- R123 million committed to landfill gas to electricity projects to support local energy supply.
- Additional R12 million in 2026 and 2027 financial year for emissions reduction and power generation infrastructure.
- Waste strategy increasingly aligned with energy resilience as city expands.
The City of Cape Town has tabled a R488 million allocation for waste management equipment and infrastructure in its 2026 and 2027 budget, alongside plans to invest a further R1.72 billion in capital expenditure over the following two years as urban growth places pressure on service delivery and landfill capacity.
While much of the funding is directed at maintaining refuse collection and landfill operations, a notable portion targets energy recovery from waste, signalling a growing role for the waste sector in supporting Cape Town’s electricity system.
A total of R123 million has been earmarked for infrastructure that captures landfill gas and converts it into electricity, preventing harmful emissions while contributing to local power generation. This is complemented by an additional R12 million in the 2026 and 2027 financial year to expand landfill gas mitigation systems at Coastal Park and Vissershok North, with a dual focus on reducing climate impact and generating energy.
These investments position waste to energy as an emerging component of the city’s broader energy mix, particularly as municipalities across South Africa seek to diversify supply and improve resilience amid ongoing grid constraints.
Beyond energy related projects, the City has committed R1.2 billion over three years to expand and renew its fleet of refuse collection vehicles and operational equipment, alongside R203 million to increase landfill airspace at Vissershok and R135 million for a new refuse transfer facility at Coastal Park. Additional allocations include R158 million for new and upgraded drop off sites and R45 million for materials recovery infrastructure to divert recyclable waste from landfill.
In the current financial year, R346 million will be directed toward fleet upgrades and replacements, with further funding allocated to depot improvements and waste services in informal settlements.
According to Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, the investment supports both service delivery and long term sustainability objectives.
He noted that the programme is designed to strengthen waste collection systems, expand recycling access, secure landfill capacity and unlock energy generation from waste streams, while highlighting the role of residents and businesses in supporting responsible waste practices.
As Cape Town continues to grow, the integration of waste management and electricity generation is expected to become increasingly important, offering a practical pathway to reduce emissions while contributing to local energy security.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
