Understanding & implementing proper waste management is an investment in our town's health, prosperity, & future. Yet, we face several challenges in Knysna:
I'm here to provide answers & clarity on the way forward - so that you can help our town not only become better waste managers but lead the way because waste is all of our problems.
📢 How to report illegal dumping?
If the person is dumping while reporting, please call law enforcement on 044 302 6551 (during office hours). If the dumping has already taken place, contact your ward councillor for them to take action.
If after hours, contact the Fire Department on 044 302 8911.
Pro tip: If you can take pictures & get the registration number of the offender, it will make it easier to find the alleged transgressor.
And always get a reference number when speaking to the fire department, municipality, & law enforcement.
What to do if no action has been taken?
Submit your complaint, including the reference number, to the Municipal Manager mm@knysna.gov.za copy his PA astrydom@knysna.gov.za in the mail, & your ward Councillor.
What can I do as a resident to help with waste management?
Recycling is a genuinely beneficial practice, & although it isn't the whole solution, it's something each of us can do to help play a part.
As a community, we must get into the habit of reducing the amount of waste generated and reusing materials whenever possible.
If you usually throw your food waste into the bin, consider redirecting those hazardous gases from our atmosphere by adding your organic waste to a compost pile, helping to create nutrient-rich soil that boosts plant growth and nurtures our local ecosystem, all while reducing harmful emissions.💚
Not sure how to compost? Watch this video. It's easy, it's free, and it helps us become better stewards of our environment.
♻️ Who are our approved recyclers in Knysna?
DM Recycling, you can reach them by calling Stephanie on 0721022354.
How to register to recycle, & what's the process?
It is completely FREE to recycle in Knysna. You can call Stephanie to ask her to deliver recycling bags to you.
Alternatively, you can visit them at T21 Hadeda Street, Knysna Industrial (next to Star Panel Beaters) Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, to collect bags.
Sometimes, the municipality falls behind in replenishing bags in time. Therefore if this is the challenge you face - you can purchase clear bags from any store to use. (They must be clear).
When recycling:
Remember that foam & silver-lined milk cartons are not recyclable.
Remember to rinse the items you want to recycle, as non-rinsed items cause rat infestations.
Remember to put your recycling in a clear bag & place it next to your black bin & NOT inside of it.
Not sure what you can and can't recycle? Click here for a super easy breakdown.
Need to know what day to put your recycling waste out? Click here to see their pick-up schedule.
📸 How to dispose of e-waste?
The Rotary Environmental Committee actively participates in e-waste collections.
The next collection is Saturday, 2nd September, 8:30 am-12 pm at Loerie Park.
A trusted recycling firm handles the waste. They sponsor the service without profiting & they have verified the firm's responsible practices. 👏
This service is FREE to residents. The Rotary Environmental Committee.
When dropping off your e-waste, you may be asked for a donation. All donations are handed over to our incredible Pledge Nature Reserve, and they are entirely optional.
🐛 How to dispose of organic waste?
Despite 68% of organic waste ending up in landfills, according to the Annual State of Waste Management Report, Knysna lacks a composting facility.
It's time we lobby our municipality to establish such a facility, turning our waste into beneficial compost for town pathways, gardens, & across the Garden Route community.
Who is in charge of waste management in Knysna?
Mr. Randall Bower is our waste manager. Telephone: 044 302 6282, Email: rbower@knysna.gov.za
Use the contact info above to make your voice heard & help us innovate our town & build a fruitful future for all who call Knysna home.
