Report before you fix

Have you already tried to report the problem?

If not, click here to learn how to report it.

Already reported and still no luck?

Click here to escalate the issue to your ward councillor.

Communities acting together can make things happen. Click here to discover how.

Still no success? The info below will help you fix it yourself.

DISCLAIMER: Check with your local authority on legal ways to fix problems yourself. Fixlocal cannot take responsibility for any problems that may arise in fixing it yourself.

Understanding informal dumping spots

Informal dumping spots are places where people throw away rubbish in places not meant for rubbish. These are often found on street corners or at the edges of townships. When there are not enough rubbish collection services, people might throw rubbish in open spaces nearby. This rubbish makes the area look bad and can cause health problems and harm to the environment.

Steps to deal with a rubbish pile

Materials needed:

• Rubbish bags: For collecting and containing rubbish.
• Gloves: To protect your hands while handling rubbish.
• Masks: To protect against dust and smells.
• Cleaning tools: Such as brooms and shovels for gathering loose pieces of rubbish.

Safety precautions:

• Wear protective clothing to avoid contact with dangerous materials.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby in case of injuries.

Steps to clean up a rubbish pile:

1. Look at the pile: Check how big the pile is and what kind of rubbish it has. This helps you plan the cleanup and find any dangerous materials.
2. Get a team: Ask people in your community or volunteers to help with the cleanup. More people make the job easier and quicker.
3. Sort the waste: Separate things that can be recycled from those that cannot. This sorting helps with getting rid of rubbish in the right way and recycling.
4. Collect and bag the rubbish: Put the rubbish in rubbish bags and make sure everything is inside the bags.
5. Contact local waste services: Ask local waste services to pick up the rubbish you collected or take it to a recycling depot.
6. Stop future dumping: Put up signs to stop dumping and talk to local authorities to improve waste collection.

More information

For more details on how to deal with rubbish and community cleanup projects, contact your local municipal office or environmental organisations.

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.