PHOTO: The Johannesburg City Council has confirmed that a phased-in separation at source recycling programme would become mandatory for all households in the metropolitan area from 1 July

READY or not, Johannesburg is going completely green. As South Africa faces up to the devastating effects of pollution, it seems the City of Johannesburg is ready to do everything it can to help the environment.

The Johannesburg City Council has confirmed that a phased-in separation at source recycling programme became mandatory for all households in the metropolitan area from 1 July.

This effectively means that any plastics, glass or ‘non-household’ rubbish must be disposed of separately from the rest of the household waste. Johannesburg city officials are yet to confirm how the programme will work or what residents are required to do in terms of refuse collection.

However, Nico de Jager, Mayco Member for Environment and Infrastructure Services, has confirmed that his department is going ahead with these plans to help locals develop a better understanding of the environment.

“The biggest challenge the City of Johannesburg faces is to change human behaviour and get people to understand how they impact the environment in the way they deal with plastic. But, with the community’s involvement, I’m positive this challenge will be effectively dealt with,” he said.

As well as wanting to save the planet, it seems the city council is also keen to address the financial burden that comes with careless trash disposal.

Lungile Dhlamini, MD of Pikitup, estimates that illegal dumping costs Joburg R60 million a year. The city is now aiming to save taxpayer’s money as well as the planet, as it clamps down on fly-tipping sites.