Joburg bins not collected? Why, which areas, and what to do now
Pikitup can't say when Johannesburg's rubbish backlog will be cleared after a Samwu protest left it with few workers. Suburbs in the north, west and south are affected. Here's what to do with your waste meanwhile.
Bins across Johannesburg have gone unemptied for days, and Pikitup can't say when the backlog will be cleared. The city's waste company says a protest by South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) members has left it with "minimal capacity on the road" (Sowetan).
Waste meant for collection between Monday, 26 October, and Wednesday, 28 October, was still standing outside homes and shopping centres on Wednesday, and in the heat it was smelling and drawing flies (TimesLIVE).
Which areas are affected?
Pikitup says the northern, western and southern parts of the city are hit. Reporters saw uncollected bins in these suburbs on Wednesday (TimesLIVE):
- Emmarentia and Roosevelt Park
- Florida and Roodepoort
- Randburg and Olivedale
- Fourways
Parts of Parktown North were also still waiting, according to the local residents' association. Roodepoort residents were told on Monday to expect a three-day backlog at their depot, caused by truck breakdowns and longer trips to an outlying landfill, with the Samwu action expected to make it worse (TimesLIVE).
When will my rubbish be collected?
There's no date yet. Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe said it was hard to predict when collections would be back to normal and that the backlog depends on the dispute being resolved with the city (Sowetan).
Some residents in Florida said they got no warning before their collection day was missed (TimesLIVE).
Why are workers protesting?
Samwu members want the City of Johannesburg to honour a 2016 wage and benefits deal, known as the Politically Facilitated Agreement (Sowetan). On Monday the protest blocked roads, including the M1 highway, and several members were arrested on a charge of inciting public violence (SABC News).
Samwu disputes that services are disrupted. Deputy regional secretary Richard Moila said members went back to work on Tuesday while leaders negotiated with the city, and called claims of disruption "an exaggeration" (TimesLIVE).
Is Joburg Water affected too?
Yes, according to Johannesburg Water. It said on Wednesday that the protest was slowing its operations and that customers should expect delays in resolving service requests (TimesLIVE).
What can I do with my waste in the meantime?
Keep bin lids closed and bags tied to keep flies and animals away. If you have a car, you can take household waste to a Pikitup garden site or landfill yourself. Pikitup lists every site, including Ballyclare in Bryanston, Woodmead, Randburg, Panorama and Robinson Deep, on its facility finder. During an earlier backlog in October, Pikitup told residents who could do this to use its waste facilities while it caught up (EWN).
Don't dump bags on the pavement or in open veld. To report a missed collection or illegal dumping, Pikitup's website lists 0860 562 874, 011 375 5555 and 010 055 5990, plus WhatsApp 082 779 1361 (Pikitup).
FAQ
Why is my rubbish not being collected in Johannesburg?
Pikitup says a protest by Samwu members over a 2016 wage and benefits agreement has left it with minimal capacity, creating a backlog in the north, west and south of the city.
When will Pikitup collect the backlog?
Pikitup has not given a date. Its spokesperson said it was hard to predict when services would be back to normal.
Where can I take my household waste myself?
Pikitup garden sites and landfills accept household waste. The full list of sites is on Pikitup's facility finder at pikitup.co.za.
How do I contact Pikitup?
Pikitup's website lists 0860 562 874, 011 375 5555 and 010 055 5990, and WhatsApp 082 779 1361.