Rubbish collection in parts of Cape Town has been disrupted after extortion threats targeted a contractor working in several informal settlements. The City says the problem is affecting waste removal from shipping containers in Nyanga, Philippi and Samora Machel.

Waste Collection Slowed in Key Areas

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the contractor is currently only able to empty the containers three times a week. He said this depends on whether law enforcement resources are available, and those resources are limited. The City has also opened a criminal case with police.

That slowdown is now being felt on the ground. In areas where bins and containers are full, some residents say rubbish is ending up in alleys and open spaces instead of proper collection points.

Residents Say Dumping is Getting Worse

Philippi resident Xolile Phila said illegal dumping in alleys is making it harder for communities to stay clean. He said some people even dump dead dogs in these spaces, despite efforts by residents to encourage each other to keep the area tidy.

In Samora Machel, resident Abongile Ntencane said illegal dumping is not limited to household waste. He said people building houses also throw rubble into open spaces, adding to the mess. The source report also described seeing people dumping rubbish in Philippi, with one resident saying they knew it was wrong but had no choice because their bins were already full.

Flooding and Sewer Risks Grow

The City has warned that dumping waste into stormwater drains can block the system and increase the risk of flooding when it rains. It also linked illegal dumping to wider pressure on service infrastructure. According to the City, its Water and Sanitation Directorate dealt with 110,598 sewer blockages across more than 9,000 kilometres of sewer pipeline during the 2024/2025 financial year.

The City said about R137 million was spent clearing preventable blockages caused by items that should never have entered the system. It also said fines for illegal dumping rose sharply, increasing from 12,825 in 2023/24 to 20,356. Officials urged residents to report dumping linked to businesses so compliance inspections can be carried out.