Starting 1 July 2025, the City-Wide Cleaning Tariff was introduced as a separate charge on City of Cape Town municipal accounts. Previously hidden within electricity costs, the clarity of this charge now allows residents to see exactly what they’re paying for public area cleaning.
The City-Wide Cleaning Tariff is to help fund public cleaning services across Cape Town. This tariff supports the removal of litter from parks, pavements, taxi ranks and informal settlements, ensuring that shared spaces remain clean and safe for all residents. While property owners maintain their own premises, this tariff extends cleanliness and maintenance to public areas used daily by the broader community.
This tariff forms part of the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme (MTSRP), a national initiative designed to improve basic services in large cities, such as waste management, water and electricity. The programme focuses on financial accountability, infrastructure maintenance and efficient service delivery.
Public Response and Revisions
The tariff sparked strong opposition during the early budget consultations in 2025, with thousands of residents signing petitions citing concerns about fairness and the link to property values. In response, the city significantly reduced charges for residential properties under R20 million, introduced rebates for pensioner households and raised relief thresholds to include more households.
By incorporating the City-Wide Cleaning Tariff into municipal bills, several key objectives are achieved:
- Public cleaning costs can be monitored and reported separately.
- The City recovers a portion of the actual expenses required to maintain cleanliness.
- Demonstrated financial discipline strengthens compliance with national requirements under the MTSRP.
- The City becomes eligible for additional funding and support from National Treasury to enhance service delivery.
Benefits for Communities
The introduction and proper management of the City-Wide Cleaning Tariff has multiple benefits, including:
- Cleaner and healthier public environments across all communities.
- Improved refuse collection services, particularly in areas with high demand.
- Reduced illegal dumping and fewer blocked drains, helping to prevent flooding and related health risks.
- Increased investment in waste management infrastructure, such as upgraded bins, vehicles and depots, without relying solely on rates and taxes.
- A skilled and well-trained workforce, capable of responding to cleaning needs promptly and effectively.
A Cleaner, Better City
The City-Wide Cleaning Tariff is more than just a line item on a municipal account. It is a practical tool that enables Cape Town to meet national standards, secure additional funding and deliver improved waste management services. Ultimately, this initiative contributes to a cleaner, safer and more liveable city for all residents.