Allexer Namundjebo
The City of Windhoek (CoW) says it never had a formal contract with Rent-A-Drum for the collection and removal of the well-known clear recycling bags from residential areas.
CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya told Windhoek Observer that the municipality is not ending any contract, as no official agreement was ever in place.
Amutenya responded to growing public concern over the future of household recyclable waste collection in Windhoek.
She explained that since 2010, Rent-A-Drum, a private waste recycling company, has voluntarily collected the clear recycling bags.
She stressed that there was no binding contract between the company and the municipality.
Amutenya said the decision to stop the service was made by Rent-A-Drum and communicated to the City.
“The move was initiated by the company, not the municipality,” Amutenya said.
Amutenya reassured residents that the City of Windhoek has the resources and capacity to take over the service.
The transition will begin on 1 July 2025. She said the municipality will use its existing fleet, personnel, and infrastructure to continue the collection of clear recycling bags.
“We anticipate some challenges typical of any operational transition, but we are planning to ensure continuity of service,” she said.
She added that the City does not expect any immediate additional costs during the initial phase.
“We will be using our current workforce and vehicles, so the service will be delivered within existing resources,” Amutenya said.
She noted that, over time, the City will assess if any additional operational costs arise.
Rent-A-Drum confirmed in a public statement that it would stop collecting clear recycling bags, as the City will assume responsibility for the service.
“There will be a change in collection from households effective 30 June,” the statement read.
Rent-A-Drum introduced the clear recycling bag collection programme in September 2010, initially in selected Windhoek suburbs such as Avis, Ludwigsdorf, Klein Windhoek, Luxury Hill, and Eros.
Rent-A-Drum provided households with starter packs containing two clear bags for collecting recyclables, which they collected alongside municipal refuse bins and replaced at no cost.
The Windhoek municipality has its own recycling initiatives.
In 2022, the CoW launched its own waste buy-back centres as part of an integrated recycling strategy.
These centres allow residents to exchange recyclable items for cash or coupons.
One centre in Katutura paid out over N$164,000 to residents.
The municipality also implemented an Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) in 2022.
The plan focuses on sustainable waste reduction practices, including source separation with clear bags, community awareness, and expanding recycling infrastructure.
While Rent-A-Drum had voluntarily collected the clear bags, the municipality confirmed this was never under a formal contract.
The municipality is confident it has the capacity to take over and continue the service.
Amutenya said they expect some operational challenges but are working to ensure a smooth transition to keep the service running without disruption after 30 June 2025.
