Cape Town residents can expect uninterrupted waste and recycling services throughout the December holiday period. The City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate announced that all scheduled collections will proceed on public holidays, including 16 December, 25 December, 26 December, and 1 January. Residents are encouraged to place their bins out early, as reduced holiday traffic allows collection crews to work faster than usual.
The city also urged households to keep bins outside until 21:00 each night to ensure they are serviced. If a bin is not collected on its scheduled day, residents should put it out again each day until it is emptied. The city advised the public to “report uncollected bins after 48 hours” to ensure quick follow-up.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, reminded residents of their role in maintaining a clean city during the busy summer season.
“As we enjoy the festive season together, we urge residents to avoid illegal dumping and to look after our neighbourhoods and shared spaces,” he said.
Twigg added that visitors to beaches, parks and recreational areas should “make use of the Bingo bins provided and help us keep Cape Town clean.”
City of Cape Town reiterates rules on Christmas boxes
With the holiday period comes an annual rise in donation requests from waste collection staff. The city emphasised that residents are under no obligation to provide Christmas boxes or cash contributions. According to municipal policy, Solid Waste Management staff and contractors are prohibited from soliciting such donations.
The city explained that while voluntary contributions are allowed, any form of solicitation is subject to disciplinary action.
Reports of staff requesting donations will be investigated immediately. For the city to act, it requires the vehicle registration number along with the date and time of the incident.
Warning over impersonators targeting residents
The city also warned of opportunists who impersonate waste collection staff during the festive season. It advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals to the South African Police Service. Those posing as City employees often aim to solicit money or gain access to properties under false pretences.
