Next Monday, during Voëlklip’s refuse collection day, law enforcement officers will be doing a walk-by inspection to ensure that household bins are properly baboon-proof. This inspection is part of a wider effort, with similar blitzes planned for other baboon-affected areas across the Overstrand.
Recent operations have shown that many bins, both new and older, lack functional locks or have damaged clips, making it easy for baboons to access waste. Once baboons find an unsecured bin, they are likely to return, creating ongoing problems for residents.
To avoid problems, residents are encouraged to secure their bins:
- Ensure all bins have functioning locks and no gaps that baboons can exploit.
- For single-latch bins, consider securing the bin to a pole to prevent tipping.
- Cost-effective options include converting bins for under R250, or purchasing 240-litre green wheelie bins with locks from municipal offices for R1 838, including home delivery.
- Hangklip-Kleinmond residents can contact Renee (060 656 7341) or Elsa (083 283 7362) in Betty’s Bay for galvanized locking catches.
- Greater Hermanus residents can contact the Hermanus Baboon Action Group on hermanusbaboons@gmail.com for assistance with bin security.
Baboon-resistant 240-litre wheelie bins with locks are also available at the Hermanus and Kleinmond municipal offices. Hardware-store bins can be fitted with baboon-proof locks, or private service providers in Overstrand can convert existing bins into secure, animal-proof containers.
Under the Municipal Solid Waste By-Law, households in baboon-affected areas that do not comply with animal-proof bin requirements may face fines of up to R1 500 after an official notice is issued. Officers will follow up on collection days to remind residents to secure their bins.
Declared baboon-affected areas include: Voëlklip, Fernkloof (including the Golf Estate), Hermanus Heights, Eastcliff, Kwaaiwater, portions of Onrus and Hawston, Kleinmond (including Arabella), Betty’s Bay, Rooiels, and Pringle Bay.
Proper waste management is essential to discourage baboons from foraging in residential areas. So please make sure your bin is baboon-proof.
