Joburg residents urged to report illegal recycling sites

It says there has been a marked increase in the number of illegal recycling plants across the city, mostly run from open spaces in residential areas such as Roodepoort.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the sites contribute to pollution and crime.  

Fihla says the sites mostly get their materials from waste pickers, who are always seen pushing their trollies on Joburg roads. 

"With numerous illegal recycling plants popping up, the public can report it to PIKITUP or to JMPD with the picture, time and location of the illegal dumping.”

PIKITUP spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi says the increase in illegal dumping sites also has a negative impact on the country's economy. 

"PIKITUP has noted the increases in the city around the mushrooming of illegal sorting facilities by waste pickers. As much as this is an illegal activity, it also means that the gospel that we have been preaching of increasing recycling is finding resonance with waste pickers. 

Waste pickers are contributing to recycling and ensuring that our landfill sites are preserved. However, this should be done in a legally permissible manner.

"The danger of the mushrooming of such sites is that waste, by its nature, attracts rodents, which cause diseases that affect human beings. 

"Conducting such sites in areas that are not demarcated for such activities has a negative impact on the economy. No business wants to operate in dirty areas.”

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