Understanding the New City of Cape Town Cleaning Tariff

Effective July 1, 2025, the City-Wide Cleaning Tariff was introduced as a separate charge on City of Cape Town municipal accounts. Previously integrated into electricity costs, this new tariff provides transparency, allowing residents to see exactly what they're paying for public area cleaning.

The City-Wide Cleaning Tariff helps fund public cleaning services across Cape Town. This includes the removal of litter from parks, pavements, taxi ranks, and informal settlements, ensuring that shared spaces are clean and safe for all residents. While property owners are responsible for their own premises, this tariff extends cleanliness and maintenance to the public areas used daily by the wider community.

This tariff is part of the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme (MTSRP), a national initiative designed to improve essential services like waste management, water, and electricity in major cities. The program emphasizes financial accountability, infrastructure maintenance, and efficient service delivery.

Public Response and Revisions

The tariff faced significant opposition during early 2025 budget consultations, with thousands of residents signing petitions that raised concerns about fairness and the link to property values. In response, the City significantly reduced charges for residential properties valued under R20 million, introduced rebates for pensioner households, and raised relief thresholds to benefit more households.

By incorporating the 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 needed to maintain cleanliness.
• Demonstrated financial discipline strengthens compliance with national requirements under the MTSRP.
• The City becomes eligible for additional funding from National Treasury to enhance service delivery.

Benefits for Communities

The proper management of the City-Wide Cleaning Tariff offers multiple benefits, including:

• Cleaner and healthier public environments across all communities.
• Improved refuse collection, particularly in high-demand areas.
• Reduced illegal dumping and fewer blocked drains, which helps 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 an item on a municipal account. It's a practical tool that allows 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 livable city for all residents.