Whether you’ve never recycled before or just aren’t sure where to begin, small actions can make a big impact – and this Global Recycling Day (March 18) is the perfect time to start your recycling journey.
This is the message from South Africa’s longest-standing Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), Petco, which is urging the public to separate recyclable packaging from their general waste this Global Recycling Day and beyond – whether at work, home, school, university or attending an event.
The Reasons for Recycling
Every day, valuable recyclable packaging and material ends up in South Africa’s fast-filling landfills or littered in the environment. These are wasted opportunities to save resources, reduce pollution, and help create income opportunities for those working in the circular economy.
Diverse motivations for recycling exist for different South Africans, according to Petco CEO Telly Chauke. “There are many reasons and benefits which appeal to different consumers,” said Chauke. “This Global Recycling Day, we urge the public to find their reason to recycle and to implement the systems to do so – whether at household, neighbourhood or even a regional level. Every action counts.”
Petco’s Initiatives for Global Recycling Day
Petco will be celebrating Global Recycling Day in various ways, including participating in clean-ups, honouring a unique working relationship with the African Reclaimers Organisation, visiting schools as well as a homeowner’s association where Petco has worked to boost collection and recycling projects.
Petco has filmed two docu-series to help guide the public in starting their collection and recycling journeys. Message in a Bottle and Sorted – both available on Petco’s YouTube channel – help unpack the South African collection and recycling landscape.
“Whether it’s for the environment, the economy, or the community, every reason matters. By working together, we can keep resources in the economy, build and develop collection and recycling infrastructure, create job opportunities, encourage innovation in packaging, and keep packaging out of the environment. This all leads to a more sustainable future,” said Chauke, adding that Petco had also committed resources to the government’s clean-up and awareness campaigns.
Five Simple Ways to Start Recycling at Home
Petco offers the following advice and tips to get started :
1. Learn What You Can Recycle in Your Community
Start by identifying which packaging is recyclable in your area. Light blue and clear PET plastic bottles – such as soft drink and water bottles – jars and liquid board packaging like milk and juice cartons are commonly collected. You can do this by checking the labels on the packaging or following recycling guidelines from your nearest recycling collection centre, company or buy-back centre – or by asking a waste picker who works in your community. Petco’s website shows where to find a drop-off site, buy-back centre or collection service near you.
2. Choose Recyclable Packaging
When you shop, aim to buy products encased in recyclable packaging. By supporting brands that invest in sustainable packaging, you help drive demand for sustainable goods, creating more jobs and opportunities in the circular economy.
3. Set Up a Recycling Station
Set up a dedicated recycling bin or bag at home to separate recyclable packaging from general, non-recyclable and organic waste. Make recycling part of your daily routine. Keep a bin in your kitchen or garage for recyclables, and get your family involved. The more you recycle, the bigger the impact on reducing landfill waste and supporting waste entrepreneurs.
4. Rinse and Flatten
Remove leftover food or liquids from recyclable packaging to prevent it from being contaminated. There is no need to wash your packaging, as this will happen at the recycling plant. Remember that we live in a water scarce world, so always use used dishwashing water to do this rinsing. Flatten plastic bottles and cartons to save space in your recycling bin. Remember to keep the caps on, as they are also recyclable.
5. Dispose of Recyclable Packaging Responsibly
In South Africa, there are various ways to dispose of your recyclables responsibly. If municipal kerbside collection isn’t available, drop off your recyclables at drop-off sites, buy-back centres, or community recycling initiatives – or leave them out for a waste picker on refuse collection day. If you are out and about and there aren’t bins available, please take your packaging home with you to recycle. Supporting these systems helps boost recycling rates and creates income streams for people collecting recyclable materials who aren’t formally employed.
“For members of the public concerned about the South African economy and the high unemployment rate, these are compelling reasons to implement recycling at home, schools, and work,” Chauke concluded.
