Polyco provides PPEs to boost waste reclaimers’ safety and efficiency in Western Cape

SOUTH AFRICA – Polyco, a producer responsibility organization, has collaborated with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) to improve the safety and efficiency of waste reclaimers in the province. 

The initiative has provided waste reclaimers with personal protective equipment (PPE) packs, including safety suits, boots, gloves, hard hats, safety vests, masks, earplugs, and bags.

Additionally, Polyco invested R500,000 (US$27,999) to supply reclaimers with trolleys, which significantly improved their mobility and reduced the physical strain of transporting recyclables daily. 

The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) has identified five high-impact recycling buy-back centres that will benefit from additional resources under the partnership.

These centres play a crucial role in supporting local recycling initiatives and advancing the province’s circular economy goals. 

One of the selected facilities is Henque Waste, located in George, which serves as a key hub for waste management and recycling in the region.

Another is Masiqhame Trading, based in Plettenberg Bay, which contributes significantly to the collection and processing of recyclables in the area. 

Further north, Piketberg Civils, situated in Piketberg, has been recognized for its impact on community recycling efforts.

Similarly, Speckled Tortoise, located in Vredendal, plays a vital role in recovering and redistributing recyclable materials. 

Finally, C&D, based in Vredenburg, has also been identified as a facility that would benefit from additional resources.

These buy-back centres will be better equipped to enhance recycling operations, benefiting reclaimers and their surrounding communities.

These efforts aim to integrate waste reclaimers into municipal waste systems, enhancing their livelihoods while contributing to the province’s waste diversion and recycling initiatives.

Recognizing the role of waste reclaimers

Waste reclaimers play a vital role in South Africa’s circular economy, collecting 80%–90% of the country’s recycled plastic packaging and paper.

The informal waste sector significantly reduces waste sent to landfills and supports resource recovery.

The partnership seeks to safeguard reclaimers’ health and improve productivity by providing essential tools and safety equipment.

Polyco CEO Patricia Pillay emphasized the importance of their work, stating, “Waste reclaimers are essential contributors to creating a circular economy in both the Western Cape and the rest of the country.

“This partnership highlights how public responsibility organisations and government can cooperate to ensure waste reclaimers are equipped to become more productive and work safely for the benefit of their communities and the environment.”

A cleaner, resource-efficient future

The partnership between Polyco and the DEA&DP is committed to expanding recycling initiatives and improving community accessibility.

This collaboration underscores the shared goal of fostering a resource-efficient society while enhancing waste reclaimers’ contributions to cleaner municipalities.

By integrating reclaimers into formal systems and equipping them with the necessary tools, this initiative benefits the reclaimers and strengthens local recycling efforts, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the Western Cape.

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