KNYSNA NEWS - Residents, schoolchildren and local organisations recently joined forces in Hornlee to tackle littering and illegal dumping and encourage the community to take greater pride in its surroundings.

This clean-up initiative, held under the theme 'My Waste, My Responsibility, My Area and My Pride', was organised by the Knysna Municipality's environmental management and waste management departments, in partnership with Kondebe (Pty) Ltd, Eco Warriors, residents, fisherfolk and small-scale farmers.

The day began with visits to Knysna Secondary and Hornlee Primary, where Eco Club members learnt about the harmful effects of littering and illegal dumping, as well as the importance of disposing of waste responsibly.

Representatives of the participating organisations encouraged the learners to become environmental ambassadors by practising good waste management and setting an example for others.

The focus then shifted to Gaatjie in Ward 6, where participants collected litter with support from the municipality's Expanded Public Works Programme teams responsible for river health and natural resource management.

The organisers also visited households to find out why littering occurs and what challenges residents face when disposing of their waste.

They said the gathered information will help identify practical ways to improve waste management and encourage greater community involvement.

The message to residents was simple: "Bin it, separate it and own it."

The organisers said keeping Hornlee clean was not just the municipality's responsibility, but a shared effort. Residents can help by disposing of rubbish properly, avoiding illegal dumping and encouraging others to do the same.

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