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The City's Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI) have uncovered a number of illegal electronic waste dumping sites across Johannesburg, with the area around Greenstone Mall being a hotspot.

The inspections were prompted by a complaint lodged with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) early in March, with a request to visit several locations to verify allegations of errant fly-tippers.

The EMIs found electronic waste being dumped illegally at each site, with some of it being burned. The findings reveal a growing trend in Johannesburg, with numerous complaints of illegal activities being reported in open spaces, wetlands, and rivers in recent months, including the illegal disposal of electronic waste material such as radios, camera equipment, antennae power devices, speakers, TV remotes, and the like.

"In terms of national legislation, illegal dumping is a very serious environmental violation. As a result, anyone who began or continues to illegally dump electronic waste without a Waste Management License (WML) commits an offence," said Cllr Jack Sekwaila, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services (EISD).

The areas most affected by the illegal electronic waste disposal include, among others, North Riding, Cosmo City, Randjesfontein, Alexandra, Kya Sands, and Greenstone. At most of these sites, the EMIs found people scavenging through the material, which is not only harmful to their health but is detrimental to the environment as well.

Other areas affected by the scourge include Greenstone Park, along Johannesburg Road and Peace Road; a site along Peace Road next to the Pick ‘n Pay Distribution facility (Dieters Nursery, Far East Bank, Sandton); a site at the intersection of Cluelee and Peace Road; Longmeadow Business Estate; Founders Hill along Centenary Street next to Modderfontein Golf Club; and a site situated at the corner of Greenstone and Aitkin Streets in Greenstone Hill.

Following their thorough inspection, the municipal inspectors have opened a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the suspect has since been arrested.

The Edenvale factory, allegedly responsible for the disposal of electronic waste, has been informed of its violations of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) 107 of 1998 and the National Environmental Management Waste Act (NEMWA) 59 of 2008.

"Upon conviction for violating the NEMA and the NEMWA, a person would be liable to a fine not exceeding R10 million or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, or to both such fines and imprisonment, in addition to any other penalty or award that may be imposed or made," Cllr Sekwaila said.

The EMI is also investigating the company contracted to remove the electronic waste, calling for them to face both criminal and administrative action.

The matter has also been reported to the Ekurhuleni Municipality due to reports of waste dumping in their area.

The MMC has called on residents and factories to take care of public spaces and refrain from illegal dumping.

"The City is pleading with citizens and factories to obey the law and preserve the environment," Cllr Sekwaila said.

The MMC has also stressed the need to adhere to the City’s bylaws and national environmental legislation, as only through “working together can communities and the municipality save and protect the environment for future generations”.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg