September is National Clean-up and Recycle Month.
In light of this, the Benoni City Times shone a spotlight on local waste pickers who keep the environment clean while making money doing so.
With unemployment rife in SA, many people have resorted to recycling to survive these tough economic times.
Lucky Mkhize of Actonvillle, who recycles a range of items, said his informal recycling hustle had grown since he started in 2008.
With no formal education, the father of two said he started as a waste picker, scavenging for bottles, cans, boxes, and plastics on various neighbourhood streets and in landfills. However, a few years back, things changed when he and 42 others opened an informal buy-back centre.
This effort enabled him to buy waste from other recyclers and not hit the streets.
“Life is much easier now because I no longer wake up in the morning. When recyclers arrive from their morning pick-up, I check the waste, weigh it and pay the recycler cash for their recyclables,” said Mkhize.
The 45-year-old, who operates at the old Willowmore Secondary School tennis court on Liverpool Road near the Benoni Taxi Rank, said some of his colleagues awoke at 05:00 and go to areas like Farramere, Northmead, Westdene and surrounding areas to look for, what he calls, ‘their treasure’.
Around 11:00, they return to sort their waste before selling it to nearby recycling companies.
He said that weekly, a waste picker could earn about R3 000.
“I’ve realised that recycling has value, but it’s a lot of work and requires discipline. Our work may seem less important, but I believe we are making a huge difference in curbing pollution in our environment,” said Mkhize.
Mkhize’s colleague, Armando Makamo of Vosloorus, said his dream was to buy a bakkie.
“Transport is vital in our line of work because waste collections can be in bulk rather than small portions when using a trolley,” said Makamo.
Mkhize said they are looking into formalising the business and getting a permit. They appeal to businesses and anyone who can donate a waste bailing machine, refuse bags and trolleys in good condition for the sustainability of their hustle.
They urged residents to separate their waste so they don’t have to sift through the trash.
“Those with cardboard, paper, glass, plastic, plastic bottles, beverages and food cans are welcome to bring them here,” Mkhize said.
To donate or for more information, contact Mkhize on 067 134 3056.
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