Factors associated with illegal dumping in the Zondi area, City of Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Illegal dumping is a major problem which was identified in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. The problem of illegal dumping is not unique to this municipality; it has also been identified in other municipalities in South Africa and in most parts of the world. The aim of the study was to assess the factors associated with the prevalence of dumping in Zondi Township, CoJ, South Africa. Semi structured questionnaires were used to interview the sampled respondents and the dumping spots were observed. A review if Integrated Development Plan (IDP) found no dumping prevention strategies in almost all the municipalities in the country. In order to find a solution for this problem, the root causes of this phenomenon should be clearly identified and understood. The results clearly highlight that lack of or irregular waste removal was the main driver of occurrence of illegal dumping. Therefore it is recommended that the CoJ improves waste removal services in order to curb waste illegal dumping.