Recycling in South Africa

Recycling at your home or business in South Africa can be a mission! Many people complain about not knowing the how, where and when’s of recycling therefore they don’t bother. So how good are we at recycling in South Africa?

Cans: 69 percent
Paper: 59 percent
Glass: About 25 percent
Plastic: About 17 percent

“Informal recyclers recover much of this material from dustbins and landfill sites. This is not ideal, firstly from the point of view of the health and safety of the recyclers. But also because the recyclable material is contaminated with other waste.” http://treevolution.co.za/guide-to-recycling-in-sa/

Why recycle?!

“Firstly, the Earth’s resources are not infinite so we shouldn’t waste them.  And, you know that sign that reads “Leave this place in the same condition as you’d like to find it?”  Well, the same applies to the planet.  You’d rather see your grandchildren running through piles of fallen autumn leaves than piles of discarded rubbish (wouldn’t you?).  More specifically, the government wants to reduce the amount of plastic, cans, paper and glass going to landfills by 70 percent in the next decade or so.  To meet that target, households need to stop simply throwing away rubbish and start implementing the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”  See http://treevolution.co.za/guide-to-recycling-in-sa/

So where does one start?

We have two suggestions:

1. Pikitup

Contact your local Pikitup provider and register for recycling.

They will tell you everything you need to know and will provide you with the appropriate bags and information to help you separate your recycling.  Recycling is then picked up along with your weekly garbage each week.  Simple as that! http://www.pikitup.co.za

2. EcoMonkey

The great thing about Eco-Monkey is that they take the hassle out of recycling.  With their service there is no need to separate recyclable materials. When one signs up with them they deliver a wheelie and you can toss computer waste, paper, light bulbs, glass, plastic into the same wheelie bin.  They collect every two weeks – one household can fill a bin that quickly! It’s amazing how much we throw out that can be recycled.  They charge R75 per month and collect from offices, homes, and complexes. http://www.ecomonkey.co.za/

So what’s stopping you?  It’s as easy as one phone call!  Join the movement and start recycling today!  Let’s make South Africa a cleaner and safer place to live in.  Together we can make a difference.