As the nationwide lockdown continues, the efficiency of service delivery in the Western Cape may be impacted.
In a statement, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for water and waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg explains that although waste management is classified as an essential service, residents may be subject to unavoidable scenarios.
Waste management services such as recycling, refuse collection, and cleaning of public areas may be affected during this time period.
Issues with the refuse collection service has now been resolved and the normal schedule will continue, although further delays may be possible.
“The delays in the service over recent weeks were a result of a pre-existing challenge in the procurement of vehicle repairs. Delays were exacerbated by the disruptive effect of the lockdown announcement.
“It is unclear what impact COVID-19 and lockdown measures could have on staff availability going forward, and as such, residents should be aware that delays beyond this period are still possible.”
Residents are asked to bring their bins out by 6.30am and leave them outside until 9pm until they have been collected.
The City’s Solid Waste teams will continue to work on weekends to clear any backlog which still exists. Residents are also implored not to resort to illegal dumping if collection delays cause refuse to build-up to the point where it cannot fit in the wheelie bins.
The City’s Think Twice recycling collection service and other accredited private recycling collection companies continue to operate in participating areas. However, recycling drop-off facilities are currently closed to the public. Residents that typically make use of this service are asked to stockpile their clean, dry recyclables until the lockdown period is lifted.
“Where residents are unable to access an operational recycling service, we request that you please stockpile clean and dry recyclables until the lockdown has been lifted to reduce stress on the collections service and prevent the landfilling of recyclable waste,” said Limberg.
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