Johannesburg launches recycling sorting facility at Robinson Deep Landfill site

SOUTH AFRICA – The City of Johannesburg has launched a new recycling sorting facility at the Robinson Deep Landfill Site, operated by Pikitup, as part of efforts to address landfill airspace depletion and strengthen the circular economy.

Jack Sekwaila, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services, welcomed the launch, describing it as a significant step toward addressing the growing challenge of landfill airspace depletion. 

He said the appointment of cooperatives to operate the facility would enhance recovery, sorting and reintroduction of recyclable materials into the recycling value chain, preventing valuable resources from being lost through landfill disposal. 

Waste management remained one of the most pressing challenges facing cities globally, including Johannesburg, with landfill sites under increasing pressure.

Facility Includes Amenities for Waste Pickers

Sekwaila highlighted that the facility represented more than an infrastructure investment, describing it as an investment in people. 

Recyclers working at the site now have access to proper amenities including showers and ablution facilities, enabling them to work in a safer, cleaner and more dignified environment.

He said this demonstrated the city’s commitment to improving working conditions for waste pickers and recognised the vital role they played in Johannesburg’s waste management system.

Nine Compactor Trucks Strengthen Collection Services

During the event, Pikitup also unveiled nine new compactor trucks expected to strengthen waste collection operations and improve service delivery to residents across the city. 

The addition of these vehicles addresses operational capacity constraints that have affected collection schedules in various parts of Johannesburg, where rapid urbanisation and population growth have increased waste volumes faster than infrastructure could keep pace.

Polyco Pledges Machinery to Build Fully Fledged Recycling Hub

Polyco, a non-profit organisation supporting plastic collection and recycling in South Africa and a key stakeholder of Pikitup, pledged to provide machinery and equipment to enhance productivity and efficiency of cooperatives responsible for collecting and sorting recyclable materials at the site. 

Jacques Jelliman, senior manager at Polyco, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the initiative, stating that the site would be capacitated to become a fully fledged recycling hub. 

The launch forms part of the city’s broader efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices, reduce pressure on landfill sites, support the circular economy and create opportunities for community-based cooperatives in the waste management sector.

The Robinson Deep facility is among Johannesburg’s largest landfill sites, making the addition of sorting infrastructure strategically significant for extending its operational lifespan while diverting recoverable materials back into productive use.

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