and unprecedented repercussions for both public and private organisations. Not only has it had devastating and crosscutting negative impacts on businesses, but it also changed the way in which businesses have to navigate into a new economic landscape. Many businesses are now faced with unavoidable and irrecoverable job losses and a discontinuation of various projects.

The proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Eden Waste Management (RF) (Pty), which includes Interwaste as the lead sponsor, is one such project directly impacted by the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interwaste has recently informed GRDM that it has to pull out from the Garden Route District Municipal Regional Waste Management Facility PPP project.

Municipal Manager for GRDM, Mr Monde Stratu, is of the firm view that various options will be explored to save the project as the GRDM and PPP funders have all invested millions of Rand to get to this advanced stage of the project. “We have advised both National and Provincial Treasury, The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the participating municipalities about the situation,” said Stratu.

The GRDM is currently investigating the following options:

  1. District to build its own regional landfill facility with capital injections (grants and investments)
  2. Involving earlier interested parties
  3. Leasing out the regional landfill site and facility to a private company to operate
  4. Reserved bidder options

GRDM has in the meantime come to an agreement with PetroSA to extend its use of their landfill facility till the end of December 2021.

Reasons for withdrawal from PPP Agreement

Before the final signatures of the PPP Agreement between the two parties could take place the lead shareholder of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Eden Waste Management Propriety Ltd (Private Partner), informed GRDM that they have withdrawn their partnership and as lead shareholder from the SPV. The other shareholders left in the SPV indicated that they are not willing to go forth with the PPP process.

The letter received from the lead shareholder indicated that “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented challenges and constraints it has had on their business, their board has determined that:

  1. It is paramount to preserve their existing business and not to jeopardise the jobs and livelihoods that are supported by their business;
  2. In light of the economic constraints and the ongoing uncertainty as to the future outlook, it is impossible for them to provide the proposed equity investment to ensure the funding of the concomitant debt obligations required in respect of the Project as currently envisaged; and
  3. To proceed with the Project as currently envisaged may compromise their financial position in the future, and consequently, having regard to their fiduciary duties and their obligations as directors in the company the only reasonable decision for Interwaste Proprietary Limited is to withdraw its participation as a shareholder in the Private Party, Eden Waste Management Proprietary Limited, in respect of the Garden Route Regional Waste Management Facility and Alternative Technology Public, Private Partnership Project.”

GRDM is confident that an amicable solution to this crisis will be found, with the assistance of all stakeholders, including the Provincial and National Treasury.

17 July 2020 Media Release: Illegal dumping remains a problem in the Garden Route, all over South Africa and many parts of the world

Media Release: Illegal dumping remains a problem in the Garden Route, all over South Africa and many parts of the world

For Immediate Release
17 July 2020

Illegal dumping and littering is still an ongoing problem in all nine provinces of South Africa. Moreover, with the lockdown and essential workers testing positive for COVID-19, many municipalities around the country experienced a backlog in their efforts to remove waste. Illegal dumping sites are now on the increase. These sites serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos and vermin such as rodents and cockroaches that can cause life-threatening diseases.

“Although the management of the illegal dumping of waste doesn’t fall under the ambit of GRDM, society as a whole has a collective responsibility to keep the environment clean in the same manner that they maintain cleanliness in their homes and yards. The ill-conceived notion that littering creates employment for cleaners simply degrades our public areas and health,” said Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen. “I used to be the mayor of Bitou Municipality where we experienced the same issue. People illegally dumped waste and littered while government was blamed for not cleaning up the environment,” he said. “Municipalities never illegally dump waste in neighbourhoods,” he added.

Municipalities need the public to help combat illegal dumping by reporting perpetrators. These criminal activities by individuals or organised groups negatively impact the lives of particularly the elderly and children, as they often come into contact with dangerous and contaminated medical waste, including items that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 coronavirus,” said Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services.

