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After residents of Admiral Island and Pelican Bay in Velddrif invested more than R100 000 in purchasing green wheelie refuse bins, the Bergrivier Municipality is adamant the use of these bins was never sanctioned.
According to Angelo Foce, Director of the Port Owen Marina Authority and Ward Committee Vice Chair for the DA in Ward 7, the “discontinuation” of wheelie bins is a huge step backwards. These were purchased mainly to defer ibises and other birds to rip open refuse bags. “This is not the only unhygienic factor, but plastic bags and paper get blown into the river and the waterways as well.”
But according to Municipal Manager Adv Hanlie Linde, use of the wheelie bins was not discontinued; it was never officially in use as the municipality strictly uses a three-bag system: black, green and transparent plastic bags.
She said: “Residents are encouraged to separate their waste from what can be recycled (a transparent bag), what should be transported to the regional landfill (black bag), and what could be used to make compost (green bag). These bags are provided to all households.”
The municipality does not have a specialised refuse removal truck that can accommodate wheelie bins, Linde said, and its entire refuse-removal process in all towns revolved around the swift and safe collection of bags either being placed on pavements or in open wooden refuse stands.
In the case of Port Owen, Admiral Island and Pelican Bay, there has been a significant increase in development resulting in more houses with refuse, which increases the workload without the corresponding increase in the workforce.
“We have also noted an increase in residents (Port Owen, Admiral Island and Pelican Bay) purchasing private wheelie bins that do not form part of our refuse removal processes.”
In an official notice issued to all residents on 23 February 2023 the municipality cautions residents against buying wheelie bins, as the municipality does not have the appropriate vehicles to lift these bins.
In attempts to empty these wheelie bins, municipal staff would have to lift the heavy bins themselves, increasing the likelihood of injuries and resulting in unacceptable turnaround times for refuse removal. Alternatively, trying to stretch deep into the wheelie bin to remove the appropriate bag could also lead to injuries and may be time-consuming.
Foce is adamant there is no difference in picking the bags off the street or out of the bins. He has also modified his wheelie bin so the black bags will not be in too deep to take out of his bin.
But the municipality implored all residents of Port Owen, Admiral Island and Pelican Bay to stop using wheelie bins.
Linde emphasised black bags are for all non-recyclable household refuse, such as meat, nappies, and dog/cat litter, green bags are for grass, wood chips, dead plants, twigs, branches and leaves, while transparent bags are for all recyclable material such as glass, metal, paper, and plastic.
She urged that these bags not be overfilled since they can tear during handling.
Although the Municipality understands the issue of birds tearing the refuse bags, it must perform its duties as safely and efficiently as possible.
“To mitigate the issue of the birds we urge all residents in greater Velddrif to seal their bags tightly and place their refuse bags on the pavement in the morning of collection day as per the Recycling Calendar 2023.”
Linde said, in conclusion, recycling formed a significant part of the municipality’s efforts to create clean and prosperous communities. “Using wheelie bins will therefore negate the gains made by the municipality and many residents in separating waste at the source.”
