Title: Hotspots of illegal dumping of solid waste along the Mthatha River

Authors: Lazola Bangani; Hlekani M. Kabiti; Oseni Amoo; Motebang D.V. Nakin; Zendy Magayiyana; Simbarashe Ndhleve

Addresses: Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa ' Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa ' Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa ' Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa; Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa ' Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa ' Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa

Abstract: Solid waste illegal dumping is becoming a major problem as there are numerous illegal dumpsites observable along the Mthatha waterbodies. This paper aimed at mapping the hotspots of illegal dumpsites along the middle-course of Mthatha River, to suggest proper waste management strategies that can be applied. To achieve this, several field surveys along the river were conducted to identify and classify the illegal dumpsites. GPS coordinates were recorded to identify the locations of the dumpsites, which were later coded to QGIS for visual presentation. This study revealed seven hotspots of illegal dumping along the middle-course of the Mthatha River. Varied domestic waste compositions which included organic, and inorganic waste were identified as major pollutants from the informal and formal settlements. The study recommends the establishment of monitoring systems around hotspots, watercourse protection measures, frequent waste collection, environmental mass education, and law enforcement as an immediate remedy to curb the problem.

Keywords: illegal dumping; Mthatha River; solid waste; management strategies; water pollution; waste dumping; waste mapping; waste management; waste hotspots.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2025.146867

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2025 Vol.37 No.3, pp.261 - 277

Received: 26 Oct 2022
Accepted: 02 Jul 2023
Published online: 24 Jun 2025 *

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