To revive the spirit of campaigns against littering in Cape Town, Bingo, the city’s new lovable and friendly anti-litter mascot, is visiting various primary schools as part of the annual #SpringCleanCT initiative. Along with Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Alderman Grant Twigg, the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Bingo visited Caradale Primary School in Mitchells Plain on September 13, 2023, to encourage the young students to keep their beloved city clean.
Bingo’s Presence in Schools
Bingo’s enthusiastic presence in Caradale Primary School ignited the learners’ enthusiasm, reminding them of the earlier generations’ anti-litter campaigns marked by catchy slogans such as “Zap it in the Zibi bin.” The current message encourages children to “Bin it in the Bingo Bin.” This cute creature, modeled after the thousands of green litter bins scattered throughout the metro area, will continue its journey to schools all over Cape Town as part of the 2023 Spring Clean campaign.
The Progress of #SpringCleanCT Campaign
The #SpringCleanCT campaign has made significant progress in recent years, including the collection of almost 200,000 additional bags of litter across Cape Town, thanks to the collaborative efforts of residents, schools, businesses, and civil society. This year, the city plans to intensify cleaning operations in regions identified as litter hotspots. Moreover, residents will have the chance to contribute by organizing or participating in clean-ups within their communities.
Cleaning Efforts Around The City
As the bustling tourism season approaches, the city aims to enhance cleaning efforts along significant routes and known littering spots. Outreach teams will engage with residents in schools, malls, intersections, and public places to spread the message that keeping Cape Town clean starts with refraining from littering.
Citizens’ Participation in #SpringCleanCT Campaign
As part of the #SpringCleanCT campaign, citizens are encouraged to report instances of illegal dumping through a 24-hour toll-free number (0800 110077) in exchange for a reward if the information leads to arrests. Additionally, the city has allocated significant investments in Urban Waste Management services over the next three years, including upgrading facilities such as landfills, drop-offs, waste-to-energy projects, recycling, and depots; new refuse removal vehicles to ensure reliable service; expanded area cleaning, including street cleaning, beach cleaning, illegal dumping, events, and more, and improved waste management in informal settlements.
Foster Pride in Cape Town
The #SpringCleanCT campaign aims to foster pride in Cape Town, affectionately known as the Mother City, and its beautiful surroundings. Locals can get involved by organizing or joining clean-ups and share their efforts on social media using the hashtag #SpringCleanCT. To report illegal dumping or request clearance of waste, citizens can also reach out to the city at 0860 103 089 or via email at solidwaste.bylaw@capetown.gov.za.
Bingo, the adorable anti-litter mascot, symbolizes Cape Town’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. By encouraging schools and the broader community to take responsibility for their surroundings, the city hopes to inspire residents, especially the younger generation, to preserve the beauty of Cape Town for generations to come.
