People can feel that they are expected to live with increasingly bold animals while having limited practical tools to protect their homes. How we manage our waste can help keep baboons out of urban areas. Dealing responsibly with waste is one simple way we can help protect wildlife and keep our families and communities safe.
The conflict between people and baboons is becoming a difficult reality in communities situated close to natural habitat. Residents want to feel safe in their own homes, while conservationists face the challenge of managing intelligent, adaptable animals that have learned that human settlements can provide easy access to food.
Once animals become accustomed to human food, they can become increasingly dependent on urban resources and more difficult to manage.
The Overstrand Municipality manages human-baboon interactions through dedicated hotlines, baboon-proof waste regulations, and area rangers.
Table of Contents
Tips for residents in baboon-affected areas
- Use an animal-proof waste bin fitted with a baboon-proof locking device
- Put bins out on the morning of the scheduled collection day
- Never leave black refuse bags on pavements, or on top of or next to bins
- Take extra waste to your nearest transfer station or mini drop-off
Homeowners are asked to take note of these requirements and landlords and letting agents are requested to make sure that tenants and holidaymakers are also informed. If you are away on a Sunday, please make arrangements with a permanent resident to put out your bin on the scheduled collection day rather than leaving waste outside.
Baboon-Proof Bins
- Install secure locks: Use heavy-duty wheelie bins with working locks on both sides. A single lock in the middle is not enough.
- Anchor your bin: Tie or chain your bin to a wall or pole. Baboons know how to knock bins over to pop the lids open.
- Buy approved containers: You can purchase approved animal-proof bins from local authorities like the Overstrand Municipality or fit locks onto standard hardware store bins.
Baboon-resistant 240-litre wheelie bins with locks are available from the Hermanus Municipal Offices and will be delivered to residents. The current cost is R1 929,90.
Residents can also buy a suitable bin from a hardware store and fit a baboon-proof lock.
Time Your Disposal Right
- Wait for collection morning: Put your rubbish out only on the scheduled collection day.
- Follow collection times: Place bins on the sidewalk before 07:00 or 07:30 AM, depending on your local schedule.
- Never leave trash overnight: Leaving black bags or bins out on non-collection nights attracts baboons, birds, and dogs, which will tear open the bags
Manage Excess Rubbish
- No outside bags: Do not leave extra refuse bags on top of your bin or on the pavement.
- Use transfer stations: Take any extra waste directly to a local municipal drop-off or transfer station.
- Explore smart solutions: Businesses and large properties can look into contained systems like a BiobiN composting unit to manage organic waste safely
Baboon Hotline
The difficult question is how to protect wildlife while also protecting people and property. For residents, however, the consequences are very real. A troop moving through a neighbourhood can disrupt daily life, damage property and create anxiety, particularly when animals enter homes or become unusually bold.
The story behind the baboon problem is ultimately a story about a changing relationship between people and the natural environment, and finding a way for both to coexist.
For baboon-related incidents, contact the Overstrand Baboon Hotline (WhatsApp only): 069 151 5962, or use your local community WhatsApp group or the locally developed apps.
Source and References
https://www.overstrand.gov.za/baboons-and-your-garbage/
https://biobin.co.za/a-new-waste-management-priority-keeping-baboons-out-of-your-organic-waste/
