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Why Waste Matters |
Capetonians must deal with a number of serious issues,
particularly those relating to crime, unemployment, health
crises such as AIDS, and the economy. By comparison, waste
may seem a somewhat minor problem. Yet waste is linked
to practically every one of our major socio-economic concerns:
Health:
 
Illegal waste disposal (and sometimes poorly managed
landfills) exposes us to numerous health problems, such
as injuries and infections from hazardous substances
and dangerous objects at dumpsites. Poor waste management
and control also causes environmental degradation, which
has a direct bearing on human health.
Learn More: Waste and health
Crime:
An area's physical decay, which includes illegal waste
disposal, can contribute to higher crime rates. If littering
and illegal dumping are tolerated in an area, it sends
the message that it's okay to dump waste there. It also
signals that this is an area in which criminals can
get away with other illegal activities.
Learn More: Waste and crime
Tourism and related industries: A clean, safe, attractive
environment has obvious benefits for any industry reliant
on bringing visitors to Cape Town, and for promoting
the city internationally.
Learn More: Waste
and our international profile
The economy:
Trying to control the city's excessive waste output,
as well as the problem of littering and illegal dumping,
is costing us a fortune. Resources could be put to far
better use creating employment opportunities and improving
services.
Learn More: Waste and the
economy
Further Reading
Includes an overview of Cape Town's litter problem:
Marais, M., Armitage, NP. and Pithey, S. 2000.
Proposed
Catchment Management Strategies to Reduce Litter Loadings
in South African Urban Drainage Systems.
Proceedings WISA 2000 Biennial Conference, Sun City,
South Africa.
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