Builders’ rubble belongs in legal landfill sites – Pikitup
29-01-2015

 

Concerned about the high rate of illegal dumping of builders’ rubble across the city and the damaging effects it has on the environment, Pikitup, the City of Johannesburg’s integrated waste management entity, has called on all construction companies to make use of two of its landfill sites – Marie Louise in Roodepoort and Robinson Deep in Turffontein – to dispose of it.
 

The service is provided for free but the companies have to first register an account with Pikitup, which can be done at any of its depots spread across the city.

Contact details and location of the depots are obtainable from Pikitup’s website, www.pikitup.co.za.

The service is also open to members of the public.
 

“Registration will give the contractors access to the two landfill sites to dispose of clean rubble and uncontaminated waste,” says Pikitup Communications Manager Pansy Odele.

She adds that there is no legitimate reason or excuse for the illegal dumping of builders’ rubble.

“Builders’ rubble constitutes a significant amount of all waste dumped illegally in Johannesburg. It is detrimental not just to the environment but also to the economy,” says Odele. “Keeping the city clean is a collective effort. Pikitup would appreciate the support of building contractors in keeping the city clean.”

The rubble needs to consist of articles that are no bigger than a standard brick (about 70mmX220mmX100m in size). The soil must have a maximum particle size of 20mm.
 

Pikitup’s Division reuses the builders’ rubble as cover material at landfill sites to mask odour from other waste.

“It can also be used to construct temporary access roads to the disposal points at the landfill sites,” explains Odele.

There are other ways that builders’ rubble can be recycled. For instance, scrap wood or wire from bricks can be used to make dog kennels and ironing boards.
 

“Not only would we be kinder to the environment, we would also be saving costs,” adds Odele. 

For more information on the disposal of builders’ rubble at the two landfill sites, building contractors and residents urged to contact Joburg Connect on (011) 375-5555 or joburgconnect@joburg.za. Additional information can be obtained from www.joburg.org.za.