PIKITUP, the waste management entity of the City of Johannesburg, is currently experiencing operational challenges and protest-related disruptions that are affecting waste collection services in some parts of the city.
As a result, certain waste collection services are not being completed according to schedule, while street sweeping and waste disposal operations have also been affected in certain areas. These disruptions are primarily linked to limited landfill availability, with only Goudkoppies and Robinson Deep landfill sites currently fully operational.
The Randburg Depot was unable to collect waste from Tuesday, 03 March, following protest action by residents who blocked the entrance to the facility while demanding employment opportunities from Pikitup. Law enforcement authorities dispersed the protesters on 06 March, allowing services to resume in areas serviced by the depot.
Today, 11 March, Pikitup, together with community members and other stakeholders, is conducting a clean-up campaign in Cosmo City following the deliberate scattering of waste by residents protesting for job opportunities.
In addition, the Selby, Orange Farm and Central Camp depots are currently experiencing operational challenges, which have affected service delivery in some areas. Management is engaging with the affected employees to restore operations as soon as possible. The Roodepoort Depot is running behind schedule, and teams are working to normalise waste collection in the areas it services.
Operational delays have also been exacerbated by restrictions at the Marie Louise and Ennerdale landfill sites, which are currently limited to accepting only clean builders’ rubble and soil while measures are implemented to extend their operational lifespan.
As a result, a significant number of compactor trucks have been redirected to the Goudkoppies and Robinson Deep landfill sites, resulting in congestion and extended turnaround times. Northern depots, including Randburg, Midrand, Marlboro and Norwood, are currently disposing of waste at these facilities, which may lead to incomplete collection rounds and temporary service delays in some areas.
Pikitup appeals to residents for patience and understanding while these operational challenges are being addressed. Residents who are able to do so are encouraged to dispose of excess waste at the nearest Pikitup Integrated Waste Management Facilities (formerly known as garden sites).
Residents are also encouraged to follow Pikitup’s the entity’s social media platforms to receive updates regarding waste collection schedules and service restoration in their areas.
