Recycle; The Power of R

Recycling holds a transformative power in our efforts to combat the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. By adopting a robust recycling culture, we can divert plastics from landfills, conserve resources, and mitigate the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution.

At its core, recycling is a process that converts used plastic items into new materials, reducing the need for virgin plastic production. This circular approach helps break the linear “take-make-dispose” model and instead creates a closed-loop system where materials are continuously re-used.

The power of recycling lies in its ability to conserve valuable resources and energy. By recycling plastic, we reduce the demand for raw materials, such as fossil fuels, that are used in plastic production. This helps to preserve natural resources, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate the strain on our environment.

Moreover, recycling plays a crucial role in tackling the issue of plastic pollution. When plastic waste is properly recycled, it is prevented from entering our oceans, rivers, and ecosystems, where it can harm wildlife and contribute to the degradation of our environment. Recycling enables us to give plastic a second life and prevent it from becoming a persistent pollutant.

Effectiverecycling systems require collaboration among individuals, businesses, and governments. Communities must have access to convenient recycling infrastructure and clear guidelines on what can be recycled. Businesses should adopt sustainable packaging practices and support the use of recycled materials. Governments can implement policies and incentives to promote recycling and invest in recycling facilities and technologies.

Education and awareness also play a crucial role in unleashing the power of recycling. By educating individuals about the importance of recycling, proper sorting techniques, and the environmental benefits, we can inspire behavioural changes and foster a sense of responsibility towards waste management.

“The Power of R; recycle” emphasises the importance of recycling as a key solution to our plastic waste crisis. It reminds us that each recycling effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for a more sustainable future. By embracing recycling, we harness the power to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a healthier planet for generations to come.

Related Videos
Play Video
Play Video
Play Video
Play Video

Where to recycle plastics in South Africa

The Sustainable Sea Trust has an interactive map that shows thousands of collectors, recyclers, depots, landfills, swap shops and buy-back centres in most major centres in South Africa.

If you live in the Western Cape, the Green Map has a list of recycling companies that cover different areas of Cape Town. Some offer collections; others have drop-off points.

Some suburbs in South Africa have recycling collection services run by civic associations or community groups for a monthly fee.

For more remote suburbs in South Africa, search community Facebook pages or a local directory for recycling depots and drop-off points.

What can be recycled?

Knowledge is power. Please dispose of these items responsibly and don’t allow them to end up in a landfill.

Tin and can recycling in South Africa is one of the areas of waste management that is on the increase, especially in households.

  • Aluminium and metal food and beverage cans

Anything that runs on batteries or electricity is considered eWaste

Glass recycling in South Africa is on the increase.

  • Glass (food and beverage glass only)

Liquid packaging, which is sometimes referred to as Tetrapak, is a grade of packaging material which is now recyclable.

  • Long-life milk boxes 
  • Wine boxes 
  • Fruit juice boxes

When it comes to office paper recycling or paper and cardboard recycling, there is a wide range of paper materials that can be diverted from landfill.

  • Used cardboard boxes 
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines
  • Pamphlets 
  • White office paper 
  • Coloured paper 
  • Cereal boxes
  • Liquid packaging

Plastic materials are widely recycled

  • Cold drink bottles
  • Mineral water bottles
  • Milk bottles
  • Sauce bottles
  • Plastic furniture, buckets
  • Clear plastic bags
  • Mixed plastic bags
  • Shrink wrap
  • Polypropylene
  • Bottle caps

When it comes to office paper recycling or paper and cardboard recycling, there is a wide range of paper materials that can be diverted from landfill.

  • Used cardboard boxes 
  • Newspaper
  • Magazines
  • Pamphlets 
  • White office paper 
  • Coloured paper 
  • Cereal boxes
  • Liquid packaging

Plastic materials are widely recycled

  • Cold drink bottles
  • Mineral water bottles
  • Milk bottles
  • Sauce bottles
  • Plastic furniture, buckets
  • Clear plastic bags
  • Mixed plastic bags
  • Shrink wrap
  • Polypropylene
  • Bottle caps

Tin and can recycling in SouthAfrica is one of the areas of waste management that is on the increase, especially in households.

  • Aluminium and metal food and beverage cans

Anything that runs on batteries or electricity is considered eWaste

Glass recycling in South Africa is on the increase.

  • Glass (food and beverage glass only)

Liquid packaging, which is sometimes referred to as Tetrapak, is a grade of packaging material which is now recyclable.

  • Long-life milk boxes 
  • Wine boxes 
  • Fruit juice boxes

What PLASTICS can be recycled?

HDPE

Robust and stable material for recycling – Best in class

HDPE product diversity and properties varies and have impact on recyclable product performance

Food contact technology to be improved and developed

Excellent for non-food contact applications

PET

Most recycled material and a singular grade

Vanilla product – Major market all the same

Collection effort well advanced

Properties deteriorate if not done correctly – Sensitive but controllable

Food contact product leader

PP

Sensitive to degradation due to chemistry

Food contact technology to be improved and developed

Excellent for non-food contact applications

PET

Most recycled material and a singular grade

Vanilla product – Major market all the same

Collection effort well advanced

Properties deteriorate if not done correctly – Sensitive but controllable

Food contact product leader

HDPE

Robust and stable material for recycling – Best in class

HDPE product diversity and properties varies and have impact on recyclable product performance

Food contact technology to be improved and developed

Excellent for non-food contact applications

PP

Sensitive to degradation due to chemistry

Food contact technology to be improved and developed

Excellent for non-food contact applications

How to guides

How to understand BioPlastics
How to recycle plastics
How to use polystyrene safely
How to recycle multi-layer plastic
How to know the difference when it co...

School Club Education Workbooks

School Club is an influential and dynamic public-private educational platform. It reaches over two million learners and their families each year. Workbooks, posters, recognition stickers, certificates and other learner, teacher and support materials are provided to schools for free through this programme.