Waste Management

No Easy Pickings – No Baboons

Every resident living in a known baboon area has a responsibly to practice good waste management. Leaving waste bins unsecured not only puts the baboons in danger, but also poses a risk to the community.

Health and Safety

Human food is unhealthy for baboons. Research shows that baboons that have access to human food show signs of tooth decay, become overweight and have increased cholesterol. Baboons can also pick up human diseases and parasites through contact with waste. They are also possible carriers of diseases and parasites which can be transmitted to humans.

Double Lockable Bins

The City of Cape Town needs the support of residents to ensure a baboon free residential area. If you live in a baboon raiding area, the City of Cape Town requires you to have a double lockable bin secured with two padlocks. The City’s waste removal trucks which serve baboon areas have been converted to open and empty the bins, even with the locks in place. The keys are not needed by City staff.

By keeping your bin locked you not only help to prevent baboon raids, but also help to assist waste staff who are obliged to clean up the mess left by the baboons after a raid. This poses a real health hazard and makes for a very unpleasant job.

What to do

Place a strong padlock on each latch on the bin. Lock the padlock and keep the keys in a safe place.
Secure the bin either upright against a wall or pole or place it side down (locks towards the ground) at the road side or on the pavement.
Store your bin in the garage or in a locked cage.
Advise and educate new residents in the area on the use of baboon-proof bins.
If there are any residents in your neighbourhood who do not use baboon-proof bins, please inform Human Wildlife Solutions (HWS) on the Baboon Hotline – 071-588-6540.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
http://www.baboons.org.za/index.php/baboon-proofing-waste/waste-management#sigProId6bf040e80f

Recycling

Check with your local municipality about recycling programmes in your area. Your waste service provider may provide a recycling collection service or you can drop off your recycling at a depot in your area.

If recycling is collected at your curb side, please place recycling bags next to the bin not inside.

Items that can be recycled:

paper
glass
plastics
metal
Tetra Pak /polystyrene

Items that cannot be recycled:

cling wrap or disposable nappies
chemicals, paint, toothpaste tubes, clear food punnets, dog food packets, washing powder packets, crisp packets, motor oil containers, acids or solvents
organic waste (food scraps, vegetable peels, garden waste)
clothing or shoes – rather donate these to charity.

Find Something

How To Apply For A Baboon-Proof Bin

Download the application form.

Download

Fill out sections 1, 2, 8 and 10. In section 8 alongside ‘to be billed’ write in ‘baboon’.
Remember to fill in your rates account number. The account holder must sign the form and a certified copy of his/her ID must accompany the application.
Scan the form and e-mail to wastewise@capetown.gov.za or fax to: 086-576-2197.

It takes approximately three to four weeks for your bin to be delivered to your house. There is no additional charge – the tariff is the same as the normal wheelie bin.