Losing your Pikitup refuse bin to theft can be a frustrating experience, especially when it disrupts your waste collection routine.

• In Johannesburg, Pikitup, the waste management service provider, has been inundated with requests for bin replacements.
• Many of which stem from residents and businesses not fully understanding the proper procedures.
• To ensure that your request for a bin replacement is processed swiftly and efficiently, it’s crucial to follow the correct steps.
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Here’s everything you need to know if your Pikitup bin has been stolen, damaged, or if you’re simply looking to get an additional one:

The first step in addressing a stolen refuse bin is to report the theft at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station. Filing this report is essential for obtaining a case number, which will be necessary for the rest of the replacement process. Once you have the case number, make sure you have your municipal account details on hand as well. These account details will be required when contacting the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre to request a bin replacement.

When you contact the Call Centre, follow the voice prompts and press “Option 4” for Pikitup. Upon providing your case number and account details, you will be issued a reference number. This number is important as it is the key to tracking your bin replacement request. Be sure to keep it safe. It’s worth noting that, according to Pikitup’s policy, lost or stolen bins will only be replaced free of charge once within their useful life, which is currently set at 8-years. If you’ve already had a bin replaced within this period, you may be required to cover the cost of a new one.

Sometimes, your bin may not be stolen but merely damaged due to wear and tear or accidents. In this case, the process is more straightforward. You do not need to involve the SAPS or obtain a case number. Instead, contact the City’s Call Centre directly, and once again, have your municipal account details ready. Report the damage and request a replacement.

Similar to the process for stolen bins, you will be issued a reference number once your request is logged. This number will allow you to track your request until a new bin is delivered. The good news is that damaged bins are replaced free of charge under Pikitup’s bin management policy. For those who require additional bins – perhaps due to increased waste production or a growing business – the process is equally straightforward. Contact the City’s Call Centre and provide your account details. As with stolen or damaged bins, you will be issued a reference number for your request.

However, unlike the replacement of stolen or damaged bins, requesting an additional bin is not free. Residents and businesses will be required to pay for any extra bins, and the reference number will be used to track the delivery and billing process. Once the reference number is issued, it will be forwarded to a Pikitup official, who will then attend to the request. Upon delivery, customers are required to sign a bin delivery document as proof of receipt. This step is important to ensure that there is a formal record of the delivery.

There are a few critical points that all residents and businesses should remember when requesting a bin:

• No bin request will be processed without a reference number: This number is essential, as it allows Pikitup to track and manage your request. Whether it’s a replacement for a stolen bin, a damaged bin, or an additional bin, the reference number is your key to receiving service.
• Policy on free replacements: Damaged bins are replaced at no cost, but lost or stolen bins will only be replaced free of charge once within their useful lifespan of eight years. After this period, or if a bin has already been replaced within that time, you will be responsible for the cost of a new bin.
• Sectional title properties: If you live in a sectional title property (such as a townhouse complex), bin management works a little differently. Pikitup will provide bins based on either the number of units in the complex or the available space for storing bins. Only the property owner or managing agent is allowed to apply for bins on behalf of the residents, so be sure to coordinate with them if you need a replacement.
• Tenants must present a letter of authority: If you are a tenant, you cannot apply for a bin replacement directly unless you have written permission from the property owner or managing agent. Ensure you have this documentation ready before contacting the Call Centre.

While the process of replacing a stolen bin is relatively straightforward, prevention is always better than cure. Pikitup encourages residents to bring their bins back inside their properties as soon as they are emptied. Leaving bins out on the street for extended periods increases the risk of theft, and taking this small step can save you the hassle of having to go through the replacement process.

For any bin-related inquiries or requests, you can contact the City of Johannesburg’s Call Centre on the following numbers: 011-375-5555 or 086-056-2874 (Press “Option 4” for Pikitup).

By following these steps and keeping the important points in mind, you can ensure that your bin replacement request is handled efficiently, and that your waste management routine continues smoothly.

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