Gauteng government promotes recycling in Eldos

The Gauteng government launched the Purpose Recycling Buy-back Centre at Ext 5, Eldorado Park, on October 4.

It aims to educate and promote recycling, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability.

The launch coincided with the commemoration of World Clean-up Day, observed on September 20, with over 190 countries participating.

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The clean-up campaign targeted selected illegal dumping sites around the area.

It was led by the MEC for Environment Sheila Mary Peters and supported by various stakeholders, including Petco, Polyco, Pick it Up Green Development Foundation (Green Army), and Redefined Brands Group.

Peters said the main challenge that affects Eldorado Park communities is illegal dumping, which can be curbed by introducing people to recycling.

“There is a need to introduce and educate the community about separating waste from the source. However, that will be a bigger project for the department to educate the citizens of this community and Gauteng.”

The MEC highlighted the benefits of recycling, stating that the public can start earning money.

“We just learnt that recyclers can register and can earn a stipend. We will roll that out to other communities because not everyone is aware of it. Many of us only heard of it today as well.

“We believe it is a great opportunity for some people to earn money, even if it is a small income, but at least have an income.”

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The MEC said information on how people can register will be shared on the department’s website and communicated through the media.

Residents Joan Solomons and Dalerie Smaln from Ext 4 appreciate the cleaning efforts but voiced frustration with ongoing illegal dumping.

“We as a community must stand together and stop people who dump waste illegally in our communities. I think people need to pay fines for this because we want our area to be clean and green.”

The pair said it was sad to see bakkies offload waste in a vacant area after they cleaned it.

The founder of Environmentors NPO, Chantelle Taylor, emphasised the importance of community involvement.

“We encourage every person in the community to come out and clean”.

Environmentors NPO promotes greening and cleaning, teaching communities to take ownership of their environment.

“We preserve the environment and teach communities to take ownership of our areas because the constitution says people have the right to a clean environment. But they also need to play their part as individuals in our community.

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She said they are conducting an agriculture project at Eldorado Park Primary School, training community members on starting vegetable gardens.

“When we do greening and cleaning, it contributes positively to climate change. The different weather patterns we are experiencing daily are dangerous for our livelihood. Mother Nature is like a real mom.

“When angry, she gives us floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, which is not what she wants to do because she is a life-giver.”

A member of the Green Army, Princess Shahzia Adams shared her experience, stating she has been working under the Green Army for over a year, and planted trees at schools.

“For the past five months, we have been cleaning illegal dumping sites. Taking care of the environment has provided us with something to put on the table for our families, and we are thankful for that,” she continued.

“What we do is important because we are cleaning; our community gets to live in a clean and healthy environment. We get a stipend and can support our families. Do not be shy or discouraged by judgmental people,” Adams concluded.