Eco-Warriors at Work: Meet the Waste Management Team

They don’t wear capes, but they are the everyday heroes that keep Ekurhuleni clean, green, and thriving.

The Waste Management team – often unseen and underappreciated – plays a vital role in shaping a healthier environment for all who live and work in the City.

From dawn, these eco-warriors hit the streets running, collecting refuse, sorting recyclables, and managing landfill sites with precision and pride.

It is not just about picking up garbage, it is about protecting public health, conserving nature, and building a sustainable future.

Despite challenges such as extreme weather, heavy loads, and occasional public resistance, the team remains steadfast in what they do. Their work is physically demanding and energy sapping, but their never-say-die spirit pushes them on.

As the City’s official waste management page notes, the department serves over 723,000 formal service points and 176,000 informal ones – an enormous task that requires grit, coordination, and passion.

With that, this Women’s Month, we shine a special light on the phenomenal women within the waste management team. From operating machinery to leading depot operations and community outreach, these women are breaking barriers and are an epitome of service delivery.

Their presence is not only empowering-it is transformative. They are mentoring new recruits, driving innovation, and showing that strength and service go hand in hand.

So next time you see a waste truck rolling by or a team member in reflective gear, give them a nod of appreciation. They are not just cleaning up-they are paving the way for a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive Ekurhuleni.