The Cape Navigator

In a determined effort to maintain cleanliness and enforce waste management regulations, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management by-law enforcement unit has been unyielding in its pursuit of a cleaner city during the festive season. The last quarter of 2023 saw a staggering 980 fines issued, totalling R1.25 million, targeting various offences such as littering, illegal dumping, and businesses failing to comply with integrated waste management plans.

Operations were strategically conducted in key areas, including Mitchells Plain Town Centre, Elsie River, Westlake Taxi Rank, Cape Town CBD, and Bellville CBD. Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, commended the unit for their dedication, stating, “I commend this unit for their dedication over the previous year. Their devotion is reflected in the increasing fines for littering, dumping, and other waste management violations. I am hopeful that all those who were fined will now think twice before disposing of waste illegally again.”

Businesses were not exempt from scrutiny, as the City reminded them of their obligation to submit Integrated Waste Management (IWM) plans for approval. The IWM plans must encompass various elements, including assessing the quantity and type of waste, waste services required, recycling plans, waste minimization strategies, pollution prevention plans, and details of potential environmental impacts.

Alderman Twigg emphasized the significance of businesses complying with waste management plans, stating, “The requirement for businesses to submit waste management plans helps businesses align with best practices and ensures sustainable waste management. The administration of this system also helps the City guide businesses on new regulatory requirements, enabling informed decisions when planning for waste infrastructure.”

Failure to comply with these regulations constitutes a violation of the IWM By-law, resulting in fines being issued. Businesses are urged to consider the broader environmental impact and work towards reducing organic waste sent to landfills by 100% by 2027.

As the City of Cape Town takes a proactive stance in waste management, these measures aim to create a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment for residents and businesses.