Empowerment guides Solid waste Wheelie bins

Black wheelie bins not collected

A guide on what to do if your black wheelie bin is not being collected on a regular basis
Cape Town
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Support
This guide was developed with support from Social Justice Coalition.
Know your rights
  • Everyone has the right to adequate housing and the state is obligated to take reasonable measures to satisfy that right.
  • Section 26(3) of the Constitution states that “No one may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after considering all the relevant circumstances. No legislation may permit arbitrary evictions.” Everyone in South Africa has the right to access to adequate housing.
  • The Prevention of Illegal Eviction From and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 (PIE) sets out the procedure and requirements to be followed in a lawful eviction. It also sets out the circumstances that the Magistrate should consider before ordering an eviction.
Click on a step for support and resources to help you take action.
Who is this for?

You'll find information about collection days and obtaining a wheelie bin. If you have a wheelie bin and know you're putting it out on the correct day, move on to the next step

What you need to know
    • The municipality is responsible for solid waste removal on a weekly basis
    • The municipality provides bins and bags for your waste to be removed
    • The day your rubbish is collected depends on where you live. The City of Cape Town has created a map of waste collection times. If you’re not sure in which area your house falls we suggest asking your neighbours. If they are not sure either, contact the municipality at wastewise@capetown.gov.za or 0860103089
    • If your wheelie bin has been stolen or is missing you can get one from the city. Go to the City of Cape Town website for detailed information about how to apply for one
Who is this for?

If you are sure you're putting your bin out on the correct day but it's not being emptied, you should report it to the city. You can do this online through a service request, by calling the city, or by emailing them

What you need to know
    • You can report a fault to to the City via their service desk
    • You can also request garden refuse collection
    • Make a service request with the City of Cape Town
    • Email the city at wastewise.user@capetown.gov.za
    • Phone them at 0860 103 089
    • How to log a service request
      1. Group: Refuse collection and removal
      2. Service: Non-removal of refuse
      3. Enter a description of the problem - “My waste should be collected on … and hasn’t been”
      4. Enter your municipal account number - you can find this on your utility bill
      5. Complete the rest of the form and provide your contact details
      6. You will receive a reference number - this is important to keep for any follow-up queries you may have
Who is this for?

If you haven't reported the fault with the city yet, go back a step and do that. If you have yet the issue remains, you can ask your ward councillor for assistance

What you need to know
    • Your ward councillor is responsible for ensuring that municipal services are delivered
    • Find your ward councillor using this search tool

Social Justice Coalition

Isivivana Centre, 2nd floor
8 Mzala Street
Khayelitsha 7784
Cape Town
info@sjc.org.za
021 361 0298
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