Pikitup allays fears of landfill privatisation as reclaimers demand action on Joburg waste crisis

The City of Johannesburg is looking at a landfill crisis, warns the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO).

The Organisation led a march on both the City and its waste management company Pikitup, on Monday.

According to ARO, Pikitup has already blocked general waste from going to one of its sites and 'by this time next year, all of its landfills will be closed'. 

"This will put thousands of reclaimers out of work and leave residents drowning in waste as the city forks over millions to private landfills to take what they can."

African Reclaimers Organisation

In conversation with John Perlman, Pikitup's Larry Mallela allays fears that the company is planning to privatise its landfills.

He highlights a move in the direction of recycling as well as waste minimisation.

"Pikitup currently runs four active landfills, and we have absolutely no intention of privatising our own landfills. While the core of our business is disposal, as I say  the future of the company is looking at recycling, so there is no way we can hand over our own and move to recycling."

Larry Mallela, Head: Legal & Compliance - Pikitup

The choices made now - whether to invest in sustainable, public-driven solutions or short-term privatisation - will determine the future of the City’s health, environment, and communities, ARO says.

ARO's demands:

• Keep Marie Louise landfill open until a comprehensive reclaimer social plan is finalised.
• Immediately fund and implement life extension projects for Marie Louise, including new airspace, land purchases, and the Materials Recovery Facility.
• Begin direct negotiations with reclaimers at all landfills to develop just transition plans, including gender equity and inclusion measures.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview