MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A bag of medical waste was found outside toilets at a parking area at Dias Beach this morning, 13 September.
The parking area is off Beach Boulevard East, between Sea Cottages housing complex and a building called C the C. This is at an access point to the beach east of the main Dias Beach area.
A plastic shopping bag was found filled with Plegridy, a medication one self-injects to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
It was found by a local, Kathleen Havenga, on her daily morning walk to the beach. Havenga says she walks to the beach every morning and during her walk today, she spotted an open plastic bag with what she first thought were perfume samples inside.
"When I had a closer look, I saw it was medical waste. I was horrified. It should not have landed up there."
Mossel Bay Advertiser went out to where the waste was and found the bag. The Advertiser is looking into where the bag came from. Mossel Bay Municipality has since removed the waste.
The waste was removed by Mossel Bay Municipality the day it was found. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
The municipality noted there was an incident in November last year, in which a municipal worker in the Waste Management Department was injured during refuse removal, when handling a black refuse bag intended for household waste only, that contained a syringe.
"Members of the public are urged to dispose of medical waste in the correct manner, by bringing it to the open days for disposal of hazardous household waste or by bringing it to the municipal transfer stations (KwaNonqaba and Sonskynvallei) which are open seven days per week.
"Businesses that produce medical waste must appoint their own service providers to handle and dispose of medical waste."
The municipality urges the public to report illegal dumping, noting it is important for those reporting illegal dumping to supply as many details as possible.
"Perpetrators found in contravention of regulations will be fined," it states.
The municipality adds that the current fine for illegal dumping is R1 000, however persons dumping medical waste will be reported to the national authorities, who can decide to issue fines of up to R5 million or even imprisonment.
The waste was found in the red bag. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
Three-bag system
"The Mossel Bay Municipality runs a three-bag system for waste removal. Black bags are only for household waste, blue bags are for recyclables and green bags for garden refuse. Residents are reminded to put out their rubbish just before 07:00 on the day of collection."
Save the date
The next open days for hazardous household waste are on 25 September at the KwaNonqaba Community Hall between 08:30 and 14:00, on 26 September at the Mossel Bay Town Hall and on 27 September at the Great Brak municipal offices.
After that, the next will be held on 7 December at the Mossel Bay Town Hall and 8 December in Great Brak River from 08:30 to 14:00. This service is offered free of charge.
The following will be accepted:
* Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
* Used antifreeze
* Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
* Pesticides or herbicides
* Household batteries
* Old television sets, miscellaneous electronics
* Tyres
* Fluorescent tubes and globes
* Household medical waste (needles, expired medicine and tablets)
The following items are not accepted:
* Explosives
* Ammunition
* Radioactive materials
* Controlled substances
To report illegal dumping, call 044 606 5000, or send an email to admin@mosselbay.gov.za. One can also download the Collab Citizen app. The municipality said photos and videos can be sent as proof.
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