CPNW NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2026

Date posted: February 26, 2026

Dear Neighbours

Managing Bin Day Security Concerns

We have been grappling for some time with the problem of waste pickers entering our area every Friday. It is now well-established that this significantly increases the crime risk in our area, and there is a growing clamour for action to address it. However, residents clearly hold differing views on this matter, and there is uncertainty about what actions are legally permissible.

As this is a complex issue involving safety concerns, legal limitations and broader social considerations, we need to approach it with care and respect. We have therefore decided to provide residents with factual information to support our concerns, clarify the legal constraints, and outline practical steps we can take.

Observed Crime Patterns

Crime statistics from the past year reveal that approximately two to three times more of the incidents reported occurred on bin days than on other days of the week. Recent examples include:

• Theft of a bicycle from a property by a passer-by in December (Friday).


• A home invasion in Crofter’s Valley on 12 January (Monday, bin collection day in that area).


• An attempted assault on a woman on horseback by two men described as bin pickers near Docker’s Farm last week (Friday).

While these incidents do not establish that waste pickers were responsible, Fridays bring increased foot traffic through our neighbourhood at times when many properties are unattended. This may increase opportunities for criminal activity.

Additional concerns raised by residents include:

• Refuse bags being opened and contents left scattered.


• Individuals loitering in the area.


• Perceived increased vulnerability during early morning hours.

At the same time, many residents report respectful and constructive interactions with individuals who regularly collect recyclable materials. Some argue that waste picking provides income opportunities and contributes to recycling efforts.

Legal Position

The legal framework is not straightforward and places limits on what residents or neighbourhood watches may do.

• As long as refuse remains on private property, it is considered to belong to the resident or owner of that property. Residents or authorised security personnel may prevent the removal of items at that stage.


• Once refuse is placed on the street, it falls under the City’s waste management system.


• Under the City of Cape Town Integrated Waste Management By-law (2009), only the City or accredited contractors may collect, sort or recover waste. Individuals undertaking such activities are required to be registered.


• Waste picking from official bins and refuse bags on the street is therefore not permitted under the by-law.


• However, most related offences (such as sorting through refuse or creating a mess) do not qualify as serious criminal offences that entitle private citizens or non–peace officer security guards to make an arrest.


• Enforcing these by-laws falls primarily to City Law Enforcement and Metro Police. SAPS may assist but do not regard by-law enforcement as their primary function.


• There are also broader constitutional considerations relating to dignity, livelihood and vulnerable groups. Courts have previously ruled that livelihood rights must be weighed against property rights.

In practical terms, neither individual residents nor neighbourhood watches have the authority to remove people from the area unless there is a clear and immediate threat to safety.

Nevertheless, residents are encouraged to record and report any by-law contraventions to:

• City Law Enforcement: 0860 103 089


• Email: solidwaste.bylaw@capetown.gov.za

Engagement with Authorities

CPNW has raised these concerns with the Community Policing Forum (CPF), City Law Enforcement, Metro Police and SAPS.

We have been advised that enforcement capacity is constrained by staffing and overtime limitations. That said, SAPS visibility last Friday appeared to coincide with fewer reported concerns, and we will continue to request visible patrols on Fridays.

What Has Worked

Several street groups have developed local approaches that aim to reduce risk and minimise disruption. These include:

• Visible presence or informal monitoring on bin mornings.


• Prompt reporting of any suspicious behaviour to patrol officers.


• Engaging respectfully with known waste pickers and clarifying expectations.


• Separating recyclable items and making arrangements with specific individual bin pickers by residents who choose to.


• Minimising the amount of time bins remain on the street.


• Using bin locks (noting both advantages and limitations).

Of course, such approaches are voluntary and may not suit every street. We believe, however, that local coordination among neighbours offers a way to provide solutions without the need for broad positions that are potentially divisive and legally questionable.

Next Steps

The most practical approach appears to be coordinated local engagement supported by clear reporting to the relevant authorities.

Our shared objectives remain:

• A safe neighbourhood.


• Lawful conduct.


• Respectful engagement.


• Clear reporting to appropriate authorities.

We encourage street groups and neighbours to discuss what measures feel appropriate and workable in their immediate area.

To support this process:

• We will assist Connector Groups in facilitating discussions.


• We will establish a bin day WhatsApp group to share updates, information and reporting guidance.


• We will continue engaging with SAPS and City authorities regarding Friday visibility.

We ask that discussions on this topic be kept factual, measured and solution focused. By working together we can hopefully find sustainable solutions for safer Fridays in our lovely neighbourhood!

The CPNW Team