Local municipalities do their utmost to inform and educate residents regarding illegal dumping and using the available waste removal services. The cost involved in the removing and cleaning of illegal dumping is exorbitant and could be better utilised in delivering other desperately required services in the communities. Local municipalities also issue fines of up to R1000.00 to those found guilty of illegally dumping waste.

Communication Manager of George Municipality, Ms Chantel Edwards-Klose, has indicated that George Municipality has recorded more than 200 illegal dumping spots within their municipal area. “Our municipality has run illegal dumping awareness campaigns at a number of schools and implemented extensive awareness efforts on radio and social media over the years. Trespassers know that what they are doing is illegal, which makes it even sadder that they have no pride in their surroundings or concern for the well-being of their neighbours. It is so disheartening to our officials to clean up an area, at great expense, and go back a week later to find it filled with dumped refuse again.”

Illegal dumping and littering is an environmental crime

All contraventions of environmental legislation constitute a criminal offense. Environmental crimes include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Environmental pollution
  • Criminal activities relating to damaging of natural resources and habitats
  • Illegal disposal, handling and management of waste
  • Damaging and destroying natural resources, habitats and biodiversity
  • Criminal activities associated with endangered and indigenous species of fauna and flora
  • Harming the health of humans by causing a range of diseases

While disinfecting areas within the region firefighters and environmental health practitioners from GRDM found tissues, builders’ rubble, cardboard, chemical substances, baby nappies, plastic bags, sanitary pads and condoms. “Community members say that they are annoyed by the surge of illegal dumping in front of their homes and in the streets during lockdown,” said Mr Deon Stoffels, GRDM Station Officer: Fire & Safety Training, who coordinates the COVID-19 disinfection task team.

How public can address the issue of littering and illegal dumping

  1. Talk to the person directly.
  2. Security camera footage or photo evidence can be provided to the municipality or police of when and where it occurred and who did it.
  3. Report those orchestrating dumping activities to the authorities.
  4. Report those dumping waste by providing their names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators.
  5. Educate and be a good example to the children in your communities.

Illegal dumping hotspots in the Garden Route

Apart from open spaces, there are specific areas within each municipal boundary where illegal dumping happens more often than others. Remember, the illegal dumping of waste poses a threat not only to the environment, but the health and well-being of communities too.

Hessequa:  Theronsville, Aloeridge, Morestond and Kwanokuthula. Residents from the Hessequa municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 028 713 8020 or e-mail info@hessequa.gov.za.

Mossel Bay: Heiderand, KwaNonqaba, Alsapark, Highwaypark, Groot-Brakrivier, Hartenbos, Sonskynvallei, D’Almeida, JCC, Klein-Brakrivier, Glentana, Reebok, Fraaituitsig, Tarka, Ruiterbos and Friemersheim.  Residents from the Mossel Bay municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 044 606 5143 or 044 606 5000, SMS your complaint to 44802 or e-mail admin@mosselbay.gov.za.

George: Thembalethu, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Conville, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, Rosedale, Syferfontein, New Dawn Park, Seaview, Blanco, Touwsranten, Widlerness Heights Informal Settlement and Kleinkrantz Informal Settlement. Report those illegally dumping waste to 044 801 6350 or e-mail sprins@george.gov.za.

Knysna: Dam-se-Bos, Nekkies, Khayalethu, Concoria, Joodse Kamp, Smutsville, Karatara and Rheenendal. Residents from the Knysna municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 044 302 6405, e-mail rloxton@knysna.gov.za or WhatsApp to 081 556 3974.

Bitou: New Horizons, Kwanokuthula, Bossiesgif, Qolweni, Pine Trees, Green Valley, Harkeville, Kranshoek and Kurland. Residents from the Bitou municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to CustomerCare@bitou.gov.za or call 044 501 3174/5.

Greater Oudtshoorn: Bridgton and Bongolethu where illegal dumping is rife. Residents from the Greater Oudtshoorn municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 044 203 7800.

Kannaland: Informal settlements, Royal Heights and Protea Park. Residents from the Kannaland municipal area can report the illegal dumping of waste to 078 409 9064.

