All you need to know about Separation@Source
Who can residents contact if they did not receive their clear plastic bags?
On 1 July, 2018, the Separation@Source programme became mandatory for all City of Johannesburg residents. However, because the programme is still new, it brought up a number of questions.
It is for that reason that Pikitup has published a list of frequently asked questions to help residents understand the programme. The question and answers are as follows:”This is a simplified guide to how residents of the City of Johannesburg should participate in the mandatory Separation@Source programme. Firstly, residents should understand what is meant by the programme and the rationale behind it.
What is Separation@Source?
The City’s waste Separation@Source programme refers to households setting aside dry recyclable waste (plastic, paper, glass and cans) and household-generated garden waste for the purpose of re-use, recycling, composting or further processing of these materials.
Why is it mandatory that residents should separate waste at source?
The City is fast running out of landfill space and needs to reduce waste going to landfills. The Separation@Source programme was rolled out on a voluntary basis in 2009 in some areas of the City. Based on a previous study, an average of 13 kilograms (kg) of dry recyclable waste should be extracted per household per month. However, based on 2016/ 17 tonnages of dry recyclables collected, only 4,5kg of dry recyclables was recovered per household per month in the areas where the programme was rolled out – far below the estimated extraction rates.
It is for these reasons that Pikitup will be introducing mandatory Separation@Source in the areas that are already receiving the service, to increase both the participation rate and the extraction rate of recyclables in those areas.
In terms of recycling garden waste, some parts of the city typically generate more garden waste than others, hence the targeted implementation of mandatory garden waste Separation@Source. Garden waste disposal in 2016/ 17 was as follows – Region E (Marlboro and Norwood depot areas) collected 25 863 tons of garden waste compared to Region D (Central camp and Zondi depot areas) which collected 1 835 ton of garden waste, simply because very little garden waste is generated in this region.
How do residents participate in the programme?
Residents in areas where Separation@Source is mandatory will be issued with a clear plastic bag or a blue bag on a weekly basis. In this, they should place recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, metal and glass, for collection by Pikitup or Pikitup’s service providers on a weekly basis.
In terms of the mandatory Separation@Source programme residents are also required to recycle their garden waste. In this regard, residents are required to drop off their household-generated garden waste at Pikitup’s drop-off sites for the purpose of composting and/or further processing.
Will the Separation@Source programme be applied in all residential areas in the city?
No. Mandatory Separation@Source applies only to areas where the programme was implemented on a voluntary basis in 2009. To see all the areas in which the programme is mandatory, please visit https://www.pikitup.co.za.
Will there be penalties for people who don’t recycle?
At present, no penalties will be implemented to enforce the mandatory Separation@Source programme. This in order for residents to be given the opportunity to improve the recycling rates in the affected areas without the threat of fines being imposed. The City will also be intensifying education and awareness programmes to positively influence the recycling rates in areas where Separation@Source is mandatory.
The City appeals to residents in the affected areas to comply with the mandatory Separation@Source programme and apply peer pressure through various community forums and media platforms to encourage residents who choose not to participate in the mandatory programme to do so.
Should the items be rinsed or washed before they are placed in the bag?
Yes, as this prevents materials from being contaminated.
What happens if residents do not recycle? Does this mean that their waste is not going to be collected?
No. Waste will be collected from non-compliant households. However, residents are urged to participate in the programme to save the environment and to prolong lives of the City’s landfill spaces.
The process will be implemented in stages. How will this work and when will the programme be completely phased in?
The intention is to roll this project out to the entire of City of Joburg over the next 3 years.
Where are the recyclables taken and how are they separated?
The recyclables will be taken to the nearest sorting/ buyback/ drop-off facility for further sorting and processing. Your nearest drop-off facility is listed at https://www.pikitup.co.za.
Who can residents contact if they do not receive their clear plastic bags?
Residents are advised to call the City’s Call Centre 0860562874 or a Pikitup depot in their area.
How do townhouses, complexes and flats participate in the project?
Multi-unit dwellings that are currently part of the Separation@Source programme will continue receiving recycling bags from Pikitup or Pikitup’s service providers through their bodies corporate or any nominated body.
Alternatively, please call Joburg Connect on 0860joburg (562 874) to arrange for a representative to come out and assess your needs.
Will my recyclables be collected on the same day as my refuse?
Yes. If your refuse is collected on a Tuesday; your recyclables will be collected on the same day.
Why is the programme happening so soon?
The separation at source programme has been in place since 2009 in selected areas, on a voluntary basis. The only change now is that it has been made mandatory because of the low quantity of recyclable materials per household that have been derived from the areas where it is being implemented, and because of the low participation rate.
How can residents participate if their area does not fall within the areas where Separation@Source has been declared mandatory?
Pikitup has 42 drop-off centres/ garden sites around the City which have recycling facilities for all recyclables. To locate your nearest sorting/ garden/ buyback centre, go to https://www.pikitup.co.za.
Will the waste pickers/ reclaimers be affected by this?
Waste pickers are not going to be made worse off by the mandatory Separation@Source programme. Instead, it is expected that there will be more recyclables available at the point of collection where they typically collect what’s valuable to them.
If I have a problem, for example the recycling bag is not collected when the other waste is removed, who should I contact?
You may contact Joburg Connect at 011 375 5555 or 0860joburg (562 874).”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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