George Municipality Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Dumping
Law enforcement issued fines totalling R55,000
As part of the Illegal Dumping Month campaign, George Municipal Law Enforcement officials have been patrolling known illegal dumping hotspots since the beginning of February, issuing fines to offenders. By 16:00 on Monday, 24 February 2025, law enforcement had issued fines totalling R55,000 and 15 warnings to individuals caught dumping illegally. Under municipal by-laws, offenders face a R1,000 fine per violation.
“This increased enforcement aims to deter illegal dumping and support the Community Services cleaning teams, who continue clearing hotspot areas throughout the city,” said the Senior Manager for Community Safety, Lee-Anne Meiring.
Meiring furthermore commended the law enforcement team for their efforts: “This operation highlights the strong collaboration between our Law Enforcement and Cleansing teams. It demonstrates our firm commitment to curbing illegal dumping and maintaining a clean environment for all residents.”
The municipality urges residents to report illegal dumping and dispose of waste responsibly. Cleaning teams have been actively removing waste from hotspots across George, covering areas including Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Heatherlands, Groene Weide Park, Lawaaikamp, Borchards, Conville, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Kleinkrantz, Touwsranten, Wilderness, Wilderness Heights, Thembalethu, the Garden Route Mall routes, Saasveld Road, CBD, Bo-Dorp, the Garden Route Dam, and the Industrial Area.
HAZARDOUS WASTE OPEN DAY
To promote safe waste disposal, George Municipality will host a Hazardous Waste Open Day on Friday, 28 February 2025, from 08:00 to 15:00 in the Outeniqua Stadium parking area. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous materials, including:
• Automotive waste: Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid, used antifreeze
• Paint & chemicals: Paint, paint thinner, turpentine, pesticides, herbicides
• Electronics & lighting: Household batteries, old TVs, electronics, fluorescent tubes, globes
• Tyres & medical waste: Tyres, needles, expired medicine, tablets
Residents are requested to bring these items in a strong box, preferably in their original labelled containers, and not to mix different types of waste. Please note that the municipality cannot accept explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials, or controlled substances.
For enquiries, please contact 044 802 2900 during office hours.
REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING
Illegal dumping is a serious health and environmental hazard, and residents are urged to dispose of waste responsibly.
Senior Manager for Environmental Services, Sivuyile Mtila, encourages residents to make use of municipal waste services: “Household waste should be bagged and placed out for collection on designated waste removal days. Builders’ rubble and bulk waste must be taken to the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).”
To report illegal dumping, contact Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or email sprins@george.gov.za. If you witness illegal dumping and can provide names, vehicle registration details, or addresses of those responsible—and are willing to make a statement—this will greatly assist enforcement efforts. While a photograph is not required, it will strengthen the case.
Together, we can keep George clean!
