Polyco launches women-owned Packa-Ching recycling unit as network surpasses US$3M in community payouts

SOUTH AFRICA – Polyco has launched a new mobile Packa-Ching recycling unit in Benoni in partnership with women-led enterprise Trash2Treasure, as the national network of 62 trailers surpasses R57 million (US$3.04 million) in community payouts and diverts over 45 million kilograms of recyclable material from landfill.

The unit, sponsored by Sasol, serves the Putfontein area of Benoni and also services Soweto. 

The launch was attended by representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Pikitup, the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality and the PRO Alliance. 

The Packa-Ching network operates 62 trailers nationally, with 21 of them women-owned.

Trash2Treasure’s Growth and Community Impact

Trash2Treasure was founded by local entrepreneur Nokuthula Tshabalala in 2014 and formally registered in 2018. 

Over more than a decade, the enterprise has built a community-based business serving households, schools and businesses, creating income opportunities for women, youth and waste reclaimers in the area. 

The company currently employs 12 people in various roles, with additional facilitators and volunteers assisting during campaigns. 

Tshabalala’s journey began with a personal moment with her son that highlighted the limitations of living month-to-month. She has partnered with Fibre Circle to implement the Zithande Mzansi Programme at schools for the Deaf across South Africa. 

The new unit will help the enterprise reach more schools and expand its collection services across multiple communities.

Polyco’s Investment in Women-Led Enterprises and Circular Economy

In 2025, Polyco invested more than R22 million (US$1.17 million) across its enterprise-development value chain, supporting 23 small and medium-sized projects, 14 of them women-owned. 

The launch of the new unit aligns with Women’s Month, held under the theme “Empowered Women Empower the Nation”. 

Patricia Pillay, CEO of Polyco, stated that women are the backbone of the recycling economy, collecting, sorting and recovering material long before anyone thought to invest in them. 

Tshabalala stated that the Packa-Ching trailer marks a major milestone for her organisation, enabling the company to support more waste reclaimers and expand collection services. 

The WeighPay platform records all volumes and facilitates secure transactions, with cashless eWallet payments ensuring safety and transparency. 

The Packa-Ching network has paid more than R57 million (US$3.04 million) to participating communities and diverted over 45 million kilograms of recyclable material from landfill. Polyco’s investment in the recycling value chain has also contributed to the growth of the Green Youth Network, which supports young people in the waste sector. 

The new unit in Benoni represents a significant expansion of the Packa-Ching network, providing residents with direct access to paid recycling services while promoting environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

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