The relaxation of lockdown regulations by the National Government has meant that the City of Cape Town has been able to open a limited number of drop-off facilities to the public.
Residents and waste service providers alike are now able to make use of 17 drop-off facilities to more sustainably dispose of certain waste types that should not be sent to landfill.
The following drop-off sites are now open to the public, and accepting the following waste materials free of charge:
Important to note:
- Athlone Refuse Transfer Station General Drop-off facility is closed for use by residents.
- No drop-off facility is available at Coastal Park landfill site.
The City has taken a decision to limit the number of drop-offs reopened in order to have backup capacity in the event of a facility needing to be temporarily closed for decontamination.
To reduce the spread of the virus, we will apply a strict ‘no mask, no entry rule’ at all City facilities. All visitors to our disposal facilities will be subjected to screening.
A special concession has been made to allow for disposal of garden waste at the De Grendel, Kensington and Atlantis drop-offs (under normal circumstances, garden materials would not be allowed). However, this is subject to sufficient capacity being available at these sites.
Household Hazardous Waste
We have opened Athlone Refuse Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility to the public under Alert Level 3. The following household hazardous waste types are accepted at the site:
It is important for residents to be aware that we are making every effort to ensure that refuse collection operations and service delivery continue as far as possible, while safeguarding the health and safety of our staff and the public as far as possible. However, facilities may in some instances have to close temporarily for decontamination and taking staff out of service for a period of time, placing added pressure on waste collection services and increasing stress on vehicles with resultant breakdowns.
With the re-opening of the drop off facilities, residents can now resume their recycling and other waste minimisation practices, freeing up space in their bins and extending landfill airspace.
Residents can also make use of accredited waste service providers to facilitate this if they do not feel comfortable travelling. Using an accredited service provider will assist with limited movement and help reduce the length of queues at the facilities, which are exacerbated by adhering to social distancing protocols.
What you need to know as waste service providers
These drop-off facilities are normally open to both residents and accredited waste service providers on condition that the vehicle, trailer or Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) have a carrying capacity of less than 1,5 ton.
However, a grace period of 60 days, starting 1 June, has been implemented, in which non-accredited waste service providers can make use of the drop-offs provided they comply with the requirement that vehicle carrying capacity may not exceed 1,5 ton.
Non-accredited waste service providers need to apply for accreditation before 31 July if they wish to continue making use of the drop-offs after this date.
To register as a waste service provider, go to register as an accredited waste service provider with the City.
Also, please note even with this grace period, mini-skips and vehicle, trailer or LDVs with a carrying capacity greater than 1,5 ton must dispose of waste at the landfill sites only - with disposal coupons. Access to the drop offs will be denied to skips and vehicles of this size.
A few of our cash offices were opened on June 1 which will allow you to purchase disposal coupons to gain entry to landfills.
Logging service requests:
Residents are encouraged to submit service requests for Solid Waste Management using the following channels:
- General Call Center: 0860 103 089
- Online: www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests/
- Email: Wastewise@capetown.gov.za
For more information on City services, including revenue offices, please visit this link.
End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Alderman Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1299 or Cell: 073 271 2054, Email: Xanthea.Limberg@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za