The intervention informed traders who had not done so that they were required to apply to the City or accredited waste management companies for waste collection. Teams also offered guidance on how to do so.
A total of 193 spaza shops were visited between 7 and 22 May 2024 in Mfuleni, Gatesville, Greenville, Wallacedene, Site C, Capricorn and Pelikan Park.
There was a strong focus on waste-minimisation strategies such as re-use, recycling or avoidance of products with excessive packaging. As part of this discussion shop owners were encouraged to work in collaboration with local collectors of recyclable waste as part of reducing waste to landfill.
Finally, shop owners were encouraged to implement composting in the business and at home, by explaining the link between climate change and organic waste when it decomposes in a landfill, without oxygen.
‘Informing spaza shops of the laws around waste management, including waste minimisation, and giving them guidance on how to comply with legislation is an important part of the strategy to reduce littering and dumping in informal settlement areas. Sometimes spaza shop owners haven’t applied for bins simply because they don’t know how.
‘In most cases, shop owners were happy to receive the assistance and acknowledged the responsibility they have to help keep the community in good condition and minimise waste. Unfortunately, this is not always the case though and, for people who refuse to comply, the City’s UWM By-law Enforcement Unit can be employed to apply pressure. I encourage residents to report any spaza shop that is dumping waste illegally,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg.
What residents need to know:
The City has a 24-hour toll-free number (0800 110077) to report tip-offs about illegal dumping activity. Those convicted of illegal dumping could be fined up to R5 000, have their vehicle impounded or face a two-year prison sentence. In addition, for every report that leads to a fine and conviction, the City is offering a reward from R1 000 up to R5 000, depending on the offence.
