Only 26% of landfill sites in North West meet standards, AfriForum audit shows

Platinum Weekly newspaper | North West – Rustenburg’s Waterval landfill and the privately operated Mooinooi site are among just five of 19 waste disposal facilities to pass AfriForum’s 2026 provincial landfill audit, released on 16 October 2026. Only 26% of the landfill sites and transfer stations assessed met the organisation’s minimum audit requirements, which require a score of at least 80%.

The province recorded an average score of 40%, with particularly poor results close to home: Swartruggens scored 0% and Koster just 6%.

The other sites that passed were Hartebeesfontein in Madibeng, Felophepa in Potchefstroom and Vryburg. Felophepa climbed from 50% last year to 92% following the appointment of a competent contractor, according to AfriForum.

AfriForum’s Alta Pretorius said effective waste management has far-reaching consequences for people and the environment, and called for urgent improvement.

The organisation has submitted its report to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Residents are encouraged to support recycling and community initiatives that reduce waste sent to landfills.