By Bernell Simons

After years of violence, lawlessness and mounting safety concerns at landfill sites, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has finally pulled the plug on scrap metal recycling and second-hand goods trading at all landfill sites across the metro.

The municipality confirmed this week that the sweeping ban follows growing concerns over criminal activity, weak enforcement of permit conditions and repeated violent incidents linked to scrap operations — including killings at some landfill sites.

In what is being viewed as one of the municipality’s toughest interventions yet, Mangaung said scrap metal recycling and second-hand goods trading will no longer be allowed at any landfill facility within its jurisdiction.

“The Municipality has resolved that scrap metal recycling and second-hand goods dealing will no longer be permitted at any landfill sites within the Mangaung Metropolitan area,” the municipality said in a statement.

For years, landfill sites across the metro have become flashpoints for illegal activity, with complaints ranging from theft, violence and turf wars to poor access control and unregulated trading.

The growing presence of scrap operations has often created dangerous conditions for waste reclaimers, municipal workers and nearby communities.

Municipal officials said the decision followed consultations with external departments and stakeholders as concerns escalated over public safety and operational control at landfill facilities.

Authorities believe the ban will help restore order at sites that have increasingly become difficult to regulate.

However, the decision does not solve the broader humanitarian and social challenges surrounding landfill sites.

Informal settlements continue to expand around several dumping grounds where families and waste reclaimers live in makeshift shelters under harsh conditions.

Many residents lack access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation and electricity.

Community leaders and residents have repeatedly warned that landfill sites have become centres of desperation driven by unemployment, poverty and limited housing opportunities.

Environmental health concerns have also been raised over unsafe living conditions and long-term exposure to waste.

Reacting to the municipality’s announcement, AfriForum’s Christo Groenewald welcomed the move but cautioned that enforcement would be critical.

He said authorities must also confront the issue of informal settlements surrounding landfill sites.

“Regulation without relocation and proper enforcement risks shifting the problem rather than solving it,” Groenewald said.

Mangaung has warned that reclaimers who fail to comply with the new directive could have their permits revoked and may be denied access to landfill sites as enforcement measures begin.

The municipality now faces pressure to ensure the ban delivers lasting change without deepening the hardship faced by vulnerable communities who depend on landfill activity for survival.