Health Concerns Arise over Alberton Transfer Station

An Alberton North resident has joined the chorus of discontent regarding the inadequate conditions and management of the Heidelberg Road solid waste transfer station. Demanding swift action from the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), she urges them to address the site’s issues and properly dispose of hazardous waste.

Her dissatisfaction stems from a distressing visit to the facility, where she encountered illegal waste pickers who climbed onto her vehicle as she attempted to dispose of her waste. This intimidating experience highlights the need for law enforcement to directly address the situation.

“I had to fend off individuals who clearly didn’t belong at the dump, despite the presence of two metro vehicles. Why are they there if they cannot ensure our safety? After keeping a collection of fused neon tube globes for over a year, I decided it was time to dispose of them in an environmentally responsible manner,” she explained.

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She wished to discard old paint tins with leftover paint, a box of various batteries, and recyclable glass. Unfortunately, all of these were simply thrown into a general waste bin instead of being sorted into appropriate containers.

“The dump lacks proper bins for any of these harmful items. An Ekurhuleni worker, who was in one of the Ekurhuleni vans, informed me of this. It’s such a waste of my time and fuel to do the right thing,” she expressed her frustration.

Adding to her bewilderment, she highlighted the dump’s proximity to the Natalspruit River, emphasising the potential environmental impact.

In response, the City’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, stated that the site does not accept hazardous waste, healthcare risk waste (such as medical waste), condemned food, or animal carcasses. He also mentioned that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deploys security guards on-site during the day and night to maintain access control and address any criminal activities.

Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, a spokesperson for the EMPD, affirmed that while the dumping site is guarded by a private security company contracted by the CoE, officers from the EMPD Alberton precinct and other law enforcement agencies regularly monitor the area. Additionally, they enforce traffic laws near the main entrance and ensure no criminal activities take place.

Source: Hazard: Alberton transfer station prompts health concern

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Photo by Stijn Dijkstra