Engen has confirmed that to date it has collected more than 200 tons of waste for recycling, following the joint launch with partners Woolworths and Nampak of a recycling pilot project at 12 Engen service stations in Cape Town in 2009.
The initiative has allowed residents and customers the convenience of dropping off their glass, paper, tin and plastic waste for recycling, when they go to fill up their cars or shop at the Engen convenience stores. Over five tons of waste is collected for recycling every week. Due to the success of the Cape Town pilot project at least 10 more Engen sites will be joining the programme in Gauteng.
Market research was conducted to assess the viability of having the recycling points at Engen service stations and the following was discovered: convenience is the most important aspect to customers when choosing a recycling point, followed closely by accessibility. Safety, adequate parking and visibility of the recycling bins were also important to customers wanting to drop off their recyclable material.
Vukile Zondani, GM: Engen Sales and Marketing said: ‘Sustainability is a collective responsibility and a large focus for Engen employees. Consumers, as well as all companies, should actively get involved in recycling and renewable initiatives. It really does make a difference. We are proud to be associated and involved with Woolworths and Nampak on this worthy project.’
Brian Bergh, Dealer at Engen Meadowridge Convenience Centre and one of the 12 Engen sites participating in the recycling pilot project said: ‘The fact that we are so conveniently situated, has helped to change people’s attitudes towards recycling, and at the same time ensures that this remains a sustainable project.”
‘Woolworths is very proud to have extended its commercial partnership with Engen into the sustainability sphere to deal with the challenging issue of waste management and recycling. The partnership, also involving Nampak recycling, has been a good example of the success that can be achieved by corporate collaboration on sustainability issues,’ said Justin Smith, Good business journey manager for Woolworths.
Prince Ncube, Operations Manager of Nampak Recycling said: “Nampak Recycling is proud to be in partnership with Engen and Woolworths, two prestigious organisations who we share a common passion - the environment - which culminated in this pilot project. We hope this project continues to be a success and encourages South Africans to recycle through conveniently located units at Engen forecourts.”
Photos taken at Engen Meadowridge:
1. Justin Smith (Good Business Journey manager for Woolworths), Prince Ncube (Operations Manager of Nampak Recycling), Lona McBlain (Engen) and Brian Bergh (Engen dealer).
2. Justin Smith & Lona McBlain.
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