Curbside project in pipeline to encourage recycling
It is estimated that only five per cent of South African households recycle their paper and cardboard.
This is according to Paper Recycling Association of South Africa.
In response to the need to recycle, the metro is in the process of formalising a curbside recycling pilot project for Boksburg residents.
Preparations are anticipated to be finalised during April 2015 and commence on May 1.
According to the metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, residents do not have to pay to have their goods collected or recycled.
Those who are interested in recycling can collect bins at the Boksburg Waste Management Depot situated at 19 Reservoir Road, Boksburg East. For more information contact Toffee Mogoerane on 011 999 5446.
Appropriate identification and proof of a water and electricity account is required.
* The Paper Recycling Association of South Africa encourages recycling in South Africa, as chances are that millions of tonnes of recyclable paper are going to landfill sites every year.
This paper degrades along with other food waste, adding to the levels of greenhouse gases in the air we breathe.
Methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In some cases, paper is incinerated, also causing air pollution.
Therefore, by recycling paper, the carbon remains ”locked up” for longer. It also saves landfill space.
Adele Tompson from Mpact explained that the input of paper has a positive impact in terms of climate change, replacing virgin material thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to the production of virgin fibre, and the landfilling or incineration of this recycled paper is prevented.
“The recovery and recycling of paper in South Africa ensures local beatification of raw materials and the creation of jobs,” she added.
“We do not charge residents when we collect their goods and if people want money out of it, they must contact the suppliers.”
“They need to bring themselves to the depot or apply as a supplier then they will get paid.”
“However, residents can recycle anywhere and every Wednesday, we collect their goods and give them new bags”.
For more information on recycling, residents may contact Tompson on 011 538 8600.
