Regenize expands community recycling hubs to boost inclusive waste management in Cape Town

SOUTH AFRICA – South African social enterprise Regenize has relaunched five of its Recycling for the African Context (REACT) hubs across Cape Town.

This initiative is part of Regenize’s broader mission to create a more inclusive, decentralized, and sustainable recycling ecosystem tailored for the African urban environment.

Each REACT hub functions as a micro recycling centre, strategically located within communities to serve up to 1,200 households, offering free collection services and eliminating logistical and financial barriers to recycling participation.

The hubs aim to drive environmental awareness while integrating informal waste reclaimers, often marginalized in mainstream recycling systems, into the formal economy.

A key innovation in Regenize’s model is the use of Remali, a virtual rewards currency. Residents who participate in the program by sorting and submitting recyclables earn Remali points, which can be exchanged for essential items such as airtime, data bundles, and grocery vouchers.

This incentive-based system not only increases recycling rates but also supports household needs in communities that often face economic hardship.

The five relaunched hubs are now fully operational across various locations, enhancing accessibility and community engagement.

These include the Reable Centre at 152 Tarentaal Road in Bridgetown, Kewtown Primary School on Klapperbos Street in Kewtown, and Elizabeth Drive in Alicedale, Athlone. Additional hubs are located along Norma Road in Silvertown and at 2 Carnie Road in Rylands Estate.

“We’re not just setting up recycling stations; we’re building a model of community-driven sustainability,” said Ashley Arendse, Regenize’s Chief Business Officer.

“By combining local engagement with practical solutions, we’re creating a blueprint that can be replicated throughout the continent.”

The relaunch aligns with Regenize’s long-term innovation roadmap, which includes future plans to integrate electric vehicles into the waste collection process to further reduce the environmental footprint.

This initiative comes at a time when South Africa faces mounting pressure to improve its waste management practices.

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, only around 10% of the country’s waste is recycled, despite high levels of waste generation and increasing concerns over plastic pollution.

By embedding circular economy principles at the community level, Regenize’s REACT hubs represent a scalable, people-centered approach to waste reduction and economic upliftment.

Residents are encouraged to participate by separating their recyclables and connecting with their nearest hub.

Regenize’s inclusive model signals a promising path forward for sustainable urban living in Africa.

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