Be green and make money by recycling
"I challenge other individuals to start collecting cans. Can recycling is a great way of generating an extra income for yourself" - Tinus van Niekerk, owner of Seshego Recycling
POLOKWANE – “In life you have two options, work for a boss or be your own boss. I decided I don’t want to work for a boss and that is why I opened my own business,” says Tinus van Niekerk, owner of Seshego Recycling.
His business has been running for 17 years and collects everything that is recyclable. They also support Collect-a-Can, which is a well-known can recovery and recycling organisation which works within various communities encouraging citizens to collect cans for cash.
On an average day, Van Niekerk and his team collect 800 kg of cans.
“I challenge other individuals to start collecting cans. Can recycling is a great way of generating an extra income for yourself, while keeping the environment clean for future generations.
“Every can that is recycled makes a difference,” Van Niekerk explains.
However, Van Niekerk feels South Africa is not yet ready for the initiative valid in the USA where residents get refunded for their recycling contributions.
“It can work, but it will take a while before we get there. There are some schools in the rural areas and Seshego that practice the American idea. They collect recycle materials at school and then sell it,” he adds.
It is important for Van Niekerk that his business is there to help others also through job creation.
“I have six people working for me now, but I hope to grow my business so that I can employ more workers,” he says.
