Recycling a guise for crime?

A discussion between members of the Facebook group, Eblockwatch – which referred to these individuals as ‘recyclers’ – revealed that several members of the public were concerned that the practice served as a disguise to commit crime.

Eblockwatch member Russel John Sellick claimed that a ‘recycler’ stole part of his home’s palisade fence.

According to another member, Warren Sinden, ‘recyclers’ had begun marking targeted houses by placing a blue plastic bag or a colddrink bottle directly across from its driveway.

Midrand Community Policing Forum’s Sector 4 chairperson Takis Machalakis said there were syndicates that used the recycling business to commit identity fraud and white collar crime.

According to Machalakis, ‘recyclers’ were being instructed to collect only white paper for resale.

As a result, ‘recyclers’ would only collect paper, including bank statements and other documents, to sell to these syndicates, who would commit identity fraud by using the information it contained, he said.

After inquring with Sappi and other paper companies, he discovered that they accepted any colour paper, raising his suspicions that ‘recyclers’ were being instructed to only collect white paper for other reasons.

However, Metro police regarded the ‘recyclers’ to be a safety hazard rather than a threat.

According to Metro police, ongoing complaints were received about ‘recyclers’, who occupy a significant portion of the road when hauling their loads, posing a danger to themselves and other road users.

Metro police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane said the ‘recyclers’ were found all over the city, especially in suburban areas, where they knew they would have access to recyclable items.

Metro police were trying to partner with the private sector to find ways to more effectively accommodate these individuals, because they were trying to make a living and recycling was their only form of income, she said.

Metro police were aware of the safety factor and were addressing the issue, she added.