16 380 bags of refuse collected in ‘illegal dumping blitz’
George Municipality has intensified its efforts to rid the town of the ugly and unhealthy practice of illegal dumping. Declaring February "Illegal Dumping Month", the Community Services Directorate has distributed teams to clear these eyesores and 16 380 black bags of refuse have been collected in 10 working days.
During last week, areas that were tackled were Parkdene (Ballot, Hercules, Circular,
Golf, Scorpio Leo and Bosvark streets), Borcherds (Bruce, Spandiel and Garcia streets, as well as PW Botha Blvd) and Uniondale (Mitchell Lane, Daniels Lane, Cemetry and Informal Settlement).
Do your bit
The municipality urges the community to do more than reporting illegal dumping sites to the Community Services Directorate (this can be done by phoning 044 802 2900), but to get involved in their community. It is important to keep in mind that the entire community is collectively responsible to help keep George clean and help prevent sickness that is caused by accumulated rubbish. Illegal dumping sites pose a considerable health risk to all those living in the surrounding areas. The municipality spends important resources on constantly clearing the same sites. Tyres have now been used to beautify certain sites and encourage plant growth to stop the communities from repeatedly dumping at the same place. If you want to get involved in clearing or beautifying and/or maintaining a site already cleared, please contact them on 044 802 2900.
Educate your community
Help the municipality to curb illegal dumping by spreading the news in your community that the dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days. Builders' rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road). If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators who have dumped illegally and you are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report it to Law Enforcement on 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za. You don't need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued.
Hazardous waste open day
A hazardous waste open day will be held
on 23 February in the parking area of the Outeniqua Stadium from 08:00 to 15:00, to allow for safe disposal of dangerous items. The municipality will take motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid, used antifreeze, paint, paint thinner, turpentine, pesticides or herbicides, household batteries, old
TVs, electronics, tyres, fluorescent tubes, globes, and household medical waste such as needles, old medicine and tablets. The public is requested to bring the items they wish to dispose of in a strong box, preferably in their original, labelled containers. Please do not mix the products. We are unable to take explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials and controlled substances. Enquiries can be made on 044 802 2900.