Mobile recycling unit Packa-Ching launched in Katlehong

Packa-Ching, a mobile recycling unit, will travel between low-income communities and surrounding schools in Katlehong, Tokoza, and Vosloorus to buy recyclable packaging materials from residents.

With a unique, entrepreneur-focused approach, Packa-Ching’s network of owner-operated mobile buyback centres consists of a truck and trailer that purchases recyclable packaging material from select communities.

Residents bring recyclable packaging material, such as plastic, paper, cans, and glass, on the collection day, the material is weighed and the value for their materials is then paid to them via a cashless eWallet system in real-time on the spot.

The latest entrepreneur to be empowered through this initiative is Tshepo Mazibuko, who owns K1 Recycling.

“I am a former trash reclaimer (waste picker). Now I own and operate a buyback centre in addition to my plastic processing plant in the community of Katlehong, which I have been running for the past nine years. I have always been troubled by the amount of rubbish that is lying around our township in spite of the waste pickers digging in rubbish bins daily trying to reduce the waste by separating the recyclables,” said Mazibuko.

He said when he heard about the Packa-Ching initiative, it dawned on him that recycling is just a small part of the solution.

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“Our biggest challenge and solution to the waste lying everywhere in our townships is educating consumers about the importance of separating waste at source, and the best way to interest them is to reward them,” added Mazibuko.

The monetary value of the recyclables is loaded into a user’s eWallet account. This money can be spent at any participating merchants, such as Shoprite and uSave, to purchase groceries, airtime, withdraw cash or transfer funds to any other cellphone number in South Africa.

The eWallet removes the logistical challenge of accounting for cash and stock, while also avoiding the security issues that cash attracts.

“Through its long-term partnership with Packa-Ching, Shoprite continues to reduce the amount of recyclable waste going to landfills, while creating income-generating opportunities for communities across South Africa. Our business has a zero-waste-to-landfill approach and is committed to reducing waste in its operations, including changing consumer behaviour,” said Sanjeev Raghubir, Shoprite’s group sustainability manager.

“Given that many South Africans do not recycle and due to the country’s high unemployment rate, we are playing our part in addressing these challenges by supporting the national roll-out of Packa-Ching, which incentivises individuals to recycle,” added Raghubir.

During the week of January 27 to January 31, the South African Plastics Pact was launched to address plastic waste at its source. Shoprite is one of 20 businesses that have committed to ensuring 100 per cent of its plastic packaging is reusable and/or recyclable by 2025.

Packa-Ching also operates in the Western Cape, covering areas like Langa, Joe Slovo, Lavender Hill, and Philippi; Limpopo, covering places such as Thabazimbi and surrounding areas; as well East London, covering Buffalo City.

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Since August 2017, these mobile units have diverted more than 885 tons of recyclable packaging material from landfills, while the communities have earned over R650 000 in exchange for their recyclables.

The collaboration between Polyco (Packa-Ching), Shoprite and K1 Recycling is not only encouraging much-needed awareness about recycling, but it is also introducing a technology-based rewards programme to the informal sector.

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