One of the essential services the municipality renders to our residents is that of refuse removal. An approved volume of refuse to be removed is stipulated in the municipal tariffs, which is annually reviewed when the municipality budgets for the following year. This is done in accordance with the volume the municipality can safely handle. The approved tariffs for residential refuse removal only include the removal of 1 x 240l bin OR 3 black bags once a week. However, many households leave out black bags in addition to a 240l bin, while others leave out more than one 240l bin or more than 3 black bags.
As a result, BVM removes a much larger volume of refuse than it would have if everyone had kept to the limits as per the tariffs. This places an additional burden on our resources. While we understand that some households generate more than the limits prescribed in the tariffs, we know that many of those who expect additional collection don’t pay for it. This, in turn, results in revenue loss to BVM.
Everyone is aware of the challenges that BVM has experienced from time to time with refuse removal. The phenomenon explained above contributes to these challenges. A larger volume of refuse takes longer to collect and equates to more trips to the landfill to empty the compactors.
Some households also place building rubble and garden refuse in wheelie bins or black bags, resulting in damage to the refuse compactors. This, in turn, results in a series of issues that ultimately result in residents being angry if their refuse does not get collected on time.
Residents are thus once again reminded of what is included in the tariffs for refuse removal and should please request and pay for additional collection if required. Please see the attached image taken from the tariffs section, which is, together with the complete budget of BVM, available on the municipal website: www.bvm.gov.za
BVM is embarking on a digital survey of refuse left out for collection in the suburbs of Worcester to inform decisions about the refuse removal service. BVM staff conducting the survey will not need to enter properties or interview residents, but residents should be aware of the survey, which will take place over the next month from Thursday, 29 August 2024.
Last modified: August 29, 2024
