MMC Mpho Moerane says Pikitup’s offer to collect bulky waste directly from Joburg households helps the entity divert recyclable material away from landfill sites, which are overburdened.

The City’s waste management entity’s free residential collection of bulk waste is designed to conserve airspace and the lifespan of existing landfills, says Cllr Moerane, the portfolio head of Environment and Infrastructure Services.

Pikitup’s offer includes collecting bulky waste such as mattresses, plumbing fixtures, discarded furniture, home appliances and the like directly from your doorstep. However, there’s an exception.

“The entity will not collect waste suitable for and as required for use as daily cover material,” he says.

The City’s waste-management operator has long been warned of the perils of declining space for landfill sites, which puts the municipality at risk of air pollution and illegal dumping. Low levels of household waste recycling, coupled with increased urban migration were putting a continuous strain on the City’s waste disposal efforts and the capacity of landfill airspace.

There’s scientific evidence that if not managed properly, landfill sites could become a major public health and environmental hazard. Greenhouse gases emitted from landfill sites are considered one of the primary causes of climate change.

Cllr Moerane says the offer to collect bulky waste from private residences would ensure that the negative impact of environmental pollution stemming from waste is averted, and that greenhouse gases are offset.

Residents who wish to dispose of bulk waste from their households are urged to book this service through their nearest Pikitup depots or to use their nearest garden sites.

“Once a resident has logged a call at any of Pikitup’s depots, the manager will book a date and arrange for a free once a month bulk waste service,” Cllr Moerane explains.

To book the service, residents need to telephone the following depots:

• Avalon Depot – 087 357 1288

• Central Camp Depot – 087 357 1609

• Norwood Depot – 087 357 1400

• Marlboro Depot – 087 357 1545

• Midrand Depot – 087 357 1378

• Randburg Depot – 087 357 1327

• Roodepoort Depot – 087 357 1564

• Selby Depot – 087 357 1938

• South dale Depot – 087 357 1261

• Waterval Depot – 087 357 1490

• Zondi Depot – 087 357 1340

Cllr Moerane says landfill sites are not meant to break down waste, only to store it. He notes that the City’s garden dumping sites should only be used to dispose of light waste.

“We urge all residents to become active participants in preserving and protecting the environment by applying the basic principle of waste management: reduce, reuse and recycle when they dispose of waste,” he says.