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State of the Environment

 About the CMA
Waste  
ISSUE:  Licensing and safe operation of solid waste disposal facilities
Issue statement
Licensing and safe operation of solid waste disposal facilities is a priority in the CMA especially given the inadequacy of past waste disposal practices.

 
What pressures are causing changes in the environment?
Increasing scarcity of land suitable for landfill sites compounded by conflict with other land uses has placed increasing pressure on conventional waste disposal practices.

Increase in the number of unplanned, informal settlements making waste collection with conventional trucks very difficult, as many of these areas are inaccessible. In addition, many informal settlements possess inadequate refuse removal and reticulation services.

Lack of formalised recycling facilities and systems that encourage waste minimisation. This has been compounded by a lack of public awareness and responsibility.

 
What is the state of the environment?
The tonnage of waste produced in the CMA per annum is estimated at between 738 183 t/a and 1 million t/a.

The lifespan of existing domestic landfill sites range from 2 to 30 years, which add up to a total of 64 years. The remaining air space of these sites is approximately 19.6 million m3.

There are six operating general waste landfill sites in the CMA, two of which have operating permits from DWAF. According to the National Waste Management Strategy, all landfills sites will be registered, permitted and operated in accordance with Minimum Requirements by 2005.

The current financial cost of landfilling is between R30 – R100 per ton.

Between 1 and 2% of domestic waste is hazardous and is incorrectly disposed of at general waste sites.

There are two landfill sites based on sandy soils, increasing the risk of groundwater pollution from leachate.

Year One Indicators
The following indicators are monitored by the Directorate: Water and Waste, CMC:
  • Available air space in existing landfill sites.
  • Percentage of waste disposal sites that are licensed.

See a summary of all Indicators on this website

 
What responses are we giving to the problem?
The following responses are underway by the CMC:
  • An Integrated Waste Management Project is being undertaken in support of the National Waste Management Strategy. A Solid Waste Feasibility Study is currently underway.
  • The first Cape Metropolitan Festival of the Environment was hosted to raise awareness about issues such as waste management.

Additional response underway:

  • The National Waste Management Strategy aims to formalise and control salvaging (i.e. waste picking), by 2003 and have it phased out in the longer term.

 
What can you do about it?
  • Report any negative effects (e.g. noise, odour) arising from the operation of waste disposal facilities.
  • Reduce the amount of waste that you throw away.
  • Report incidence of illegal dumping to your local authority.
  • Make use of legitimate waste disposal facilities if you need to dump waste.