Edenvale’s Debbie makes recycling her business

There is plenty of information available on why recycling is important for the environment and an Edenvale resident has made recycling her business.

Also read: Residents share their views on recycling

Debbie Bolton said she was introduced to recycling by a friend and she has never looked back.

“We used to collect the cans and bottles from the taxi rank at night but my son said I should stop doing that because it’s not safe. I then started using Facebook to put the word out about what I was doing and that is how it all began,” said Debbie.

Also read: Radebe aims to formalise recycling in Edenvale

She said now that she no longer collects from the streets, she mostly gets the items from companies and individuals who call her to collect.

“People call me and I also contact companies who have material that is recyclable and then go and collect. People also call me when they have things they want to get rid of. I collect the things from their homes and when I have enough, I take it for recycling,” she said.

Also read: There’s a lot to recycling

Debbie said recycling has helped her family financially and she is in the process of creating a Facebook Page which will enable her to connect with more people and share what she does.

Metal tins, aluminium tins, broken appliances such as geysers, stoves, washing machines, boxes, plastic bottles and anything plastic are some of the things she collects.

“I collect just about anything recyclable – including magazines,” she said.

To her, recycling is more than just earning a living.

“When I watch television and see the pollution in the ocean, it makes me angry that humans are responsible for so much damage to the earth. I have even encouraged my tenants to recycle and they love doing it. I enjoy recycling and even though I am home most of the time, I always find something to do. It gives me a sense of purpose and I also do beading,” said Debbie.

She said social media has been a great platform for her because she has met a lot of people who support her recycling efforts.

People who have items they want to recycle, can contact her on 071 506 0838.

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