Through the years Paarl Post has on numerous occasions reported on illegal dumping in Drakenstein, and even though there are free legal options for residents to explore, many are still dumping their waste illegally.
Speaking to residents who live in areas where illegal dumping is the norm it came to light that many times residents drive to other neighbourhoods to dump their rubbish there.
Some residents do, however, dump their rubbish in their own neighbourhoods, and even though illegal dumping is a crime and should be reported many tend to turn a blind eye.
In areas where illegal-dumping hot spots were identified Drakenstein Municipality created mini drop-off sites where residents who do not have the means to transport their rubbish to one of the two landfill sites in Drakenstein can dump theirs at the mini drop-off site, which is then collected by the municipality on a regular basis.
Residents who do have the means to transport their rubbish can dump up to 1 ton per month for free. According to the lastest tariffs, locals can dump one free bakkie- or trailer-load (up to 1 ton) of bulky or general domestic waste at the Wellington landfill site or at the Paarl transfer station, for free each month.
However, the conditions are that the waste must be from within the municipal boundaries, it may not exceed 1 ton and residents must show their latest municipal account.
This is not applicable when using a contractor to transport and dispose waste.
If you have exceeded your limit you will pay about R46,80 per 100 kg (or part thereof).
Residents can also dump their green waste, which includes grass cuttings, leaves or branches with a diameter less than 200 mm. Contaminated garden waste will be classified as general waste and payable if you have exceeded your free load.
Residents can also safely dispose of small quantities of (maximum of two standard shopping bags/20 F per disposal) hazardous household waste and e-waste at the Wellington landfill site. This excludes asbestos.
Builders rubble may only be disposed of at the Wellington landfill site. The guidelines are that it must be clean builders rubble and only contains sand, stone, soil, small pieces of concrete and bricks less than 100 mm (no iron, plastic or wood). Residents who would like to dispose of contaminated builders rubble will pay about R262,50 per ton or part thereof. This includes builders’ rubble that are contaminated with tree stumps, refuse, tiles and contains concrete pieces greater than 100 mm (price per ton). Contractors will pay different prices and have different guidelines.
To be able to make use of this free option, residents must show proof of their latest municipal account and provide proof of origin of waste to be declared at the disposal facility.
