By Tarryn Leigh Solomons
The African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) is leading a march today (29 September) from Newtown to the Metro Centre, Braamfontein, demanding immediate intervention from the City of Johannesburg and Pikitup.
With all four of Johannesburg’s operational landfills projected to close by the end of 2026, the city faces an imminent waste management disaster that threatens public health and water security.
A Waste Bomb Ready to Explode
“Johannesburg will drown in its own waste,” warns ARO spokesperson Luyanda Hlatshwayo. The warning mirrors the city’s ongoing water crisis, where neglected infrastructure has left residents vulnerable. Without urgent action, leachate — toxic liquid from decomposing waste — could seep into groundwater and rivers, contaminating already scarce water resources.
Despite approved budgets, Pikitup abandoned critical projects to extend the life of the Marie Louise landfill, including a R60 million expansion plan and a R267 million Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The result is an entirely avoidable crisis.
The Wrong Road: Privatisation Over Public Solutions
Rather than investing in long-term infrastructure, Pikitup has shifted towards privatised waste disposal, allocating R68 million to pay private companies to handle Johannesburg’s waste.
This decision increases costs for residents, raises the city’s carbon footprint, and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of reclaimers who recycle up to 90% of Johannesburg’s recyclable waste.
Plans for a centralised mega-landfill and incinerator go against international best practice, risk community opposition, and lock the city into expensive long-term contracts — while doing little to create sustainable solutions.
Livelihoods at Stake
Reclaimers, the frontline of Johannesburg’s recycling system, have been excluded from Pikitup’s planning. ARO stresses the need for just transition plans to integrate reclaimers into the formal system as landfills close. Without this, thousands risk losing their only source of income, further destabilising communities.
ARO’s Demands
ARO has set out urgent demands to avert disaster:
- Keep Marie Louise landfill open until a comprehensive reclaimer social plan is finalised.
- Immediately fund and implement life extension projects for Marie Louise, including new airspace, land purchases, and the Materials Recovery Facility.
- Begin direct negotiations with reclaimers at all landfills to develop just transition plans, including gender equity and inclusion measures.
March Details
- Date: Monday, 29 September
- Time: 09:00 – 14:00
- Route: Start at Queen Elizabeth Bridge Park, Newtown → Nelson Mandela Bridge → Pikitup Offices, Jorissen Street → Metro Centre, Braamfontein
Bottom Line
Johannesburg stands on the brink of a preventable waste and water contamination crisis. The choices made now — whether to invest in sustainable, public-driven solutions or short-term privatisation — will determine the future of the city’s health, environment, and communities.
As ARO puts it: “This is not about landfills closing; it’s about the health of our communities, the safety of our water, and the future of our city.”
