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Johannesburg's Trash Mountains Threaten City Life
18 Sep
Summary
- Illegal trash mountains are growing rapidly in Johannesburg's suburbs.
- Africa's cities face a waste crisis as urban populations boom.
- Landfills are nearing capacity, pushing waste into illegal dumpsites.
In Johannesburg, illegally dumped trash has created enormous mountains, with one in Kya Sands now swallowing a road. This issue has escalated since the municipal landfill closed in 2010, leading to uncontrolled waste spread and constant fumes. This situation mirrors a wider crisis in Africa, as booming urban populations in cities like Lagos and Dakar outpace waste management capabilities.
Africa's urban population is projected to double by 2050, significantly increasing waste generation. Over 90% of waste in Africa ends up in uncontrolled dumpsites, often with open burning. Johannesburg has over 2,000 illegal dumping hot spots, with unreliable waste collection exacerbating the problem and fueling informal, often illegal, waste haulers.
These illegal dumpsites pollute the air, soil, and water, affecting residents and businesses. Equestrian and beekeeping operations have been forced to downsize due to the toxic environment. Experts warn that Johannesburg's landfills have less than a year of capacity remaining, pushing the city towards a critical tipping point.
Diversion through recycling and organic waste treatment could manage up to 80% of waste, preserving dwindling landfill space. Efforts are underway to expand recycling infrastructure and support waste pickers, but a fundamental shift in public perception about waste disposal is also needed.
