The cumulative effects of inadequate waste management (in terms of waste collection, organizational structures, capital resources as well as community participation, population growth and urbanisation) results in :

INCREASE IN PESTS

The inappropriate storage and disposal of organic waste attracts rodents and insects, which may increase the frequency of gastro-intestinal and parasitic diseases. One of the most frequent environmental health complaints from the Alexandra area is related to mice, rats and bedbug infestations.

INCREASE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RELATED DISEASES

An increase in environmental health related diseases occurs across Greater Johannesburg, which is often related to inadequate waste management services

INCREASE IN ILLEGAL DUMPING AND LITTERING

Illegal dumping has major impacts across the city especially on open spaces and often occurs in areas with poor service provision.

• Blockages of man holes and waste water systems;
• Blockages of man holes are mainly related to inadequate solid waste management services which in turn impact on the operational (maintenance) budgets of the Local Councils;
• Over-consumption of natural resources;
• The consumption of disposable products requires a comprehensive preventative strategy. However, the status quo of natural resource consumption per capita for Greater Johannesburg is unknown;
• Increase in Litter.

Due to a lack of environmental awareness and poor infrastructure, there are large amounts of litter on the streets, on pavements and on unoccupied open or municipal land. Most of the litter ends up in nearby streams or in manholes, which eventually ends up in local river systems. 

• The attitudes of all communities to solid waste management, as well as of local government role-players need to change.
• Urban areas are growing at such a fast rate that it is difficult for service provision to keep pace with urban growth.