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From October to December 2023, a total of 980 fines were issued, amounting to R1 257 000, for various offences including littering, illegal dumping and business failure to comply with the requirement to develop integrated waste management plans.

Operations were conducted at strategic locations including Mitchells Plain Town Centre, Elsie River, Westlake Taxi Rank, Cape Town CBD and Bellville CBD,

‘I commend this unit for their dedication over the previous year. Their devotion is reflected in the increasing number of fines being issued 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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg. 

Businesses are also reminded that in terms of the City’s Integrated Waste Management (IWM) By-law, they are required to submit an IWM plan for consideration and approval by the City. The IWM plan must include:

• An assessment of the quantity and type of waste;
• a description of the waste services required to store, collect, transport and dispose of the waste;
• a plan to separate recyclable and non-recyclable material at the point of source;
• a waste minimisation plan;
• a pollution prevention plan;
• details of potential environmental impact of the waste;
• the type or characteristics of environmentally-sensitive waste;
• the amount of natural resources consumed in the manufacturing or production process that result in waste;
• the targets for recovery of waste (minimisation, re-use, recycling);
• programmes and targets to minimise the consumption of natural resources; and
• a plan for reducing organic waste that is sent to landfills by 100% by 2027.

Failure to comply with this requirement is a contravention to the IWM By-law and will result in a fine being issued. 

‘The requirement for businesses to submit waste management plans helps businesses to align with best practices and ensure sustainable waste management.  The administration of this system also helps the City to guide businesses on new regulatory requirements that may emerge in the waste sector. This also enables the City to make informed decisions when planning for waste infrastructure,’ said Alderman Twigg. 

Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town