All over South Africa

ENDS

8 July 2020 Alert: Garden Route Home Composting Project – 2 days left to apply!

Public reminder: Garden Route Home Composting Project – 2 days left to apply!

For Immediate Release
8 July 2020

Don’t miss out!

Only two days left for all Bitou and Oudtshoorn residents to apply to participate in the home composting project!

Application forms to participate in the pilot project can be obtained from the following link: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/application-forms/.

Completed application forms must be sent to wayne@gardenroute.gov.za by no later than Friday 10 July 2020.  For any enquiries please contact Wayne Odendaal on 044 693 0006.

22 June 2020 Invitation to participate in the Household Composting Pilot Project: Bitou and Oudtshoorn Municipalities

Garden Route District Municipality, in collaboration with Bitou and Oudtshoorn Municipalities, will roll out a Household Composting Pilot Project in the Bitou and Oudtshoorn municipal areas.  Approximately 30% of household waste being disposed of at landfill consists of organic waste that could potentially be diverted from landfill by means of household composting.  Further, household composting could subsequently result in a huge waste management cost saving and put sorely needed nutrients back into our soil.

The pilot project will run for the duration of one year and the data collected will be used to motivate the further roll out of the project to all households in the Bitou and Oudtshoorn municipal areas.  Permanent residents in the Bitou and Oudtshoorn areas are invited to apply for participation in the pilot project.

It must be noted that provision was made to accommodate only thirty (30) households per municipality in the pilot project who will be provided with a composting bin, and / or a worm farm, a scale and data sheets.  Due to the limited number, the first thirty applications per municipality received will be selected to participate in the project.

All applicants must conform to the following criteria:

  • Must reside permanently in the Bitou or Oudtshoorn municipal areas for the duration of the pilot project (at least one year).
  • Must attend an information session regarding the composting project that will be held in Bitou and in Oudtshoorn respectively. (This may be an online / virtual session due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • Must be willing to participate in the pilot project and report organic waste quantities on a monthly basis for the duration of the pilot project (one year).
  • Composting bins will only be distributed to households with a garden / lawn generating green waste.
  • Households / apartments that do not have gardens / yards i.e. that generate green waste can be provided with only a worm farm for kitchen scraps etc.

Application forms to participate in the pilot project can be obtained from the following link: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/application-forms/.

Completed application forms must be sent to wayne@gardenroute.gov.za by no later than Friday 10 July 2020.

For any enquiries please contact  Mr Wayne Odendaal on 044 693 0006.

12 June 2020 Garden Route DM Waste Recycling and Minimisation Survey Participation

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has appointed GIBB Pty Ltd (GIBB) to develop a waste minimization strategy for the district municipality and the seven local municipalities in the district namely:

  • Bitou Local Municipality
  • George Local Municipality
  • Kannaland Local Municipality
  • Knysna Local Municipality
  • Hessequa Local Municipality
  • Mossel Bay Local Municipality
  • Oudtshoorn Local Municipality

The aim of the waste minimization strategy is to identify mechanisms which can be used to minimize waste generation, increase waste recycling or treatment (including composting) and reduce waste disposal at landfill.

GIBB are engaging with local residents, business and industry, companies involved in waste management, non-governmental organizations, and environmental organisations to gather data and understand recycling and waste minimisation challenges as well as opportunities to increase waste minimization, recycling and diversion from landfill.

Business/ industry survey:

https://surveys.gibb.co.za/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=338239&lang=en

The business/ industry survey consists of 8 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 – 15 minutes to complete.

 

Public survey:

https://surveys.gibb.co.za/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=39065&lang=en

The public survey consists of 5 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Questions/ queries can be directed to GIBB:

Ms Kate Flood
Email: kflood@gibb.co.za all emails to be copied to wastesurvey@gibb.co.za
Tel: 041 509 9160/ 084 631 1456
Deadline for responses: Both surveys will close on 10 July 2020

Please note that an Afrikaans and Xhosa survey will be made available in the week of the 15 – 19th of June 2020.