When it comes to collection and recycling PET plastic (think plastic beverage bottles), South Africa is on par with many countries in Europe – thanks in part to the hard-working people in the collection and recycling sector around the country. Now, a newly released docu-series titled Sorted, directed by veteran actor-director Louw Venter, showcases these inspiring champions … [Read more...]
Women are boosting SA’s sustainability efforts
From scientists and sustainability managers to waste pickers and buy-back centre owners, women are boosting South Africa’s sustainability efforts – but more needs to be done to ensure equal representation. This is according to experts within the sector, as well as the country’s longest-standing Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), PETCO, which oversees collection and … [Read more...]
A new era of mandatory producer responsibility
With more than 18 years of experience as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), PETCO has helped shape how PROs administer extended producer responsibility (EPR) in South Africa. Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act has ushered in a new era of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It now obliges Producers to assume … [Read more...]
SA brands meeting plastic collection and recycling targets
Newly released data shows that several major South African brands are meeting targets when it comes to collecting and recycling the plastic packaging in which their products are sold, and keeping it out of the environment. The audited data was released on June 8 by the country’s longest-standing producer responsibility organisation (PRO), PETCO. It represents 2022 collection … [Read more...]
Wastepreneur Nokubonga’s hard work recognised
In 2014, Nokubonga Mnyango quit her job as a driver-cum-admin clerk at a wood chipping mill in Richards Bay for what some community members described as ‘digging in dirty dustbins.’ Today, she runs two thriving buy-back centres in Empangeni, employing 22 full-time staff and supporting 100 waste collectors in the community. Her hard work and passion for recycling have been … [Read more...]
Military puts muscle behind the circular economy
The South African military has put its muscle behind the circular economy with its launch of a separation-at-source recycling initiative in Limpopo. The Lephalale-based South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) training centre, which falls under the Department of Defence, has joined forces with South Africa’s longest-standing producer responsibility organisation, PETCO, … [Read more...]
Growing post-consumer waste collection
A unique enterprise development programme is set to be a boost for small recycling businesses, create jobs and improve the long-term sustainability of the recycling value chain in South Africa. The programme, which focuses on recycling buy-back centres, is being implemented by one of South Africa’s most enduring producer responsibility organisations, PETCO, and its funding … [Read more...]
Waste sector income and plastic recycling on the rise
More than 40 local, district and provincial municipalities countrywide have benefitted from strategic sustainability partnerships in 2021/2 – not just improving waste collection and PET plastic recycling rates, but also creating much-needed income opportunities in the sector and helping develop South Africa’s circular economy. One such drive involves the Zonda Insila … [Read more...]
Boost for KZN environmental clean-up following floods
An environmental clean-up of communities left reeling from the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year has yielded positive results, including the collection of a whopping eight tonnes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which has been recycled. Among the major clean-up efforts in the province has been one driven by South Africa’s foremost plastic … [Read more...]
Industries collaborate for nationwide clean-up
September was an exciting month for South Africa, as Clean-Up and Recycle Week happened again from 12 - 16 September. During this time, the PETCO team was spread across the country doing training, community clean-ups, and educating future recyclers. It is against this background that AECI has again participated in World Clean Up Day when individuals and organisations are … [Read more...]
Women leading the way in creating a circular economy
The recycling industry is traditionally perceived as a male-dominated one, but in reality, many remarkable women and women-run businesses are making waves in it. Recently, three such South African women, who have found innovative ways to turn recyclables into viable businesses and improve the lives of those living in their communities, were celebrated in the annual PETCO … [Read more...]
Game-changers honoured at annual recycling awards
The time has come again for perhaps South Africa’s most renowned awards show in the recycling sector. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QEPI4ZCer8 The nation’s most innovative recyclers are nominated each year for a number of categories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpn_433lp04 This year, those who succeed will have the opportunity to have their priceless … [Read more...]
Turning the tide on plastic waste at Ballito Pro
A KwaZulu-Natal-based community recycling initiative helped keep plastic out of the environment at the Ballito Pro 2022 surfing competition. Thousands of nurdles litter South Africa’s beaches. These tiny plastic resin pellets, also called mermaid tears, are a source of microplastics in our oceans and are dangerous to marine life. Nurdles are lentil-sized plastic pellets … [Read more...]
