Burning of garden refuse and leaves prohibited
At this time of the year many gardeners are tempted to burn their garden refuse, and especially the fallen leaves, which is punishable offence.
According to Cllr Laurette van Zijl Johannesburg’s Air Pollution Control By-laws states that it is a punishable offence to burn any bio-mass, which is defined as non-fossilized and biodegradable organic material originating from plants, animals, and micro-organisms or any of those in the open air.
According to section 21 of the By –law, any person who contravenes or fails to comply with these by-laws, or fails to comply with any notice addressed to him or in terms of these by-laws is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or in default of payment to imprisonment for a period of not exceeding 36 month.
Cllr Van Zijl urges residents to recycle the leaves into compost which can, once it is degraded, be used in the garden instead of commercial compost. As leaves tend to be dry and little rain falls during winter, it is advisable to use a compost maker accelerator to hasten the process, she says.
“I put all my garden waste, (mainly leaves in Winter and grass cuttings in Summer) except weeds on my compost heap and never buy any commercial compost. By nature my garden has very poor soil which I have converted into a very rich soil over the years by mulching and composting from my own heap”, said Cllr Van Zijl.
Residents can also take their garden waste to the centres that are especially designed to receive such refuse. Pikitup uses the matter in its own compost making plant.
The closest Garden waste centres are in Fairland and Greenside.
Garden Refuse
The disposal of garden refuse/waste is a huge hassle and inconvenience and can take up your whole Saturday.
The cost of black bags can become absorbent and tend to tear when filling with garden refuse. This normally result in garden refuse piling up somewhere in the yard and is not only unsightly and omits a bad odor but also becomes a breeding place for insects, snakes and other vermin like mice and rats.
Garden Drums – Roodepoort offers you a solution that consists of the following:
1. We deliver a 210lt drum(s) to your home. The contents of 5 - 6 black bags fit into one drum. Depending on your need additional drums can be utilized.
2. You fill the drum(s) with your garden refuse, no need for plastic bags.
3. We empty the drum(s) once EVERY WEEK.
No long-term contracts, only a service agreement are signed for filing and billing purposes.
We also give free quotations on the removal of big loads of garden refuse. Preferential pricing is given to customers that make use of our monthly drum rentals.
