Refuse Removal

In March 2025, we asked 5,308 residents across 202 informal settlements in 8 municipalities what interventions could improve solid waste management in their settlements. Residents asked for regular waste collection, provision of refuse bags and recycling support.

Asivikelane and partners co-created a strategy for the management of waste in informal settlements for the City of Tshwane. This groundbreaking strategy marks the first time communities were actively involved in its development and in proposing solutions. The strategy encompasses 220 informal settlements and empowers communities to actively participate in waste minimisation and recycling initiatives, fostering ownership and accountability. The solutions are replicable and can be adapted to other metros.

The Asivikelane campaign made a submission to the City of Cape Town’s Draft Waste Strategy, with a specific focus on waste services and management in informal settlements. The voices and experiences of informal settlements are at the forefront of our recommendations and we propose that the City ensures informal settlements are included in all its commitments.