City refuse collectors are not allowed to ask for “Christmas boxes”, or money, but residents can give something voluntarily.
In a statement, the City said it had previously received reports of residents being asked, at times aggressively, for Christmas boxes. And, in some cases, residents had been threatened that their refuse wouldn’t be collected if they didn’t cough up.
“This is patently untrue – residents will continue to have their refuse bins serviced throughout the festive season, as always,” said Mayco member for water and waste Xanthea Limberg.
“All staff have been reminded that soliciting for ‘Christmas boxes’ and donations is prohibited. Should residents wish to reward good service provided, they may of course give staff a voluntary donation, or a ‘Christmas box’ as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.
“However, under no circumstances should residents feel compelled to do so.”
Residents can report workers who request Christmas boxes or donations to the Call Centre at 0860 103 089 during office hours, from 8am to 4.30pm, or email Wastewise.User@capetown.gov.za They should give the date, time and place of the incident and, if possible, a vehicle registration number.
The City also warned of people posing as collection staff at this time of year. Such cases should be reported to SAPS.
The City’s solid waste department will be collecting refuse in the scheduled areas on the public holidays of December 16, 25, 26 and January 1.
Residents are advised to leave their wheelie bins out on the kerb side, at first light. Being a public holiday, teams will be collecting refuse early in the morning. This will allow them to finish work as quickly as possible and head home to their loved ones.